An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems can allow bacteria to enter the pulp (the soft tissue of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue) and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up it forms a pus-pocket called an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection in the jawbone, teeth and surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- pain
- swelling
- redness in the gums
- bad taste in the mouth
- fever
An abscessed tooth can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some of the treatment methods a dentist may consider:
- antibiotics
- drainage of the infection
- cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum (if the cause is from gum disease)
- root canal treatment
- extraction of the tooth
Following good oral hygiene practices and seeing your dentist regularly will significantly reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess.
If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Hundreds of different types live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful, like those that play a role in the tooth decay process. Tooth decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids. Over time, these acids can create a cavity in the tooth.