What Is an Abscess?

If a toothache makes you miserable, then a tooth abscess can make you cry. A tooth abscess is a pus formation caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause intense throbbing pain in your mouth that can spread to your jaw and ear.

This infection can happen in different parts of the tooth. 

In this article, our oral care experts at Stonegate Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, elaborate on the symptoms of a tooth abscess and the available treatment methods. 

Factors That Cause an Abscess

An abscess happens when bacteria reaches the inside of the tooth or surrounding tissues. The most common types of dental abscesses are periapical (at the tip of the tooth root), periodontal (which affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth), and gingival abscesses (on the gums). 

The following are some of the factors that lead to an abscess:

• A cavity or severe tooth decay
• Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth that create an opening for bacteria
• Periodontitis causes inflammation in the tooth and allows the bacteria to gain access to the tissues and the bone supporting the teeth 

Abscess Signs and Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of an abscess include:

• Severe throbbing pain radiating to your ear, neck, or jaw
• Swelling in the cheek or face
• Loose teeth and sensitivity
• Gum redness 
• Discomfort and fever
• Foul breath and bad taste 
• If the abscess breaks, you will feel immediate relief from pain and a bad taste in your mouth.

Abscess Treatment

The treatment options available for treating tooth abscesses are:

• Draining is the most effective way to treat an abscess. It is done by making a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus.
• A root canal is done to save the tooth from infection. This includes the removal of the tooth's inner pulp and replacing it with filling material.
• A tooth extraction procedure will be carried out to drain the pus when the damage is extreme.
• Another option is antibiotic treatment. The dentist might give you antibiotics to fight the infection.
• A tooth abscess is painful. You should immediately seek help if you notice any of the above symptoms of an abscess. 
• However, a tooth abscess can also be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene, consuming a healthy diet, and getting regular dental checkups. If your tooth is chipped or cracked, you should immediately see your dentist. 
  
  

For more information on abscesses, call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 or visit us at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 to schedule an appointment.