Tooth abscesses are bacterial infections that manifest as a collection of pus in different parts of the oral cavity. There are two types of tooth abscesses depending on the location of the infection. A periapical abscess and a periodontal abscess. According to a dentist at an emergency dental clinic in Toronto, periapical abscesses occur in the root of the infected tooth, but the periodontal abscess affects the gum tissue encircling the tooth. In the following piece, you will learn more about a tooth abscess, what it can cause if not properly treated, and what the treatment process looks like.
Causes
Tooth abscesses happen after a cavity creates a passageway for bacteria to infect the tooth. If proper oral hygiene is not administered, acids may be produced by the bacteria inside your mouth. These acids impact the tooth’s surface and result in tooth decay which can generate a cavity in the long run. A chipped or broken tooth is also a typical victim of a dental abscess due to the damaged enamel that allows the bacteria to enter it. Infected gums can also cause a periodontal abscess.
Signs and symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms that point to dental abscesses. The build-up of pus mentioned above is the main symptom you need to look for, but there are other signs that can point to a dental abscess.
The first one is the pain. This pain can be very sudden but persisting and intense. It can also hurt your jaw, ear, and even neck on the affected side. Your teeth might become very sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, and your gums may also become red, swollen, and tender. A dental abscess can also explain the constant foul-smelling breath that won’t go away.
Consequences
If the abscess goes untreated, it can result in many problems in the future. These possible issues range from minor to very major and serious health detriments. The most basic consequence is tooth extraction, but it does not stop there. Infections are very susceptible to spreading to other body parts and damaging them. Starting from the surrounding teeth and then the jawbone, with the spreading of the infection, you can lose them as well. Suppose the affected tooth is an upper molar. In that case, your sinus can contract the infection and even transfer it to the brain, resulting in sepsis. Your heart and lungs can also be receptors for the infection. Any serious bacterial infection in these body parts may result in the patient’s untimely demise.
Treatments
If you realize you are experiencing a dental abscess, you must visit your dentist as quickly as possible. Your dentist will determine the severity of your infection and pick a treatment plan based on that. Usually, your dentist will attempt to drain the pus from the infected area and clean it. However, the infection may sometimes be too severe to treat, which calls for an antibiotic prescription. The antibiotics will reduce the infection and make it easier to treat. If the tooth that was affected is not too severely damaged, the dentist can save it by administering a root canal. However, if the tooth is beyond saving, it will be pulled and then treated.
So must visit a dentist right away and receive emergency treatment for the dental abscess in order to avoid the detrimental consequences it can have for your oral and overall health.
