When you have a toothache, it can make you miserable. It’s usually the first sign of a tooth infection. It’s best to see your dentist right away. The longer you wait, the more time the infection has to spread to other teeth and tissue. Show
OverviewWhat is an abscessed tooth?A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur in different places around a tooth for different reasons and affect the involved tooth, but also the surrounding bone and sometimes adjacent teeth. Three types of tooth infections can cause abscesses:
Who gets tooth infections?You’re more likely to develop tooth infections if you:
What are the complications of a tooth infection?Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to the jawbone, the soft tissues of the face and neck, and beyond. In extremely rare cases, the infection can travel to the heart (endocarditis) and brain (bacterial meningitis). Symptoms and CausesWhat causes a tooth abscess?Anything that creates an opening for bacteria to get into the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to a tooth infection. Causes include:
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?If your tooth is infected, your pain may be:
Other oral symptoms of infection include:
In addition, you may experience more generalized symptoms like:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is an abscessed tooth diagnosed?In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding tissue for signs of infection, your dentist may:
Management and TreatmentWill a tooth infection go away on its own?A tooth infection will not go away on its own. Your toothache may stop if an infection causes the pulp inside your tooth to die. The pain stops because the nerve isn’t functioning anymore, so you may not be able to feel it. However, the bacteria will continue to spread and destroy surrounding tissue. If you have tooth infection symptoms, see your dentist even if you no longer have pain. How is an abscessed tooth treated?Goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. Treatment options include:
PreventionCan an abscessed tooth be prevented?You can reduce the risk of developing a tooth abscess by seeing your dentist routinely and getting regular dental exams and cleanings. It’s also important to see your dentist if a tooth becomes loose or chipped. Oral hygiene is very important for dental health. At home, brush teeth twice a day and floss once a day. How can I relieve the pain of a tooth infection?Tooth pain is a sign that you should see your dentist. While you wait for your appointment, warm saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort. Living WithHow do I prepare for an appointment with my dentist for an abscessed tooth?To help you get ready for your appointment:
You should prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist, including:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Remember, your dentist wants to help keep you and your teeth healthy. Just like other medical professionals you may see, they’re an important part of the healthcare team. Be sure to see your dentist routinely and don’t put off regular checkups – prevention is key! These visits give your dentist a chance to spot problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are experiencing pain, it’s important to see your dentist to get the care you need. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoHow do you detect a tooth abscess?Signs of a dental abscess include:. intense toothache or pain in your gums.. redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw.. sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area.. a bad taste in your mouth.. difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food.. a swollen face or jaw.. a high temperature.. What does a tooth abscess look and feel like?Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include: Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear. Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures. Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting.
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. Untreated tooth infections and tooth abscesses can lead to life-threatening conditions, as it's possible for the infection to spread to your blood and body, causing painful symptoms. Without treatment, you also risk losing the tooth.
How long can a tooth abscess go untreated?In conclusion, the maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can sustain is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with dangerous complications such as sepsis or even death. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
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