When a tooth decays between the root of the tooth and the gum, and the bacteria infecting the area create a pocket of pus, this is called an abscess. Abscesses develop at the root of the tooth, where they cause pain and can lead to further complications.
Types
According to Gentle Dental Care, there are two types of tooth abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the root tip of the tooth, the very bottom under the gums. A lateral abscess develops on the side of the tooth, higher up. A periapical abscess usually develops from the inside, where deep decay or trauma has damaged the inside of the tooth, while a lateral abscess develops on the side of the tooth from both inside and outside simultaneously.
Causes
An abscessed tooth is considered a complication of tooth decay, so the main causes include the sources that led to dental problems in the first place. Poor brushing habits and the consumption of sweets can cause tooth decay that leads to an abscess. If a tooth incurs some sort of trauma, this can also lead to the development of an abscess.
Symptoms
Early in the development of a tooth abscess, the person may notice discomfort associated with chewing or biting and a sensitivity to heat or cold in the tooth. As the abscess gets worse, symptoms of severe, throbbing pain may develop. Some individuals may notice facial swelling, a mild fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. A sudden burst of fluid in the mouth that smells and tastes bad may indicate that the abscess has burst.
Prevention
Prevention of an abscessed tooth and the bacterial infection that causes it begins at home with good dental hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent the periodontal disease that leads to an abscessed tooth. Dental checkups every six months are also important to look for cavities or tooth decay that may cause future problems if left unchecked.
Treatment
Treating an abscess involves draining the fluid out of the swollen area created by the infection. Antibiotics can help by killing the bacteria causing the infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people may need a root canal or extraction of the tooth, especially if it is a periapically abscessed tooth.
Complications
An abscess that is left untreated can lead to further infection of the teeth and gums. When caught early, a dentist may be able to save the tooth, but the longer it goes without treatment, the more likely the tooth will eventually need to be removed. In some cases, the infection can travel to the bloodstream and damage the immune system or cause a life threatening systemic infection. It may also infect the soft tissue, the jaw or organs such as the lungs and brain.
