An abscessed tooth is a condition characterized by pus buildup beneath or near an infected tooth. It appears as a swollen bump in the gums or underneath a diseased tooth or jawbone. An untreated abscess can spread to the soft tissues of the neck and face and cause severe health complications. Seeking immediate treatment from your dental professional can assist in recovery.
Types of a Tooth Abscess
Dental professionals classify tooth abscesses into three categories. An abscessed tooth can be periodontal, periapical, or gingival. A periodontal abscess appears in the jawbone and surrounding tissues, while a periapical abscess forms at the tooth root. A gingival abscess occurs in the gums but does not impact the tooth or supporting tissues.
What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?
A tooth abscess can result from gum disease, dental decay, or a cracked tooth. It forms when bacteria infiltrate your tooth through a chip or crack before infecting the supporting nerves and tissues. Over time, the bacteria will eat up the pulp, causing severe damage and pus buildup. Sometimes, a sharp object like a toothpick or toothbrush bristle might injure your gum tissue, leading to an infection and the formation of an abscess.
Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth vary depending on the type of abscess. However, most patients experience radiating pain near the jawbone, ear, and neck. Other symptoms include a swollen face or cheek, tender gums, and foul breath. Some people develop a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
Treating an Abscessed Tooth
Treating an abscessed tooth depends on its severity. A gingival abscess might only require an antibiotic prescription since it does not affect the surrounding tissues. Your dental practitioner might incise the abscess to drain the pus. A root canal or dental extraction might be necessary to treat the abscessed tooth in severe cases.
Contact Our Practice Today
Having an abscessed tooth can be an uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, you can schedule a dental visit to our clinic for treatment. Call us today to book an appointment with our dentist.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 | (336) 444-2772 | freemandds.com | 12/7/2024 | Page Phrases: dentist Asheboro NC |
An abscessed tooth is a condition characterized by pus buildup beneath or near an infected tooth. It appears as a swollen bump in the gums or underneath a diseased tooth or jawbone. An untreated abscess can spread to the soft tissues of the neck and face and cause severe health complications. Seeking immediate treatment from your dental professional can assist in recovery.