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Pain: An abscessed tooth usually causes moderate to severe pain, which can be more severe when biting or chewing.


Swelling: You may experience swelling of the gums, face or neck.


Sensitivity: Your tooth may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.


Fever: If the infection spreads, you may develop a fever.


Bad breath: An abscessed tooth can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste.


Redness: The area around the affected tooth may be red.


If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. An abscessed tooth can lead to serious complications if left untreated.




What causes tooth abscess?


 

   A dental abscess is caused by a bacterial infection of the soft pulp inside the tooth or the gum tissue around the tooth. Bacteria can enter the tooth or gums through a crack or cavity in the tooth, gum injury, or periodontal disease.


The infection can start in the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone and cause an abscess.


Periodontal abscesses, on the other hand, are usually the result of gum disease. The infection starts in the gums and then spreads to the surrounding tissues and bones.


Other factors that can contribute to the development of dental abscesses include poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, and trauma to the teeth or gums. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications.


So you should not ignore this serious dental condition:


 

A dental abscess should not be ignored as it can be a serious dental condition that can lead to severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications.


If the abscess is not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the jaw, neck or brain, causing more serious health problems. The infection can also damage the surrounding teeth and bones, leading to tooth loss or even requiring surgery to remove the damaged tissue.


Additionally, the pain caused by an abscessed tooth can be severe and make eating and sleeping difficult. The pain can also spread to other parts of the head and neck, causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities.


Therefore, it is important to get dental abscess treated immediately by a dental professional. Your dentist can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment, which may include draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics to treat the infection. By addressing the problem early, you can prevent further complications and help ensure your overall health and well-being.


How should you treat an abscessed tooth?

Treatment for an abscessed tooth depends on the severity of the infection and the extent of the damage. In general, treatment for an abscessed tooth usually involves draining the abscess and treating the infection with antibiotics. Some common tooth abscess treatment options are:


Drainage: If the abscess has not yet ruptured, your dentist may need to drain the abscess to relieve pressure and remove any pus or infected material. This procedure may involve making a small incision in the gum tissue to drain the abscess.


Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and prevent it from spreading. Make sure the full course of antibiotics is prescribed, even if symptoms improve.


Root canal therapy: If the abscess is caused by an infected tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and prevent the infection from spreading.


Extraction: In some cases, the affected tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be saved by other treatments.


Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with tooth abscesses.


If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.