What is a tooth abscess and how is it treated?

Drs. Nicolas & Asp9 Sep 2024

A tooth abscess is a painful infection that develops within a tooth or around its root. It occurs when bacteria invade the tooth pulp, the soft, inner tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. This invasion often happens due to deep decay, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth.

Complications of a Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess will not resolve on its own and requires professional dental treatment. If the abscess ruptures, you may experience temporary pain relief, but the underlying infection remains active and can worsen. Untreated abscesses can spread to the jaw, head, and neck, and even lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection. People with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications from untreated tooth abscesses.

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Throbbing toothache, often severe and persistent
Bitter taste in the mouth
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Swollen, red, and tender gums around the affected tooth
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw
Fever, chills, and general discomfort
Bad breath (halitosis)
Difficulty chewing

Types of Dental Abscesses

Gingival Abscess

Periodontal Abscess

Periapical Abscess

Gingival Abscess: This type of abscess occurs within the gum tissue itself, often due to a foreign object lodged in the gums or a bacterial infection. It typically does not affect the tooth or its supporting structures.
Periapical Abscess: This is the most common type of abscess and forms at the tip of the tooth root. It usually occurs as a result of untreated tooth decay that has reached the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth.
Periodontal Abscess: This type of abscess develops in the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It often occurs due to gum disease or a deep pocket of infection around the tooth.

How is an abscessed tooth treated?

The treatment for a tooth abscess depends on the severity of the infection and the condition of the affected tooth. Common treatment options available at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers include:

Incision and Drainage: In some cases, the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to drain the pus from the abscess.
Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Scaling and Root Planing: Also called a deep cleaning, this procedure cleans below the gumline to remove plaque and other bacterial toxins from the periodontal pockets.
Root Canal Treatment: If the infection has spread to the tooth's pulp, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.

Preventing Tooth Abscesses

Gently brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily. Flossing reaches areas that your toothbrush can't, helping to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
See your dentist for regular check-ups and your dental hygienist for cleanings. Regular dental care can help detect and treat dental problems early before they lead to more serious complications.
Eat a healthy diet. Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. These bad habits can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of gum disease.
Get prompt treatment for dental emergencies: If you experience a dental injury or severe tooth pain, seek immediate dental care.

A tooth abscess won’t go away on its own. If you notice any symptoms, do not self-medicate and please visit your dentist right away. If you’re looking for a second opinion or a new dentist, please give us a call at 04 394 7777. Our clinics are conveniently located in Jumeirah, The Springs Souk, Marina Walk, and Uptown Mirdif.