Because a tooth abscess can turn into a dental emergency very rapidly, it’s important to be able to identify tooth abscess symptoms so you can get treatment immediately. A dental abscess is a pocket of infected material or pus that can develop at the root of a tooth or in your gums. Tooth abscesses do not go away on their own and need urgent dental treatment. This article will help you to understand what the symptoms are, so you can contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you suspect you have a dental emergency, please contact us now: (02) 6105 9853.
Different Types Of Dental Abscesses
The type of tooth abscess is determined by where it develops in your mouth. The three most common types are
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Gingival abscesses
A gingival abscess develops on your gums.
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Periapical abscesses
A periapical abscess develops at the tip of the root of your tooth.
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Periodontal abscesses
A periodontal abscess develops on the gum next to your tooth root. It is possible for the infection to spread into the surrounding tissues and bone.
Your dentist is likely to perform an x-ray to determine where the abscess has developed before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.
Why A Tooth Abscess Is A Dental Emergency?
A tooth abscess does not heal on its own. The pocket of infection gradually gets bigger and can infect the adjacent teeth and tissues before moving to different parts of your body. Your jaw, neck, and head could be affected by the infection. Ultimately, the untreated infection could cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.
Because many patients find toothache severe, it’s critical to contact your dentist as soon as you experience any pain or discomfort in your mouth, jaw, or ear. A dental abscess progresses very quickly and is often the result of untreated tooth decay. Any tooth pain is a symptom of an underlying problem that needs to be evaluated by a professional, and the underlying problem will not resolve without the intervention of a dental professional.
Tooth Abscess Symptoms
Not everyone will experience all of these tooth abscess symptoms. Generally, a dental abscess is likely to cause
- Intense toothache that may spread to your ear, neck, or jaw
- Worsening pain when you lay down
- Tooth sensitivity or pain to hot and cold temperatures
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, even after you brush your teeth and tongue
- Red, swollen gums
- Fever
In the event that the abscess ruptures, you might taste a salty, warm taste in your mouth. You might experience pain relief; however, you still need to see an emergency dentist so that the infection can be treated.
Signs You Are Having A Dental Emergency
If you experience these tooth abscess symptoms, it is crucial that you seek urgent medical care:
- Fever
- Worsening dental pain that doesn’t respond to pain medication
- Problems swallowing
- An increased heart rate
- Swelling in your face
- Confusion
These dental abscess symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread and you require immediate medical help.
Causes Of A Tooth Abscess
Different types of abscesses can be caused by different factors:
- Gingival abscesses are usually caused by a foreign object becoming embedded in your gum and causing an infection.
- Periapical abscesses usually develop as a result of a cavity that has been left untreated or dental work you have had in the past. Bacteria penetrate your tooth, causing an infection in your dental pulp.
- Periodontal abscesses are often caused by gum disease, but it is also possible for them to be caused by injury to the gum tissue.
Treatment For A Dental Abscess
The treatments for tooth abscesses are focused on relieving pain and healing the infection. It’s common for an emergency dentist to perform an x-ray to see if the infection has spread before commencing with treatment.
Some of the treatment options for a dental abscess may include:
Draining the dental abscess
If your abscess hasn’t ruptured, your dentist will drain it and clean the affected area with a saline solution. If your tooth abscess was caused by a foreign object becoming lodged in your gums, it will be removed before the area is cleaned.
Antibiotic treatment
Sometimes, antibiotics are also required to help you heal the infection from the inside. Even if you have antibiotics, the infected material will need to be drained.
Root canal treatment
If your dental pulp is infected, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth to remove the infected material. The chambers will be cleaned out and sealed to prevent future infections. Then, your dentist will fit a crown or cap over the tooth to protect it.
Tooth extraction
If your tooth cannot be saved, or the abscess is too difficult to access to drain it, your dentist may need to extract the tooth. You could avoid a dental emergency and losing a tooth if you maintain excellent dental hygiene.
Prevention Of A Tooth Abscess
Practising good dental hygiene is a crucial step in avoiding complications like tooth abscesses. This means brushing twice a day and flossing daily to keep your oral bacteria levels under control and your teeth plaque-free.
It’s also essential to visit your dentist every six months to clean and polish your teeth. This ensures that any tartar is removed from your tooth surfaces.
If you have any loose restorations (such as fillings or dental caps) or dental decay, your dentist will be able to treat them early to help you avoid a future dental emergency.
Worsening tooth decay is one of the biggest reasons patients end up needing an emergency dentist, and if you visit your dental practitioner regularly, you could save yourself a lot of inconvenience and discomfort later on.
Your role in maintaining excellent oral care
A dental abscess can be avoided through meticulous dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups. In the event that you do develop an abscess despite careful dental hygiene practices, it’s crucial to contact your emergency dentist immediately, as rapid treatment could save your tooth and prevent the development of other life-threatening complications.
If you have read through these tooth abscess symptoms, have dental pain, and are concerned about the development of a dental abscess, please contact the friendly team at Port Macquarie Dental Centre now for immediate assistance at (02) 6105 9853.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Tooth abscess
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
Abscessed Tooth: What You Need to Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth