When a pocket of pus develops around the root of an infected tooth, it is known as an abscess. This can happen to anyone, from kids to older adults. If you have a tooth abscess, it won’t get fixed by itself. Instead, it would be best if you visited a dentist or endodontist for the same for them to recommend a suitable treatment plan. To learn more about the condition, read the abscessed tooth guide.

Causes of tooth abscess
The tooth seems hard on the outside, but on the inside, it is filled with a pulp of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it gets infected, it causes an abscessed tooth. This infection results from:

• A cracked tooth
• A deep cavity or maybe tooth decay
• Gum disease, also called periodontal disease

If this infection is not treated promptly, it can kill the pulp. There are two common types of tooth abscesses:

1. A periapical abscess – A pus-filled pocket forms at the tip of the tooth’s root.
2. A periodontal abscess – Pus-filled vesicular structure forms within the periodontal tissues.

Symptoms
The signs and symptoms related to a tooth abscess are:

1. Tender and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
2. Foul smell in the mouth
3. Constant toothache can spread to the neck, jawbone, and ear
4. Discomfort and pain because of hot and cold temperatures
5. Pain while eating or chewing something
6. Swelling in the face, neck, and cheek can cause difficulty swallowing and breathing
7. A sudden rush of foul-tasting smell
8. Gum redness, fever, puffy gums

Sometimes, a pimple-like bubble forms on the gum due to an abscess. If you press it or try to squeeze it, pus will come out.

How is the issue diagnosed?
If one feels any of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact a dentist or an endodontist. Other than just examining the tooth and the area around it, they might perform the following:

1. Tap on the teeth – If the tooth has an abscess at its root, it becomes sensitive to touch and pressure.
2. X-Ray – An X-ray of the aching tooth can suggest if there is an abscess or not. The dentist uses this to determine whether the infection has spread and is causing soreness in other areas.
3. CT scan – If the infection has spread to other areas, the dentist might suggest a CT scan. The CT images can be used to see how severe the condition is.
4. Surgery – Surgery is used to drain a periodontal abscess. Remember that even if it ruptures, the pain will ease, but it will still need some treatment from a dentist.

Treatment options
The main aim of the treatment is to get rid of the infection. To deal with the issue, the dentist may-

1. Suggest a root canal – A root canal helps eliminate the infection and saves the tooth. The dentist drills down into the tooth and removes the pulp to do this procedure. He drains the abscess and fills and seals the open tooth’s pulp chamber. The tooth is later capped with a crown so that it becomes stronger. Proper precautions and needed care of the restored tooth can last a lifetime.
2. Open and drain – The dentist uses a surgical knife to cut the abscess so that the pus drains out. The doctor then washes the area with saline water. Then they might rub a small rubber drain so the area is open for drainage until the swelling goes down.
3. Antibiotics – You might be asked to take a few antibiotics if the inflammation is not limited to the abscessed area. These are given to stop the infection from spreading further. The dentist may also suggest antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system.
4. Extract the infected tooth – If the tooth decay can’t be saved, the tooth is removed altogether, and the abscess is drained to eliminate the infection.

Prevention methods
Here are some simple steps to keep the teeth and gums healthy-

• Go for regular dental check-ups
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride to brush the teeth twice
• Cut down on snacks in between meals
• If you have a loose or cracked tooth, make an immediate appointment with the dentist
• Use floss to clean the spots between the teeth and gums

You should see a dentist promptly if you have any signs of a tooth abscess. If you get a fever or have swelling in the face, you should head towards the emergency room. Sometimes severe symptoms suggest the infection has spread deeper into the throat, jaw, neck, or other body parts. So, this condition shouldn’t be taken lightly.