A tooth slightly sensitive to cold one day can quickly turn into a throbbing toothache with swelling the next. Serious dental infections can result in hospitalization, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Seeking professional help at the onset of tooth pain may avert this serious complication from an abscessed tooth.
Definition
According to Dorland's Medical Dictionary, an abscess forms when tissue disintegrates and forms a collection of pus localized within a body cavity. This is a significant definition when it comes to understanding tooth pain because an abscess does not cause all toothaches. A toothache can occur from an inflamed dental pulp before this tissue disintegrates and forms an abscess. Treating an inflamed tooth before it becomes infected results in fewer complications. An abscessed tooth results when an inflamed dental pulp becomes infected and forms pus in the bone at the tip of the root.
Causes
The dental pulp has some capacity to heal and return to its normal and healthy state. Mild inflammation or reversible pulpitis can produce tooth sensitivity or a minor toothache that resolves in a few days. Tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, cracks and trauma can cause severe inflammation or irreversible pulpitis, leading to infection of the dental pulp, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Irreversible pulpitis leads to an abscessed tooth if not treated.
Symptoms
Localized pain and swelling occur with a dental abscess, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Prior to abscessing, sensitivity to hot, cold and chewing possibly exist. A throbbing toothache may also occur quickly and without warning as a result of an irreversible pulpitis. Once an abscess occurs, the pain is actually emanating from the infected bone around the tooth. Swelling can localize to the gum around the tooth or spread to the jaw and soft tissues of the face and neck.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an abscessed tooth can require several diagnostic tests including a dental X-ray. Testing the tooth with ice provides very helpful information since an abscessed tooth will not respond. Other tests include palpating the soft tissue and inspecting the tooth for cracks. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an abscessed tooth is tender when tapped with a metal object such as the handle of a dental instrument.
Treatment
The goals of treating an abscessed tooth include resolving the infection, preventing tooth loss and minimizing complications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Warm saline rinses, pain medications and antibiotics sooth the pain and help clear the infection. Ultimate healing requires removal of the source of the infection--the diseased dental pulp. A root canal treatment or tooth extraction are the only two alternatives to accomplish this, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Prevention/Solution
Proper tooth-brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will prevent most teeth from becoming abscessed. Any pain or swelling requires immediate evaluation by a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
