How do I Know if I have a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a commonly occurring dental disorder, wherein a pocket of spacing underneath or near the tooth has formed in the gumline. Inside this pocket, bacteria and food slurry has festered, which leads to infection. This can cause all kinds of complications for the patient, and actually displace the tooth or other teeth in the mouth.
The symptoms associated with a tooth abscess vary. However, some common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the tooth or gums
- Swelling around the tooth
- Redness around the tooth
- Fever
- Difficulty chewing
- Persistent Bad Breath, or Foul Taste in your mouth (Halitosis)
- Pus draining from the tooth or gums
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see your dental care team right away. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. They can also guide you through a proper cleaning and a thorough examination, to give you a good sense of the depth of your problem.
How is a tooth abscess diagnosed?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely start by doing a physical exam of your teeth and gums. They will also ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to take X-rays or other imaging tests to see the extent of the infection.
How is a tooth abscess treated?
The treatment for a tooth abscess will be correlated with how severe the infection appears. In most cases, the dentist may be able to treat the abscess with antibiotics. In more severe cases, the dentist may need to remove the tooth or drain the abscess.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. They are usually taken for a period of 7-10 days.
Drainage
If the abscess is large or if the antibiotics are not working, the dentist may need to drain the abscess. This is done by making a small incision in the gums and draining the pus.
Tooth extraction
If the abscess is caused by a dead or dying tooth, the dentist may need to remove the tooth. This is usually the only way to cure a tooth abscess that is not responding to other treatments.
How long will a tooth abscess take to remedy?
The time it takes for a tooth abscess to heal will depend on the treatment that is used. In mild cases, the abscess may heal in a few days with antibiotics. In more severe cases, it may take several weeks or even months for the abscess to heal completely. Speak with your dentist for a clearer answer.
What are the complications of a tooth abscess?
If a tooth abscess is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the jawbone, sinuses, or brain. This can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Bone infection
- Sinus infection
- Brain abscess
- Septicemia (blood poisoning)
How can I prevent a tooth abscess?
The most common tool used to prevent a tooth abscess is to practice fastidious oral hygiene. This includes:
1. Brushing often
2. Using a high quality toothpaste, ask your doctor for recommendations
3. Flossing regularly, following the contours of your teeth to the gumline
4. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
If you are worried about your teeth, dental health, infection, or dental abscesses–the best person to see is your dentist. Make an appointment today and see what is next for your dental health.