Abscessed Tooth – Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with a sharp, throbbing pain in your tooth that just won’t go away. That could be the telltale sign of a tooth abscess—a serious dental infection that can cause not only discomfort but also long-term health risks if left untreated.

Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment methods of an abscessed tooth is crucial. Early detection can save you from intense pain, expensive treatments, and even potential complications that may affect your overall health.

In this guide, we’ll break down what an abscessed tooth is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth occurs when an infection develops at or near the tooth root, causing a pocket of pus to form. This dental issue has no age restriction and can affect people of all ages, from children to seniors.

If you have a tooth abscess, it won’t heal by itself. You’ll need professional treatment from a dentist or an endodontist—a specialist trained to preserve your tooth.

Without treatment, the infection from your tooth abscess may spread beyond your jaw, potentially reaching your neck, head, or other parts of your body.

Causes of a Tooth Abscess

Anything that creates a pathway for bacteria to enter your tooth or the surrounding tissues can result in a tooth abscess. Common causes of an abscessed tooth include:

Severe Cavities

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, producing acid that erodes the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth

Any damage to a tooth, like a break, chip, or crack, can allow bacteria to enter and reach the pulp, where infection can begin.

Gum Disease

This condition involves infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. As gum disease progresses, bacteria can penetrate deeper tissues, resulting in a tooth abscess.

Tooth Injury

Even without a visible crack, trauma to a tooth can damage the inner pulp, making it more vulnerable to infection.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting proper oral care can lead to plaque buildup, which eventually hardens into tartar. This allows bacteria to invade your gums and tooth roots, causing an abscess.

Pre-Existing Dental Work

Old or damaged fillings, crowns, or other dental work can create small openings where bacteria can enter and reach the tooth’s pulp, leading to an infection. If not properly maintained, these restorations can fail and allow for a tooth abscess to develop.

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

Pain from a tooth abscess may feel persistent or throbbing, sharp or shooting, and can occur constantly or only when chewing. The discomfort might also radiate to your jaw, neck, or ear.

Other symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold.
• A bitter taste in the mouth.
• Foul breath (halitosis).
• Redness and swelling of the gums.
• Loosening of the affected tooth.
• Swelling in the upper or lower jaw.
• An open, draining sore along the gums.
• Fever.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Overall discomfort or a feeling of illness.

How is an Abscessed Tooth Diagnosed?

In addition to inspecting the tooth and surrounding tissue for signs of a tooth abscess infection, your dentist may:

• Recommend a dental X-ray: This helps locate the source of the dental problem that may have caused the abscess and check if the infection has spread to other areas.
• Suggest a CT scan: If the infection has extended to other regions, such as the neck, a CT scan will reveal the full extent of the infection.
• Tap and apply pressure to your teeth: Abscessed teeth are often sensitive to touch or pressure, which can help your dentist identify the issue.
• Conduct thermal tests: These tests assess the health of your tooth pulp to determine the extent of the damage or infection.

Treatment Options for an Abscessed Tooth

Incision & Drainage

Your dentist may make a small incision in the abscess to drain out the pus, often placing a tiny rubber drain to keep the area open and help the infection fully drain.

Root Canal

This procedure eliminates the infection while preserving your tooth. By removing the infected pulp and filling the space with material, your dentist can prevent future infections. Though the pulp is vital when the tooth is developing, once it is mature, the tooth can function normally without it.

Tooth Extraction

If the abscessed tooth is too damaged to save, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. This step is necessary and usually a last resort when the tooth is beyond repair.

Antibiotics

In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection. However, while antibiotics can assist in fighting off bacteria, they won’t address the root cause of the infection—the infected tooth itself.

How to Prevent a Tooth Abscess

• Drink fluoridated water to help strengthen your enamel.
• Brush for two minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily or use a water flosser to clean between your teeth and remove trapped debris.
• Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Choose healthy foods and limit sugary snacks between meals.
• Schedule regular dental visits for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Add an extra layer of protection for your teeth by using an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash.