Abscessed Tooth: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that should never be ignored. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatments helps you act quickly and protect your health. Here is what you need to know, and when to call an emergency dentist near you.
What is an abscessed tooth?
An abscessed tooth is an infection that forms between the tooth and gum, or at the root. It is caused by pus that builds up when the soft tissue inside the root canal dies and becomes inflamed.
What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?
Signs that help you detect an abscess include an aching bone around the tooth, pain when chewing, and foul-smelling fluid if the abscess ruptures. You may also notice general mouth discomfort, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swollen neck glands, temperature sensitivity, swelling in the jaw or lower jaw, throbbing pain in the jaw, neck, or ear, red swollen gums, fever, and open sores on the gum.
Abscessed wisdom tooth symptoms
Specific indicators include a bad odor, swollen gums, fever, nausea or vomiting, face and neck swelling, pus discharge, temperature sensitivity, gum soreness that does not heal, and a persistent toothache. Removal and abscess drainage may be necessary, along with antibiotics.
What are common causes of an abscessed tooth?
Causes include tooth decay, bacteria entering a chipped or cracked tooth and spreading to the roots, gum disease, and gingivitis left untreated.
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☎ Call (844) 851-8301Abscess tooth diagnosis
A dentist examines the area in several ways: tapping the tooth, which is sensitive to touch and pressure when infected; X-rays to see whether the infection has spread; and a CT scan for severe infections.
Abscess tooth treatment
Treatment options include an incision to drain the abscess followed by a saline wash, a root canal procedure, a tooth extraction, and antibiotics when the infection has spread or the patient is immunocompromised. A root canal may save the tooth, while an oral surgeon may be needed for an extraction.
Abscess tooth medications
Common options include over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, and antibiotics such as amoxicillin, Flagyl, and Amoxil prescribed by a professional.
Self-care
Floss daily, brush twice a day, and avoid sugary foods. Keep in mind that home remedies provide only temporary relief and are not a substitute for professional care.
Specialists
General dentists typically manage abscesses. Endodontists perform root canals, oral surgeons extract teeth, and pediatric dentists treat children.
Can an abscessed tooth be saved?
A tooth can potentially be saved through root canal treatment if the infection is caught early. If the damage is irreversible, extraction is required.
Dangers of an untreated oral abscess
Leaving an abscess untreated can lead to serious complications: a bone infection that requires surgical removal, tooth loss, a sinus infection, a brain abscess that can potentially cause a coma, cardiovascular inflammation or stroke, endocarditis, and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight or premature birth.
How to prevent an abscessed tooth
Prevention measures include regular check-ups and cleanings, reducing sugar consumption, scheduling a prompt dental appointment for any broken teeth, flossing daily, and brushing twice a day.
When to see an abscess tooth emergency dentist
Contact a dentist immediately if you experience severe pain, nausea, swollen or red gums, or difficulty breathing. Initial treatment usually involves draining the pus and starting antibiotics.
Tooth abscess home remedy
These remedies offer temporary relief only and do not replace seeing a dentist:
- Saltwater rinse: a saltwater solution helps kill bacteria.
- Oil pulling: swishing oil can trap and remove bacteria.
- Herbal tea bags: held on the affected area to relieve pain.
- Over-the-counter medicine: ibuprofen reduces inflammation.
- Apple cider vinegar: has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.
- Flossing: removes food particles if the infection is not severe.
- Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash: an antiseptic and antibacterial rinse.
People also ask
Can an abscessed tooth be saved?
A tooth can often be saved with a root canal if the infection is caught early. If the damage is irreversible, the tooth may need to be extracted.
What happens if a tooth abscess is left untreated?
An untreated abscess can lead to serious complications, including bone infection, tooth loss, sinus infection, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Seek care promptly.
When should I see an emergency dentist for a tooth abscess?
Contact an emergency dentist right away if you have severe pain, nausea, swollen or red gums, or any difficulty breathing. Initial treatment often involves draining the pus and antibiotics.
Related guides
This article is for general information only and is not medical or dental advice. For a dental emergency, contact a licensed dentist or call (844) 851-8301. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.