What Is an Abscessed Tooth? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Dealing with tooth pain can be stressful, but when the discomfort turns into a throbbing toothache, swelling, or severe mouth pain, it could be something more serious, like an abscessed tooth. A dental abscess isn’t something to ignore.
Left untreated, a tooth abscess can spread to surrounding tissues, cause significant pain, and even lead to serious health complications.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what an abscessed tooth is, what symptoms to watch for, treatment options your dentist may recommend, and how to protect your natural teeth from infection.
What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is a severe dental infection where a pocket of pus forms around the tooth root, gums, or nearby bone. This type of infection usually results from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or injury that allows bacteria to invade the inner parts of the tooth or surrounding tissues.
There are several types of dental abscesses, depending on where the infection starts:
- Periapical abscess: Forms at the tip of the tooth root, usually caused by bacteria entering through a deep cavity or crack.
- Periodontal abscess: Starts in the gum tissue, often the result of advanced gum disease.
- Gingival abscess: Involves the gums only, without directly affecting the tooth or its supporting structures.
Regardless of where it begins, an abscessed tooth is considered a dental emergency. Without prompt dental treatment, the resulting infection can spread to the upper or lower jaw, other teeth, and even into the bloodstream in sporadic cases.
Early treatment, such as root canal therapy or, in some cases, tooth extraction, can stop the infection, ease discomfort, and save your tooth whenever possible.
Causes of an Abscessed Tooth
A tooth abscess forms when harmful bacteria invade the inner layers of a tooth or the surrounding gums. Several dental problems can create an opportunity for infection to take hold:
- Untreated tooth decay: When decay erodes the protective enamel and dentin, bacteria can reach the tooth pulp, infecting the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue inside the tooth.
Cracks, chips, or trauma: Even minor fractures can allow bacteria to enter the tooth root or pulp chamber, eventually leading to a dental abscess. - Gum disease (periodontal disease): Advanced gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums. These pockets trap bacteria, which can then cause a periodontal abscess in the gum tissue or jawbone.
- Poor dental care habits: Inadequate brushing and flossing, dry mouth, and skipping regular dental checkups all increase the risk of bacterial infection and tooth abscess development.
- Complications from previous dental work: In some cases, if a restored tooth isn’t sealed properly, bacteria can sneak in and lead to a new infection under a filling, crown, or other dental restoration.
The common thread across all these causes is the role of bacteria. Once they gain access to the soft tissue inside or around the affected tooth, an infection starts and can quickly progress if left untreated.
Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
Recognizing the signs of a dental abscess early is critical to getting the right treatment before the infection spreads. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and swelling.
Here are the most common signs of an abscessed tooth:
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain: The pain often comes on suddenly and can radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck, especially on the same side as the affected tooth.
Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw: Swelling may appear as a swollen bump near the affected area or more generalized puffiness around the jaw or cheek. - Sensitivity to hot or cold: An abscessed tooth often reacts painfully to temperature changes or pressure when chewing.
- A swollen bump or visible pus drainage: A small swollen bump (sometimes called a gum boil) may form on the gums near the infected tooth. If the abscess ruptures, you may notice a rush of pus and a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste: The presence of infection and pus can lead to persistent bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t go away with brushing.
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes: As the body fights off the infection, you may experience a fever or swollen lymph nodes in the area under your jaw or in your neck.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing: In severe cases, swelling can make it hard to open your mouth fully or swallow comfortably.
If you experience pain, swelling, or any of these other symptoms, it’s important to call your dentist right away. Early dental treatment can ease discomfort, prevent complications, and save your natural teeth whenever possible.
Why It’s Important to Treat an Abscess Quickly
An abscessed tooth is not something to ignore. Without prompt dental treatment, a dental abscess can cause serious health risks, not just to your mouth, but to your entire body.
Here’s why fast action is so necessary:
- Prevent the spread of infection: A dental abscess left untreated can allow bacteria to spread to the jawbone, surrounding tissues, and even into the bloodstream, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called sepsis in extremely rare cases.
- Protect other teeth and gums: An infected tooth can damage nearby teeth and soft tissues, leading to additional dental problems that require more complex treatments.
- Save your natural tooth: With early intervention, such as root canal treatment, many abscessed teeth can be preserved and restored correctly. Waiting too long may leave extraction as the only option.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Treating the infection can quickly ease discomfort, prevent further mouth pain, and stop symptoms like swelling, fever, and difficulty chewing.
