Are you suffering from a persistent, throbbing toothache that shoots sharp pains through your mouth? Is one tooth tender to the touch or sensitive to hot and cold? If so, you may have a tooth abscess.
A tooth abscess is a painful pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection around a tooth or the gums. It often looks like an inflamed, red boil or pimple and can cause significant discomfort, affecting your neck, jaw, ear, and mouth. Without treatment, the infection can worsen and spread to other parts of your body. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
At Crown Isle Dental, we offer comprehensive emergency dental care to address tooth abscesses quickly and effectively. In this article, we’ll explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for a dental abscess, so you can get the care you need.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
A dental abscess often comes with severe pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing a toothache that ranges from mild to intense, it’s time to see a dentist right away. Here are some common symptoms of a tooth abscess:
Throbbing pain radiating to your jaw, neck, or ear
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Swelling and tenderness around a tooth or gums
Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
Sensitivity when chewing
Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
Fever or difficulty opening your mouth
If you have any of these symptoms, or if the abscess ruptures and you experience pain relief, it’s essential to get urgent dental care. Even if the pain subsides, the infection can continue to spread if not treated properly.
What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess results from a bacterial infection, often due to poor dental hygiene or dental injuries. Here’s how it happens:
Tooth decay or cavities: If left untreated, bacteria can enter the tooth through decay, infecting the inner pulp and causing a periapical abscess.
Cracked or damaged teeth: Injuries like fractures or cracks can leave teeth vulnerable to infection.
Gum disease: Bacteria can accumulate in gum pockets, leading to a gingival or periodontal abscess.
Poor oral hygiene, high sugar consumption, and gum disease increase your risk of developing an abscess. Maintaining regular dental checkups at Crown Isle Dental can help catch these issues early.
How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
Tooth abscesses don’t heal on their own, and you shouldn’t attempt to treat one at home. If you have an abscess, our emergency dentists can provide the treatment you need to relieve pain and stop the infection.
Here are the most common treatments:
Incision and Drainage: The dentist makes a small incision to drain the abscess and cleans the area with saline to remove the infection.
Root Canal: A root canal can save the tooth by removing infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. With proper care, a tooth that’s had a root canal can last a lifetime.
Tooth Extraction: In cases of severe infection where the tooth can’t be saved, extraction may be necessary. This is always the last resort, as we aim to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
Need Emergency Dental Care?
If you suspect you have a tooth abscess or any dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact our team at Crown Isle Dental for prompt care. Call us today to book an emergency appointment, and let our experienced team provide you with the relief and treatment you need to protect your oral health.
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