Our mouths can become playgrounds for bacteria, causing a host of dental issues. One of the most troublesome is a tooth abscess. But what is an abscess tooth exactly? How does it form, and what are the symptoms to look out for? Most importantly, what are the steps to treat and prevent it? Here’s everything you need to know about this oral health condition.
What Is an Abscess Tooth?
A tooth abscess is a pocket with a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums. From children to the elderly, anyone can get it. A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection, which can easily spread to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
What Types of Tooth Abscess Are There?
A tooth abscess can develop in different areas close to the tooth, as well as for different reasons. For example, what is an abscess wisdom tooth? Well, it’s clear that it develops around wisdom teeth, and in most cases, it’s caused by bacteria entering their innermost part.
Depending on how and where they occur, there are three main types:
- Periapical abscess – develops at the tip of the root as a result of bacteria entering the pulp, which is the inner core of the tooth that’s made of blood vessels and nerves,
- Gingival abscess – forms in the gums, usually not affecting the tooth or surrounding structures,
- Periodontal abscess – more common in adults, it starts to develop in the gum tissues.
What Does an Abscess Tooth Look Like?
A tooth abscess looks like a swollen, red bump on the side of the gums. Sometimes, it can look pretty similar to a pimple. However, visible symptoms aren’t always involved, so it’s important to know the full list of tell-tale signs that you’re dealing with this oral health issue.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
Besides noticing a draining open sore on the side of your gum tissue, there are quite a few common symptoms. Get in touch with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Throbbing or sharp toothache, occasionally spreading to your jawbone, ear, or neck,
- Redness and swelling inside or outside the mouth, including on the face or jaw,
- Intense sensitivity,
- Difficulty chewing food and opening your mouth in general,
- Bad, bitter taste inside of your mouth,
- Halitosis, known as foul breath,
- Fever.
What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
As we’ve already established, an abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that reaches the tooth or its surrounding tissues. This easy access for bacteria can be created by:
- Cavities – those that have seriously compromised the tooth enamel and even reached past it,
- Impacted teeth – those that have not grown out of the gum tissue properly,
- Broken or cracked teeth – these provide an opening for the bacteria to seep in,
- Injury to the teeth – even if there’s no visible damage, trauma to the tooth can cause problems to the inner pulp,
- Periodontal (gum) disease – an infection in itself, gum disease lets bacteria reach deeper tissues.
Who Is More Likely to Develop This Condition?
From persisting cavities to tooth abscesses and everything in between, there’s always one common link – poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly, as well as skipping routine dental cleanings and exams, allows bacteria to build up over time.
Also, a diet high in sugar, including sweets and sodas, increases the chances of this condition developing. Smokers are about twice as likely to have it. Last but not least, dry mouth (xerostomia), often caused by aging or certain medications, provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and spread.
What Are the Risks and Complications?
Unfortunately, like most dental conditions, a tooth abscess won’t go away on its own. It can rupture, easing the uncomfortable feeling and making you think you’re all better. However, leaving it untreated can cause several complications down the road.
Left untreated, this condition can spread further into the jawbone, face, neck, and even other parts of the body. It can cause a sinus infection as well. In extremely rare cases, it could have some pretty serious consequences. Therefore, making a dentist appointment as soon as possible is your best course of action, no matter the exact stage of abscess you have.
What Are the Tooth Abscess Treatment Options?
What is better for an abscess tooth: hot or cold? Neither, actually, but your Charlotte, NC, dentist can easily treat this condition by draining the abscess and getting rid of the infection. You might be recommended antibiotics as well to help with the results of your treatment. Here are the most common options:
- Incision and drainage – traditionally done by making a small incision and draining the pus, but can also be completely non-invasive with the assistance of advanced laser dentistry,
- Root canal – a common treatment that involves the removal of a tooth’s infected pulp, typically followed by a dental crown to further protect the root canal,
- Tooth extraction – if a tooth with an abscess is damaged beyond repair, it might need to be extracted, which can also be done with the help of laser therapy to provide a fully comfortable experience.
Aspire Dental Wellness Can Help – Your Smile Deserves It
Dealing with a tooth abscess can be a real downer, but it’s also a problem that has one simple solution – visiting your dentist in Charlotte, NC. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is here to help you regain that vibrant, healthy smile. We are proud to have a unique approach to holistic dentistry.
By using the best that modern dentistry has brought us – laser treatments, we ensure you’re not just treated but truly cared for. Contact us to reserve your appointment today – it’s the first step towards keeping that smile (and your whole well-being) shining brightly!
