Tooth Infection and Tooth Abscess Symptoms and Emergency Treatment Options

Tooth infections and abscesses are closely related dental issues. An abscess usually forms as a result of a tooth infection and can cause severe medical issues.

In this blog, we explore tooth infection symptoms and tooth abscess symptoms, as well as options for tooth abscess treatment.

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria penetrates the tooth or surrounding tissues. This tends to happen because of a cavity, chip or crack in the tooth.

Once the bacteria is inside the tooth, it can infect the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains both blood vessels and nerves. The resulting Inflammation of the pulp causes pressure within the tooth to increase.

If the pressure reaches a sufficient level, it will cut off the blood supply to the pulp, ultimately killing it.

The death of the pulp can cause the infection to spread beyond the tooth itself, impacting both surrounding tissues and bone. To counter this spread, your body’s immune system is activated and will begin sending white blood cells to the area. These will help fight the infection but will also lead to an accumulation of pus. The end result of this accumulation is an abscess.

Tooth Infection Symptoms

Depending on the location and severity of the infection, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache that you may feel radiate to your jaw, ear or neck on the same side as your tooth infection.
• Swelling and redness of the gums around the infected area.
• Sensitivity to different temperatures and flavours, like hot, cold or sweet food.
• Difficulty moving your mouth, which could make it hard to chew or even open your mouth.
• Fever and tender lymph nodes as your body fights the infection.
• Tooth discolouration as the pulp dies.

Do you think you may have a tooth infection? Get in contact with our expert team now.

What is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess occurs when pus collects in one location of the mouth, often as the result of a tooth infection. Depending on the location, there are three different types of abscess:

• Periapical abscesses form in the bone surrounding the tip of the tooth’s root, usually due to a tooth infection.
• Periodontal abscesses form in the gums beside the root of the tooth, usually in the tissues of the teeth or supporting bone. These abscesses are generally caused by advanced gum disease or a gum injury rather than a tooth infection.
• Gingival abscesses form in the gum tissues but do not affect the underlying tissues that hold your tooth in place or the tooth itself. They tend to be caused by foreign objects becoming lodged in the gum tissues, like seeds, and require gum abscess treatment.

Tooth Abscess Symptoms

Similar to a tooth infection, an abscess can cause severe toothache, sensitivity and swelling. This swelling can make eating, swallowing, and even breathing difficult and painful.

If left untreated, an abscess can continue to grow, possibly leading to life-threatening medical conditions like bone infection or sepsis.

Emergency Tooth Abscess Treatment

An abscess is a serious medical issue that requires emergency dental attention. The longer the abscess is allowed to grow, the higher the risk of infection spreading. This is not just confined to the area surrounding the abscess — the infection can also move to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

There are a number of tooth abscess treatment methods. Most will try to preserve the affected tooth while eliminating the infection but this won’t always be possible.

Abscessed tooth emergency treatment options include:

Drainage

By draining the abscess, your dentist can both remove the pus and reduce your pain levels. To do this, your dentist will make a small incision, either through the root canal or into the gum, allowing the abscess to drain.

Root Canal

Root canal treatment tends to be used when the abscess is at the tip of the tooth’s root. This method makes it possible to remove the infected pulp inside of the tooth, then clean it and seal it. In doing so, you both preserve the tooth and reduce the chance of subsequent infection.

Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is too badly damaged to be saved, extraction may be the only way to prevent further spread of the infection. You may choose to then fill the gap with a dental implant.

Antibiotics

If the infection has spread and becomes quite serious, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help speed up the healing process.

Aftercare

Once the infection has been successfully treated, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene. Your dentist will provide tips to help you do this. They’ll also organise any necessary follow-up appointments.

Tooth Abscess Treatment Perth

Do you suspect you may have a tooth infection or abscess?

Our friendly Phoenix Road Dental team is here to help! Get in contact today and we’ll ensure you receive swift and professional care.