TOOTH ABSCESS: KNOW WHAT IT IS, THE MAIN SYMPTOMS AND HOW TO TREAT THIS ORAL PROBLEM

What is a tooth abscess 

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that has gathered under the skin. They can be caused by a range of things, including injury, a pre-existing medical condition, or not looking after your oral hygiene properly.

If you think you might have an abscessed tooth, you should see your dentist promptly for treatment. When left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to a serious infection in the jawbone, teeth and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of a tooth abscess

Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Sensitivity when chewing or biting
• Fever
• Swelling in your face or cheek
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
• The sudden rush of foul-smelling tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

How to treat a tooth abscess 

You shouldn’t delay treatment for a dental abscess because it’s a bacterial infection and can spread and cause complications. 

If it is confirmed as a tooth abscess, your dentist may drain it and may also do a root canal treatment to make sure your tooth stays healthy. Root canal treatment can save your tooth from having to be taken out. If your tooth is too damaged, your dentist may pull the tooth if it can’t be saved and then drain the abscess.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics for the infection. If you do, follow the instructions for and make sure you finish the course, or the infection may not completely clear resulting in a return of symptoms including pain and swelling.

If you believe you may have a dental abscess, call our Kallangur clinic at +61 7 3886 2428 and book an appointment as soon as possible!