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| An
abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or
between the gum and a tooth. It's most commonly caused by severe
tooth decay. Other causes of tooth abscess are trauma to the tooth,
such as when it is broken or chipped, and gingivitis or gum disease.
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| These
problems can cause openings in the tooth enamel, which allows bacteria
to infect the center of the tooth (called the pulp). The infection
may also spread from the root of the tooth to the bones supporting
the tooth. |
What Are the Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth?
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| A
toothache that is severe and continuous and results in gnawing or
throbbing pain or sharp or shooting pain are common symptoms of
an abscessed tooth. Other symptoms may include: |
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Fever
# Pain when chewing
# Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
# Bitter taste in the mouth
# Foul smell to the breath
# Swollen neck glands
# General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
# Redness and swelling of the gums
# Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw
# An open, draining sore on the side of the gum |
| If the root of the tooth dies as a result of infection, the toothache may stop. However, this doesn't mean the infection has healed; the infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue. Therefore, if you experience any of the above listed symptoms, it is important to see a dentist even if the pain subsides.. |
How Is an Abscessed Tooth Diagnosed?
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| Your
dentist will probe your teeth with a dental instrument. If you have
an abscessed tooth, you will feel pain when the tooth is tapped
by your dentist's probe. Your dentist will also ask you if your
pain increases when you bite down or when you close your mouth tightly.
In addition, your dentist may suspect an abscessed tooth because
your gums may be swollen and red. |
| Your
dentist may also take X-rays to look for erosion of the bone around
the abscess. |
How Is an Abscessed Tooth Treated?
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| Strategies
to eliminate the infection, preserve the tooth, and prevent complications
are the goals of treatment. |
| To
eliminate infection, the abscess may need to be drained. Achieving
drainage may be done through the tooth by a procedure known as a
root canal. Root canal surgery may also be recommended to remove
any diseased root tissue after the infection has subsided. Then,
a crown may be placed over the tooth. |
| The
tooth may also be extracted, allowing drainage through the socket.
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| Finally,
a third way to drain the abscess would be by incision into the swollen
gum tissue. |
| Antibiotics
are prescribed to help fight the infection. To relieve the pain
and discomfort associated with an abscessed tooth, warm salt-water
rinses and over-the-counter pain-reducing medication like ibuprofen
(Advil or Motrin) can be used. |
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