What are abscessed teeth?
An abscessed tooth, or a dental abscess, is a condition that occurs when one or more of your teeth develop a bacterial infection. Ultimately, this causes a pocket of pus to form, which triggers a toothache and moderate to severe pain. Left untreated, the pain from an abscessed tooth may radiate into your jaw or ear and cause more severe complications, including a rapid heartbeat or sepsis.
What are the symptoms of abscessed teeth?
The main symptom associated with abscessed teeth is a dull, throbbing pain that radiates from your affected tooth into your gums. As the infection progresses, it’s also common to experience:
- Facial redness and swelling
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Discolored or loose teeth
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Fever
You might even notice that biting or chewing is painful or that the pain gets worse when you lay down.
Are there different types of abscessed teeth?
Dr. Nance and his team treat all types of abscessed teeth, including:
Periapical abscess
A periapical abscess develops at the tip of your tooth’s root. Periapical abscesses occur when bacteria enter your tooth pulp through a cavity or other weakened area. The pulp is the soft, inner portion of your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Periodontal abscess
A periodontal abscess develops on your gum, next to the root of a tooth. In severe cases, periodontal abscesses may also spread to your surrounding tissue and bone. The most common cause of periodontal abscesses is gum disease, but it can also occur due to an injury.
Gingival abscess
A gingival abscess develops on your gums. Gingival abscesses occur when a foreign object, such as the hull of a popcorn kernel or a toothbrush bristle, becomes embedded in your gums.
How do you treat abscessed teeth?
Treatment for an abscessed tooth depends on the type and severity of abscess you have, but conservative measures such as the following are typically enough to provide relief:
- Draining the abscess
- Removing the foreign object
- Taking antibiotics
In more serious cases, Dr. Nance might recommend root canal therapy or extraction of the affected tooth.
If you’re concerned that you have an abscessed tooth or teeth, click the online booking tool or call the office to request your appointment today. It’s the first step toward relief.
