A tooth abscess occurs when pus collects at a tooth root or in the space between the tooth and gum. Tooth decay often causes an abscessed tooth, but the condition can also occur if you have gum disease or the tooth has been chipped or broken, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Prompt treatment is necessary to save the tooth.
Identification
An abscess occurs when tooth decay or trauma penetrates the pulp located inside the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that serve the tooth. When the pulp is damaged or begins to decay, an infection may occur in the tooth root and may eventually spread to the bone surrounding the tooth.
Symptoms
A throbbing pain in your tooth is the most noticeable symptom of a tooth abscess. The pain can occur when you chew, but may also be felt at other times. You may experience swelling in the face, jaw, mouth or neck as the infection worsens and the gums may appear swollen and red. Other abscessed tooth symptoms include a bad taste in your mouth, fever, a pus-filled sore in the mouth, tooth discoloration, and sensitivity to heat and cold.
Diagnosis
Your dentist will examine your mouth, looking for swelling, infection or other signs of an abscessed tooth. He may use a dental probe to examine the area around the tooth that is bothering you. If you feel pain when the dentist taps on the tooth with the probe, you may have an abscessed tooth. Ice or a mild electric current may also be used to determine if there is an abscess. Ice or an electric current applied to a healthy tooth usually results in some sensitivity, which is quickly relieved when the items are removed. If there is nerve irritation, the tooth may still feel sensitive even after the dentist removes the ice or current. If the infection has destroyed the tooth pulp, you won't feel anything when the ice or current is applied or removed. Your dentist may also take an X-ray of your tooth to look for signs of infection or determine if any of the surrounding bone has begun to wear away.
Treatment
An abscessed tooth at the tooth root is treated by tooth removal or a root canal. During a root canal, your dentist drills a hole in the tooth and removes the pulp through this hole. After the pulp is removed, the tooth is filled and sealed. In some cases, a dental crown may be applied over the tooth to help strengthen it. When the abscess is located between the tooth and gum, the site of the infection is opened, allowing the pus to drain away. Antibiotics may be prescribed before or after these procedures.
Warning
Call your dentist to schedule an immediate appointment if you have a painful toothache, fever or swelling in the face, mouth, jaw or neck. Treating the abscess promptly will reduce the chance that you will lose the tooth or experience bone loss.
