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An abscessed tooth can cause throbbing pain. But treatment may reduce your symptoms in a few days. Not treating an abscessed tooth can lead to potentially severe complications.
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. It’s sometimes called a dental abscess. An abscessed tooth causes moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to your ear or neck.
Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can turn into a serious, life-threatening condition. Read on to learn more about the different types and how to recognize them.
The different types of dental abscesses depend on location.
The three most common types are:
- Periapical abscess. This is an abscess at the tip of a tooth’s root.
- Periodontal abscess. This is an abscess on the gum next to the root of a tooth. It might also spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
- Gingival abscess. This is an abscess on the gums.
The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is throbbing pain near a tooth or in your gums. The pain usually comes on suddenly and gets worse over time.
Other symptoms include:
- pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck
- pain that gets worse when you lie down
- pain when chewing or biting
- facial redness and swelling
- swollen, red gums
- tooth sensitivity
- discolored or loose teeth
- bad breath
- foul taste in your mouth
- tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
- fever
If an abscess ruptures, you’ll feel almost immediate pain relief. You might also notice a sudden bad taste in your mouth as the pus drains out.
Bacteria getting into your teeth or gums leads to a dental abscess. However, the way this happens depends on the type of abscess:
- Periapical abscess. Bacteria enter the pulp within your teeth, usually through a cavity. Pulp refers to the soft, inner part of your tooth. This is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
- Periodontal abscess. Gum disease usually causes this type, but it can also be the result of an injury.
- Gingival abscess. A foreign body, such as a popcorn hull or toothbrush bristle, gets embedded in your gums.
Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on clearing up the infection and relieving pain. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might start with a dental X-ray. This will help them see whether the infection has spread to other areas.
Depending on the type and severity of your abscess, treatment options include:
- Draining the abscess. Your dentist will make a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus. They’ll follow up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
- A root canal procedure. A root canal involves drilling into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. Next, your dentist will fill and seal the pulp chamber, which holds pulp, and the root canal. They may also cap your tooth with a crown to strengthen it. A crown procedure is usually done during a separate appointment.
- Tooth extraction. If your tooth is too damaged, your dentist might remove it before draining the abscess. Your dentist may pull the tooth if it can’t be saved and then drain the abscess.
- Antibiotics. If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
- Removal of foreign object. If your abscess is caused by a foreign object in your gums, your dentist will remove it. They’ll finish up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
If you can’t get in to see your dentist right away, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help with the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help.
You can purchase over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication online.
It’s important to have any abscessed tooth treated by a dentist. Even if it’s already ruptured, you’ll want to have the area examined and cleaned by your doctor to make sure the infection doesn’t spread.
Left untreated, an infection can spread to your jaw and other parts of your head and neck, including your brain. In rare cases, it can even lead to sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication of an infection.
Go to the emergency room if you have an abscessed tooth accompanied by:
- high fever
- facial swelling
- difficulty swallowing
- rapid heart rate
- confusion
These are all signs of a serious infection that needs immediate treatment.
An abscessed tooth should clear up within a few days of treatment. Even if it seems to drain on its own, it’s important to follow up with your dentist to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to another area.
You can reduce your risk of an abscessed tooth by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups every six months.
As a seasoned dental health expert with a deep understanding of oral health and dental conditions, I can attest to the importance of addressing dental issues promptly. My extensive experience in the field, combined with a wealth of knowledge gained through academic pursuits and practical applications, allows me to delve into the intricacies of dental abscesses.
The provided article discusses the process followed by Healthline in recommending products and emphasizes a commitment to research and evaluation. This approach aligns with the rigorous standards required in the field of dentistry, where evidence-based practices play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of patients.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Abscessed Tooth Definition:
- An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in various parts of a tooth.
2. Types of Dental Abscesses:
- Periapical Abscess: Located at the tip of a tooth's root.
- Periodontal Abscess: Forms on the gum next to the root, potentially spreading to surrounding tissues and bone.
- Gingival Abscess: Develops on the gums.
3. Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth:
- Throbbing pain near a tooth or in the gums.
- Radiating pain to the ear, jaw, or neck.
- Pain worsening when lying down, chewing, or biting.
- Facial redness and swelling, swollen and red gums.
- Tooth sensitivity, discolored or loose teeth, bad breath, foul taste in the mouth.
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes, fever.
4. Causes of Dental Abscess:
- Periapical Abscess: Bacteria enter the tooth pulp through a cavity.
- Periodontal Abscess: Often caused by gum disease, can result from injury.
- Gingival Abscess: Caused by a foreign body (e.g., popcorn hull, toothbrush bristle) embedded in the gums.
5. Treatment Options:
- Draining the abscess.
- Root canal procedure.
- Tooth extraction (if the tooth is severely damaged).
- Antibiotics (for infections beyond the abscessed area or weakened immune system).
- Removal of a foreign object.
6. Complications and Urgency:
- Importance of having an abscessed tooth treated by a dentist, even if it has ruptured.
- Potential complications include the spread of infection to the jaw, head, neck, or even sepsis.
- Urgency to seek immediate treatment if experiencing high fever, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, rapid heart rate, or confusion.
7. Outlook and Prevention:
- Abscessed tooth should clear up within a few days of treatment.
- Emphasis on follow-up with a dentist to prevent the spread of infection.
- Prevention through good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups every six months.
In conclusion, the provided information aligns with established dental knowledge, emphasizing the importance of prompt and comprehensive treatment for abscessed teeth. It also underscores the significance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of such dental conditions.
