A diseased dental pulp within a tooth can cause a severe toothache and result in an abscessed tooth. Plaque accumulating outside the tooth can cause a gum abscess with pain and swelling. At one time, a diseased tooth required extraction, according to the American Dental Association. Modern endodontic and periodontal procedures now save most abscessed teeth from extraction.
Causes
If a tooth has had many dental fillings, deep tooth decay, cracks or trauma it may abscess, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Each of these can cause severe inflammation that may result in infection on the inside of the tooth. This infection can spread outside the root into the bone and gum tissue causing pain and swelling. The leading cause of a gum abscess surrounding a tooth is plaque, according to The Ohio State University Medical Center. When plaque builds up it causes inflammation in the gingiva. If it remains untreated this inflammation destroys the attachment of the tooth to the surrounding bone and ligament. This creates a pocket in the gingiva alongside the root surface. Tooth-brushing and flossing will not adequately clean this pocket. Bacteria begin to accumulate and ultimately cause an infection.
Symptoms
A severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure is a common symptom of an abscessed tooth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other symptoms include swollen gums, bad taste, discoloration of the tooth and fever. A prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold may precede infection of the pulp. Sometimes a small pimple appears in the gum adjacent to the tooth. It is also possible to have an abscessed tooth with no symptoms.
Home Care
Warm saline rinses can ease the pain and swelling from an abscessed tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also help. Do not place an aspirin or other medication on the gum since burning may occur.
Treatment
A root canal treatment saves most abscessed teeth, according to the American Dental Association. A small hole made through the crown of the tooth allows for placement of root canal instruments into the diseased pulp. These instruments clean and prepare a space for a root canal filling material. This seals the root from future infection and allows the infected bone to heal. Deep cleaning of a pocket in the gum will usually resolve a periodontal abscess. Occasionally, periodontal surgery is necessary, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Medications
A severely abscessed tooth may require medications prescribed by a dentist. These may include codeine or other narcotic analgesics for pain management. A severe and spreading infection may require antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
Proper oral hygiene and habitual dental checkups help avoid most dental infections. The occurrence of pain or swelling calls for prompt attention by a dental professional.
