When bacteria cause pus to fill up around the tooth, it is known as tooth abscess. This condition can be seen at the tip of the root (periapical abscess). It can also show up on the gums beside a tooth root(periodontal abscess).
This post focuses on the periapical abscess. A periapical abscess typically happens when a tooth injury, cavity or previous oral work wasn’t treated.
An abscess is treated by draining the pus and removing the infection. Your tooth may be restored using root canal treatment; other times, it may have to be extracted. Not treating a tooth abscess can result in chronic complications that may take life.
Go to the dentist as soon as you begin to experience tooth abscess symptoms.
You can see your dentist and visit the emergency room for symptoms like swollen face, fever, problem swallowing, or breathing. It may be that the disease has radiated to other body parts.
A periapical abscess occurs when bacteria reach the dental pulp (the core of the tooth carrying nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels). The entry mode for bacteria may be via a chipped or cracked tooth or dental cavity from where they spread to the root. A swollen and inflamed root tip may develop due to the infection.
Without treatment, tooth abscesses will still be present. A ruptured abscess will cause less pain, but you need oral care. Where the abscess is not drained, the infection may progress to your neck and head areas. Sepsis, a life-threatening infection, may even set in.
Having an untreated tooth abscess and an impaired immune system equals a greater risk of spreading infection.
You can stop tooth decay and reduce chances of tooth abscess by:
Your dentist will examine your tooth and the areas around it. They may also:
Your dentist may do any of the following to take out the infection:
Things to do:
Ask other questions as well.
Expect your dentist to ask you many questions about your symptoms and if you’ve had previous teeth trauma.