A tooth abscess is a painful infection that may occur in the tooth or around the tooth. In most cases, the infection will have started in the tooth and spread to the areas surrounding the tooth.

The tooth abscess can be found as a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. Pain is a major symptom that people with tooth abscesses have to contend with. You should see a dentist immediately you take notice of the pain.

The major cause of tooth abscesses is tooth decay. A cavity that is not sealed allows bacteria to get into the pulp of the tooth where nerves are found. The tooth pulp will become infected and inflamed leading to the death of the living tissue. Continued spreading of the infection causes a painful swelling around the tooth with severe toothache.

Trauma such as breaking or chipping is another cause of tooth abscesses since they allow bacteria to gain access to the tooth pulp and cause infection.

Symptoms of Tooth Abscesses

Not all people will experience similar symptoms of a tooth abscess. It is not uncommon for some people not to feel pain. However, you should be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Mild to severe toothache
• Pain when chewing
• Red or swollen gums
• Strange taste in your mouth

Treatment for a Tooth Abscess

Once the infection has caused the death of the inner pulp of the tooth, the tooth is essentially dead. If the infection is not very severe, the tooth can remain in the mouth.

Root canal treatment is the treatment method of choice to help remove all the infection in and around the tooth. After draining the abscess to clear the infection, the dentist will proceed to seal the space to prevent recurrence of infection in future. A crown is finally used to cover the tooth and fully protect it. Root canal treatment helps to protect and preserve your natural tooth but only if early treatment is obtained.

 

Contact us today if you think you may have an abscess, or you want further information

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