A tooth abscess can start as a dull ache and quickly turn into intense, throbbing pain that’s hard to ignore. Abscesses can be extremely painful and can even be dangerous if left untreated. Treatment can relieve your pain and prevent the infection causing the abscess from spreading.
This guide explains what a tooth abscess is, what causes it, the most common dental abscess symptoms, and how treatment works. Most importantly, it will help you understand what’s happening inside the tooth and what to do next.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. It can develop when bacteria reach the inner portion of the tooth, called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which makes it a very sensitive part of the tooth.
There are a few different types of dental abscesses:
- Periapical abscess: Forms at the tip of the tooth root, often from an untreated cavity, prior dental work, or injury
- Periodontal abscess: Develops in the gums next to a tooth root
- Pericoronal abscess: Occurs around a partially erupted tooth, especially around wisdom teeth
Abscesses will not resolve on their own, and the infection will continue to spread without treatment. After getting an abscess treated, preventing tooth infections should be a priority, and that starts with good oral hygiene.
What causes a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess forms when bacteria get into the pulp, creating an infection and causing swelling. Pus from the abscess collects at the root tip or in surrounding tissues as pressure builds.
Common causes include:
Untreated tooth decay
Cavities that go untreated can make it possible for bacteria to infect the inner tooth and spread toward the root.
Cracked or damaged teeth
Even small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, sometimes without obvious symptoms at first. Over time, this can lead to infection deep inside the tooth. Damage from dental trauma may not heal on its own and often requires treatment to prevent abscesses.
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess
Dental abscess symptoms can appear suddenly or develop over time, depending on how quickly the infection spreads.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain that you might feel in your jaw, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw
- Fever
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- A foul taste or odor in the mouth, especially if the abscess begins to drain on its own
These are signs that you may need a root canal or other treatment to drain the abscess. Leaving it untreated can cause the infection to spread, which can be life-threatening in some situations.
Why a tooth abscess requires immediate treatment
The active infection in a tooth abscess can spread beyond the tooth if left untreated, and an infection can cause an emergency. If you experience fever, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care right away.
The main dangers of putting off a root canal when you have an abscess involve bacteria moving into surrounding areas. Infection can quickly spread to the jaw, nearby teeth, and the head or neck. In more severe cases, the infection can reach beyond the oral cavity and into the bloodstream, where it may become life-threatening.
Sometimes, the abscess may start draining on its own without treatment. You might even feel less pain. But if you don’t get it treated by a professional, the infection remains. Prompt treatment is the only way to ensure the abscess has been properly drained to prevent complications.
How a tooth abscess is diagnosed
Diagnosing a tooth abscess involves identifying both the source of the infection and how far it has spread.
An endodontist will typically:
- Examine the tooth and surrounding tissue
- Check for swelling and tenderness
- Tap on the tooth to evaluate pain response
- Use digital X-rays or 3D imaging to locate the infection
Root canals and other dental procedures can cause anxiety. Understanding what to look for in an endodontist can help you feel more confident in your care and ease the stress you may be feeling, so you can get the care you need.
Treatment options for a tooth abscess
Tooth abscess treatment focuses on eliminating the infection, relieving pain, and preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
Draining the abscess
Draining the abscess allows built-up pus to escape, reducing pressure and discomfort. This is often just the first step in a broader treatment plan.
Root canal therapy
Many people need root canal therapy to remove the infection at its source. Root canals clear out infected pulp, clean the canals, and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Apicoectomy
If infection persists after a root canal, an endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy. This procedure removes infected tissue at the tip of the root and seals the area to prevent further problems. The long-term outcomes of apicoectomy show that this can be an effective solution for preserving the tooth.
Extraction (last resort)
If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. However, preserving the natural tooth is always the goal when possible.
Managing pain before your appointment
If you’re experiencing a tooth abscess, you may need temporary relief before treatment.
You can try:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Avoiding very hot, cold, or sugary foods
- Keeping your head elevated when lying down
Managing your pain is helpful, but you still need to contact a professional to treat the infection. Your dentist should be able to refer you to a local specialist for treatment.
Get treatment at Access Endodontics
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a tooth abscess, talk to your dentist right away so you can prevent complications and improve your chances of saving the tooth. They can recommend and refer you to an endodontic professional, like Access Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD.
At Access Endodontics, Dr. Lina Jarboe offers both surgical and nonsurgical endodontic treatment options, including precise, laser-assisted technology that can minimize discomfort. She also offers sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety.