Sometimes, a pocket of pus may develop around the root of an
infected tooth. This pocket of pus is known as abscess. The bad news about
abscess is that it doesn’t go away on its own. You will have to get it treated.
If an abscess is not treated on time, it can lead to tooth loss, or even worse.
Therefore, you will need to visit your endodontist as soon as possible.
Reasons for tooth abscess
Tooth abscess is formed when the innermost side of the
tooth, also known as pulp, gets infected. Although the outer side of the tooth
is a harder surface, it can get weakened and allow bacteria to reach in the
dentin and then pulp. The bacteria and infectious germs can infect the pulp,
which is the combination of nerves and vessels. It means that an infected pulp
can let the infection to spread in the areas where the vessels supply blood.
The major reasons of abscess include:
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Crack in the tooth
Leaving the infection untreated can lead to the death of
tooth pulp. This process leads to the formation of tooth abscess.
Diagnosing an abscessed tooth
Certain signs can tell you that you have an abscessed tooth.
Some of those signs include pain, fever, gum redness, foul taste, swelling, jaw
pain, and difficulty in eating and swallowing.
In some situations, the abscess may be seen on the gum area.
Pressing it will cause a thick liquid to be drained out. This liquid is the pus
and it is definitely a tooth abscess you are pressing.
Treatment of tooth abscess
Although swelling and pain are the most common symptoms of
an abscessed tooth, these symptoms may not occur all the times. It could mean
that the abscess drains its liquid somewhere else. In case the abscess is not
visible, your dentist will run a dental x-rays test to spot the site of
infection. A little tapping on the
infected area can let your dentist know if the infection is actually an
abscess.
In case your dentist is unable to diagnose an abscess, he
may send you to an endodontist who has th especial training to treat the
abscessed teeth.
Is there a way to prevent an abscessed tooth?
Having said all above, you may wonder if there could be any
way you can prevent tooth abscess. The matter of fact is that you do not have
to do anything special to prevent the tooth abscess. You will just have to make
sure that you are taking good care of your oral health and hygiene. If you
brush and floss your teeth according to recommendations, you are essentially
avoiding the bacteria that cause infection which can lead to tooth abscess.
Moreover, you will need to visit your dentist regularly to get your oral cavity
fully checked.
