What is an abscess and why am I in agony?

An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth leading to excrutiating toothache. These problems allow bacteria to enter the pulp of your tooth (the soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, it forms a pus-pocket. This pus-pocket is known as an abscess and, if it is not treated, can lead to a serious infection in your jaw bone, your teeth and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of an abscess include:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • redness in the gums
  • bad taste in the mouth
  • fever

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the infection, there are various forms of treatment that you may avail of. Here are some of the treatment methods we might suggest to you;

  • antibiotics, to destroy the bacteria causing the infection
  • drainage of the infection
  • cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum if the cause is from gum disease
  • root canal treatment if the abscess is caused by decay or a cracked tooth

Good oral hygiene practices and routine dental exams will help reduce your risk of developing an abscess. Schedule an appointment with one of the Dental House team today

Opening April 2016

Book Now