An infected tooth requires immediate attention from a dental professional in order to prevent the loss of the tooth and more serious complications. Knowing the signs of an infected tooth can lead to early treatment and a much quicker resolution of the infection. A tooth can become infected without any signs being present, and these cases are detected by dental X-rays and highlight the importance of regular checkups.
Pain
Pain is often one of the early signs of an infected tooth. This may begin as a slight discomfort while chewing food, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A ligament surrounding the entire root surfaces, known as the periodontal ligament, contains nerve fibers. A developing infection causes these nerve fibers to become inflamed at the tip of the root. Biting on the tooth puts pressure on these inflamed nerves resulting in sharp pain.
A toothache also may be spontaneous and throbbing. It frequently begins during the night and may become intense. This is a result of swelling taking place in the bone and gums surrounding the infected tooth, which requires prompt treatment to achieve relief.
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold is a symptom that the American Association of Endodontists identifies as a sign that a tooth has become diseased. If the sensitivity occurs quickly after contact with heat or cold and lasts for quite some time afterward, there is a strong likelihood the tooth is need of dental care. Treating a tooth at this point can prevent it from becoming badly infected.
Swelling
Gum tissue adjacent to a tooth may begin to swell after a tooth becomes infected. The swelling may be soft like a balloon filled with water or very firm like a boil before it begins to drain. The pressure of the fluid building up under the gum eventually will puncture the gum tissue and allow the infected fluid to drain. When this occurs, the swelling may no longer be noticed although the infection is still present. The swelling does not always drain spontaneously and may spread to involve facial swelling, according to the National Institutes of Health. This type of infection can become quite serious if left untreated.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the glands of the neck may become swollen from an abscessed tooth. These swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are the body's defense mechanism against infection. The swollen and tender nodes will resolve once the infection is cleared from the body.
Fever
An elevated body temperature may be associated with an infected tooth, although it is not a common symptom of an abscessed tooth.