Prompt care is critical. If you experience pain, a swollen bump, fever, or other symptoms of a dental abscess, call your dentist immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment give you the best chance of saving your tooth and avoiding serious health complications.
How Dentists Treat an Abscessed Tooth
Treating an abscessed tooth focuses on eliminating the infection, relieving pain, and saving the affected tooth whenever possible. The best course of action depends on the severity of the infection and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
Here’s how dentists typically treat a dental abscess:
1. Draining the Abscess
If there’s a visible pocket of pus, the dentist may make a small incision in the gum to drain the abscess. Sometimes a small rubber drain is placed temporarily to help remove infection and relieve pressure.
2. Root Canal Treatment
If the pulp inside the tooth is infected but the tooth structure can be preserved, a root canal is performed. During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the dead tissue, disinfects the pulp chamber, and seals the tooth to prevent infection. A permanent crown is often placed afterward to fully restore the tooth properly.
3. Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is too damaged to save, the dentist may recommend extracting it. This prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth, gums, or the jaw.
4. Antibiotics
In some instances, especially if the infection has spread or caused facial swelling or fever, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection. However, antibiotics are typically used in conjunction with dental procedures, not as a standalone treatment.
5. Pain Management and Recovery Support
Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication, warm saltwater rinses, and soft foods to help with recovery. Following these guidelines helps ease discomfort and supports faster healing.
Prompt dental treatment not only eases mouth pain but also prevents complications like damage to the jawbone or other teeth.
How to Help Prevent an Abscessed Tooth
While not every dental problem can be prevented, good daily habits and regular dental care go a long way in reducing your risk of developing a tooth abscess.
Here are the most effective ways to help prevent an abscessed tooth:
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. Good daily hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, the two most common causes of dental abscesses.
2. Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings allow your dentist to catch small problems, like cavities or early gum disease, before they turn into major issues. Regular X-rays also help detect hidden infections in the jaw or tooth root.
3. Treat Cavities, Cracks, and Gum Problems Early
If your dentist finds signs of tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or early periodontal disease, it’s important to address them promptly. Restoring a tooth properly early on can prevent bacteria from reaching the pulp or surrounding tissues.
4. Protect Your Teeth from Injury
If you play contact sports or activities where your mouth could be injured, wearing a mouthguard can help protect against trauma that could lead to a dental abscess.
5. Stay Hydrated to Prevent Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth by neutralizing acids and removing bacteria. Dry mouth increases your risk of decay and infection, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Taking these steps not only helps prevent dental abscesses but also supports long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abscessed Teeth
If you’re dealing with symptoms of a dental abscess or want to understand more about tooth infections, these common questions can help you prepare for the next steps.
Can an abscessed tooth heal on its own?
No. An abscessed tooth will not heal without professional dental treatment. While the pain might temporarily lessen if the abscess ruptures, the infection will still be present. Left untreated, it can spread to surrounding tissues or even other areas of the body, leading to serious complications.
How long does it take for an abscess to heal after treatment?
Once the infection is properly drained and treated, most patients begin to feel significant relief within a few days. Complete healing of the gums and surrounding tissues usually takes about one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the abscess and the type of treatment performed.
How painful is an abscessed tooth?
An abscessed tooth often causes severe, throbbing pain that can radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. The pain is typically persistent and can worsen when chewing, biting, or consuming hot or cold foods. After treatment, pain relief is usually rapid as the source of the infection is eliminated.
Can I treat a tooth abscess at home?
While warm saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain medication, and maintaining good oral hygiene can temporarily ease discomfort, they are not a cure. You cannot eliminate the underlying infection without dental treatment. Only a dentist can fully drain the abscess and address the cause.
When should I call a dentist?
If you experience pain, swelling, a swollen bump on your gums, a bitter taste in your mouth, fever, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing, call your dentist immediately. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications and save your tooth if possible.
Don’t Ignore the Signs: Protect Your Health
An abscessed tooth is more than just a source of mouth pain; it’s a severe infection that can threaten your oral health and overall well-being if left untreated. The good news is that with prompt dental treatment, most abscesses can be successfully resolved, helping you save your tooth, ease discomfort, and prevent complications.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like a throbbing toothache, a swollen bump on your gums, difficulty chewing, or other signs of infection, don’t wait. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of protecting your natural teeth and avoiding more complex issues down the road.
Need help finding a dentist quickly? You can explore Sunbit’s directory of trusted dental providers to connect with a nearby office.
