A bacterial infection known as a tooth abscess or dental abscess can affect anyone, from toddlers to elderly adults. This type of infection is created by bacteria that accumulate inside the gums, within the tooth itself and even in the bone supporting it. If left untreated, this condition can result in severe repercussions; therefore, appropriate medical attention should be sought immediately for any signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess – or an infection that forms around the root of your tooth – is a dental emergency, as it won’t disappear without proper treatment. The consequences for delay can be concerning: profound pain spread to adjacent teeth, jawbone and even blood vessels or brain! That’s why understanding this condition should always come first when considering appropriate care solutions.
Even though the abscess is not fatal, it could potentially cause other medical issues. Therefore, it’s ideal to visit your dentist or head over to a dental emergency clinic as soon as possible in order to increase your chances of saving the tooth and preventing extraction. Fortunately, an X-ray can quickly diagnose this condition within minutes.
Where do dental abscesses occur?
A dental abscess can occur not only inside a tooth but also in the jawbone and gums as a periodontal abscess or a periapical abscess. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to infections and may result in abscesses, yet you may be surprised to know that they can form under your tongue or even within your throat. Despite their location outside of the actual tooth itself, these areas still fall into the category of dental abscesses since they require dental treatment from an experienced dentist.
What causes a tooth abscess?
What causes a tooth abscess?Bacterial infection is the root cause of dental abscesses, which stem from the same bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.
When these pathogens enter into the inner tissues of your tooth roots (known as the pulp), your body reacts by dispatching white blood cells to protect itself – they start accumulating and form a pocket of pus.
There are many different ways in which bacterial agents can gain access to your teeth’s sensitive areas, including:
Cavities and tooth decay
An untreated dental cavity can spread to the inner parts of your teeth and create an abscessed tooth – a result of bacteria invading the area.
Cracks
Unfortunately, bacteria can work their way through a crack in the tooth and cause an abscess. Usually, patients don’t realise they have a cracked tooth until several days or weeks later when they feel pain from the abscess setting in.
Gum disease
As gum disease progresses, pockets form in the gums, which can leave tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to oral bacteria entering inner dental tissue and causing infection. Thus resulting in abscesses forming.
What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?
If you are suffering from a dental abscess, the most conspicuous symptom is probably excruciating or sharp constant tooth pain. It could also be an unyielding dull ache or an intense piercing discomfort. The agony may originate from one single tooth, or it might appear as if your entire jaw is tender on one side.
At times, the pain can be worse when lying down, making it difficult to sleep. In other cases, you may feel a throbbing sensation coming from an un-infected tooth – this is referred to as referred pain. Not only that, your gums and jawline might become incredibly sensitive towards hot or cold foods; drinks; some swelling in those areas is also possible, along with a mild fever. If there’s a pimple-like bump on your gums and liquid comes out of it upon pressing it – then you’re likely dealing with an abscess.
How is a tooth abscess treated?
Treatment will vary according to the severity of your condition.
Draining
If a minor abscess is causing discomfort near your gums, your dentist may cut into the gum line to release any pus in order to ease some of the pain. Nevertheless, this technique alone will not completely eradicate all bacteria from within your tooth.
Root canal treatment
Frequently, a root canal is necessary to eliminate the infected tissue from your tooth. This procedure can weaken the affected tooth, and thus, your dentist may suggest placing a dental crown over it for additional stability and strength.
Extraction
When the contamination is extensive, or your tooth has a severe crack, extraction may be the only way to go. After it’s removed and you’re healed, your dentist will likely suggest replacing it with an implant.
Antibiotics
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin may be prescribed for more effective results. These medications are beneficial in combating and restraining the spread of infection from one tooth to another.
Remedies to manage pain at home
For relief from the pain, you can easily turn to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, Advil and diclofenac sodium. A cold compress is also an effective method to numb the discomfort for a couple of hours, while a warm salt water rinse helps reduce inflammation around the infected tooth.
If you experience any of the following indications – nausea, vomiting, intense fever, trembling and headaches radiating from your abscessed tooth to your ear or head – do not delay in seeking out an emergency dentist. Time is of the essence; get the help you need right away.
Ignoring a tooth abscess can be hazardous to your health as it may result in more severe medical complications if left untreated. For this reason, dental emergencies like these should always be addressed immediately.
In order to prevent tooth abscesses from developing, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing teeth on a regular basis and wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. Additionally, regular check-ups with your dentist are highly recommended. Furthermore, try avoiding sugary food and drinks where possible for better long-term dental health.
If you need to have an abscessed tooth treated or you’re long past due for your dental check-up, please don’t wait any longer to contact our Sydney emergency dentists and schedule an appointment. Our amazing team of experienced professionals will ensure that you feel better in no time. Call us today!
References
Dental Pulp – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/dental-pulp
