What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum. It happens when bacteria invade the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside containing nerves and blood vessels—causing a pocket of pus to form. This infection can result from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and cause serious health complications.
Prompt dental treatment is essential to drain the abscess, eliminate infection, and save the tooth whenever possible.
Common Causes
Tooth Decay
The most common cause of a tooth abscess are cavities. When the bacteria decays the tooth and enters the nerve (pulp), they cause an infection which when generally left untreated – will result in an abscess under the root of the tooth.
Severe Plaque and Tartar (Calculus) build-up
Plaque forms on your teeth every day as a result of bacteria feeding on sugars from the foods you consume. When plaque is not removed thoroughly enough, it can accumulate and lead to gingivitis. Severe build-up of plaque and calculus can build-up under the gums resulting in a gum abscess which can cause excruciating pain.
Past dental work
We often see past dental work as a trigger for a dental abscess. This is generally due to fact that the previous treatment was done due to deep decay or complex tooth problems, which sometimes can result in an abscess many years later.
Tooth trauma
Trauma (or even teeth grinding) can cause teeth to crack, often resulting in the tooth splitting. When a tooth splits, bacteria is able to enter the tooth causes an infection which often results in a dental abscess
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inconsistent brushing and flossing habits are the leading cause of gingivitis. Without daily removal of plaque and food debris from the teeth and gums, bacteria can quickly multiply and lead to inflammation and eventually, a tooth abscess.
Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
- Severe, persistent toothache that may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or gums near the affected tooth
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- Bad taste in the mouth or foul-smelling breath caused by pus drainage
- Fever and general feeling of illness
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth due to pain and swelling
- Redness and inflammation of the gums near the infected tooth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek dental care immediately to prevent the infection from spreading.
Treatment for a Tooth Abscess
Treating a tooth abscess promptly is crucial to relieve pain, stop the infection, and save your tooth whenever possible. Your dentist will assess the severity of the abscess and recommend the best course of action, which may include:
Draining the abscess
Your dentist may make a small incision to drain pus and clear the infection, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Root canal treatment
If the infection has reached the tooth pulp, a root canal can remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not always required. It may be necessary if the infection has spread into surrounding tissues and you have a facial swelling or systemic symptoms, such as a fever.
Tooth extraction
In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, removal may be necessary to prevent further complications.
Pain management
Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm saltwater rinses can help ease discomfort during treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid serious complications such as the spread of infection to other areas of the body which can be life threatening!
It can be stressful when faced with a large infection but we are here to help you and get your out of pain!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a tooth abscess is left untreated?
It is never a good idea to leave anything untreated. A dental abscess can lead to serious complications, such as the spread of the infection to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, and even the brain. In rare cases, untreated abscesses can cause life-threatening conditions like Ludwig’s Angina.
Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
No, a dental abscess will not go away on its own. While the pain may temporarily subside if the abscess “bursts”, the infection remains and can worsen over time. Prompt dental treatment is required to eliminate the infection and prevent further complications.
How can I relieve tooth abscess pain at home?
The best remedy for a dental abscess is to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Whilst you wait for treatment, some remedies including rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, taking pain medication and applying a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling may temporarily help with symptoms
How long does it take for a tooth abscess to heal?
A dental abscess could potentially take many weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the infection. The longer you leave a dental abscess, the more likely it will require more complex treatment and hence may require a longer healing period.
