There are a few different types of dental abscesses, but the type of abscess you probably hear about the most is the periapical abscess, which is an infection that occurs inside a tooth at the tip of its root. These dental abscesses occur most often because of a dental cavity that hasn’t been treated, because of an injury in the teeth, or because of broken or damaged previous dental work. These types of tooth damage can allow bacteria to invade the inside of a tooth, where it leads to inflammation and infection in the vital, nerve-filled pulp inside the tooth’s root. To treat a periapical dental abscess, your dentist will drain the tooth to clear out infection and aim to save the tooth with a root canal. If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, it may need to be extracted. Whether the tooth can be saved or not, prompt dental treatment can prevent serious complications that could even prove to be life-threatening, so if you have a dental abscess, attention from a dental professional is imperative and urgent.
The most common signs of a dental abscess include a throbbing, severe toothache that can radiate out to the jawbone, ear, or neck. Pain may feel more intense when the tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures or when bearing the pressures of biting or chewing. You may notice painful swelling in the lymph nodes near your jaw or general swelling in your face or neck, and this swelling may interfere with your ability to open your mouth, swallow, or even breathe comfortably. Dental abscess might be accompanied by a bad smell or taste in the mouth; if you notice that toothache pain has diminished along with a sudden surge of bad-tasting, sour liquid in your mouth, the abscess may have ruptured, though infection is still present and risks of infection spreading still remain. If you have any symptoms of a dental abscess, see your dentist as soon as you can. If your symptoms include a fever or flu-like symptoms, or if symptoms interfere with your ability to swallow or breathe, go to the emergency room if you can’t see your emergency dentist right away, as these symptoms often indicate that the infection is spreading, which could lead to life-threatening conditions.
Dental abscess is caused by a bacterial invasion of the pulp inside a tooth’s root. This dental pulp is rich with connective tissue, blood vessels, and sensitive nerves, and it can be overtaken by bacteria that enters the tooth root through a chip, crack, or dental cavity. Avoiding tooth decay and protecting the teeth from damage and injury can help you prevent dental abscess from occurring in the first place. Take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing properly twice a day and cleaning between the teeth daily, and, if your teeth are prone to damage because you play contact sports or habitually clench or grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard to protect them.
Diets high in sugar contribute to tooth decay, which increases the risk of abscess, and a healthy, balanced diet can play a major role in maintaining the health of the teeth and the oral cavity. Patients with dry mouths or weakened immune systems are also more prone to tooth decay and should be sure to see their dentists for regular checkups and professional cleanings. A dental abscess won’t resolve without treatment, though the pain may diminish if the abscess ruptures. If the abscess isn’t properly drained and treated by a dentist, however, infection can spread to the jaw, head, neck, or sinuses, and, though less common, could even spread throughout the body and cause life-threatening sepsis, so make sure to see your dentist right away if you suspect you have a dental abscess.