Learn More About Toothache and Tooth Abscesses

An abscess typically leads to a toothache and other symptoms, like a fever. A tooth abscess is a pus pocket that is created by a bacterial infection. There are two main types of abscesses: A periapical abscess develops at the top of a tooth’s root, while a periodontal abscess develops inside gum tissues near a tooth’s root.

Periapical tooth abscesses are typically a result of untreated tooth decay, damaged dental work or an injured tooth. The standard way to fix an abscess is by performing a root canal on the affected tooth. In rare cases, the dentist might recommend extracting the tooth if it looks like the infection might spread to other parts of the body. An infection in the mouth is an inconvenience. But that same infection spreading to vital organs like the heart or brain can be fatal.

Dealing with a toothache caused by an abscessed tooth

The most common symptom of an abscessed tooth is the excruciating toothache that comes with it. Other symptoms include:

• Increased teeth sensitivity to hot and cold foods/beverages
• Increased sensitivity to the bite forces generated when chewing
• Fever
• Swollen cheeks or face
• Swollen tender lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Patients who experience a fever with their abscess should head to a dentist immediately because treatment is needed to preserve their health. These symptoms are usually an indication that the infection has spread to the jaw and other parts of the body. Failing to get the treatment needed at this point can lead to severe consequences.

How a tooth abscess develops

A periapical tooth abscess develops when bacteria make their way into the pulp chamber. This typically occurs when tooth decay or damage to the tooth open up the pulp chamber. This is the area that contains the tooth’s nerve and blood vessels. When a tooth is healthy, the pulp chamber is sealed off so bacteria cannot get into the pulp chamber and infect the tissues there. When the pulp chamber becomes opened up, it is only a matter of time before an infection develops. The bacterial infection can lead to inflammation and swelling at the tooth’s root.

People who fail to practice good oral hygiene are more likely to develop an abscess because their teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay. The same goes for people who regularly consume sugary foods and beverages because oral bacteria convert sugars into acids that rot teeth.

We can fix your abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth is not something that goes away on its own. If the pus pocket ruptures, the pain caused will lessen but the infection will remain. Even if the abscess never ruptures, the infection might still spread to other areas.

Call or visit our Turlock clinic if you are dealing with a toothache. Our dentist will evaluate you and perform any necessary treatments, like a root canal.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.

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