Abscess (Toothache)

An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems can let bacteria enter the pulp (the soft tissue of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, it forms a pus-pocket called an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of an abscess include:

• pain
• swelling
• redness in the gums
• bad taste in the mouth
• fever

An abscessed tooth can be treated with various treatments, depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some of the treatment methods a dentist may consider:

• antibiotics, to destroy the bacteria causing the infection
• drainage of the infection
• cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum if the cause is from gum disease
• root canal treatment if the abscess is caused by decay or a cracked tooth

Following good oral hygiene practices and routine dental exams will significantly reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess. If your teeth experience trauma (become loosened or chipped), see your dentist as soon as possible.

if you have an abscessed tooth that 

means the pulp of your tooth is infected 

and you'll need root canal therapy the 

pulp is in the center of your tooth 

it houses the nerves and blood vessels 

and provides nourishment for the tooth 

even with proper brushing and flossing 

tooth decay can happen if left untreated 

the decay can reach the pulp also a 

cracked tooth can lead to an infected 

pulp a cracked tooth or a large cavity 

allows germs to reach the pulp which may 

lead to tooth loss with root canal 

therapy your dentist removes the 

infected pulp and cleans out the center 

of the tooth then the tooth is often 

resealed with a crown to make it 

stronger usually the treatment only 

takes one to three office visits and 

there's little to no pain with proper 

care your restored tooth can last a 

lifetime for the ad a dental minute.

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess