A dental abscess is a severe and painful condition caused by infection. It requires urgent dental care to avoid the spread of infection and serious health complications that can be life-threatening.
An abscessed tooth is infected around the root, which creates a pocket of pus. It looks like a swollen bump that releases a discharge if ruptured. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your heart and brain.
What Causes Dental Abscesses?
An abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that enters the inner pulp of the tooth or surrounding tissue. Some ways an abscess can develop include:
Gum disease – With gingivitis and periodontitis, infection and inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of bacteria can reach deeper tissues, causing an abscess.
Dental decay – When untreated cavities progress, bacteria can eventually reach the inner pulp of the tooth and enter the bloodstream, leading to infection.
Broken teeth – Injured teeth with cracks or chips are susceptible to bacterial infections.
Injury – Trauma and injury to the face can damage the tooth pulp and lead to infection.
Dental Abscess Types
There are three different types of abscesses: gingival, periapical, and periodontal.
Gingival – An infection affecting the gums but not the tooth.
Periapical – An infection at the end of the tooth’s root.
Periodontal – An infection that begins in the bone, tissues, or side of the tooth root, typically from gum disease.
An abscess can occur in various locations but cannot heal without proper treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may subside, but treatment is still necessary as bacteria can continue to spread.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
Some common symptoms of a dental abscess include:
Intense sharp or throbbing pain that may be continuous or intermittent
Pain may also extend to the ears, neck, and jaw
Visible white or yellow pus under the skin
Bad breath
Bitter taste
Teeth sensitive to heat/cold
Redness and swelling of the gums
Fever
Swelling of the face, lymph nodes, and jaw
Open draining sores around the affected tooth
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Loose tooth/teeth
A tooth abscess sometimes begins as a throbbing pain and tenderness that worsens with time. The pain may also feel more intense when you lie down.
How Dental Abscesses are Diagnosed
Your dental care provider can diagnose an abscessed tooth and recommend a course of treatment. Some ways your dentist diagnoses an abscess include:
Physical exam – Your dentist will examine your mouth and may apply pressure or tap on the affected tooth to identify the location of the infection.
X-ray – An x-ray helps your dentist identify the extent and location of dental disease as well as infections that require treatment or may have spread.
CT scan – When an infection spreads from the oral cavity to other parts of the neck, face, and body, a CT scan can reveal the location of these infections.
X-rays help in identifying the extent and location of the infection.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Your dentist may be able to treat the infection and save the affected tooth, sometimes by performing a root canal procedure, but in some cases extraction is the best option.
An extraction is a very common routine procedure that dentists will recommend if the tooth is beyond repair, or if there is a risk that leaving it in place will allow infection to spread. Abscesses can affect teeth that are already very damaged, and if left untreated for too long they can cause damage to the tooth. In both cases the tooth may need to be removed if it is too damaged to be repaired.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Having a tooth pulled naturally sounds frightening to most people. However, an extraction is done under local anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain. First, your dentist will inject a local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth to be removed.
After a few minutes, the anesthesia should take effect. Your dentist will test the area before the extraction to ensure it’s entirely numb. A second injection may be necessary to numb the area before the extraction.
You may feel mild discomfort as the dentist extracts the tooth but should not feel any pain. The procedure is typically done quickly. For patients who are particularly afraid of dental procedures, sedation dentistry services may be an option, depending on your location and the availability.
Mild discomfort should subside after the extraction since the infection will go away. Following your dentist’s post-surgical instructions ensures a speedy recovery. Once you heal, your dentist can help you find restorative options such as implants or dentures to regain the function and appearance of your smile.
FAQ About Abscess Tooth Removal
Q: Will removing a tooth get rid of an abscess?
A: Yes. Unless the infection has spread to other parts of the body, extracting the infected tooth allows the body to heal. Additional antibiotics and further treatments may be necessary if the infection has spread beyond the abscess.
Q: How painful is tooth extraction with an abscess?
A: No. The dentist injects a local anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain during the extraction. You may feel the pulling and some pressure during the procedure.
Q: What are the dangers of pulling an abscessed tooth?
A: There is far more risk in not extracting an abscessed tooth than extracting it. After the extraction, you should follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the socket becoming infected or bleeding heavily.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery after an Abscessed Tooth Removal
Typically, post-operative care includes:
Pain relief – Your dentist may suggest oral pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ice packs can help relieve swelling.
Rest – Avoid strenuous activities, driving, and operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Gauze – Mild bleeding is common following an extraction. Change gauze packs as needed every half hour until the bleeding stops but remove it at night.
Diet – Avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first day after surgery but continue to eat and drink once you regain feeling in your mouth.
Oral hygiene – For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, brushing, and smoking to prevent dry socket. After 24 hours, begin saltwater rinsing and resume brushing.
If you experience unmanageable pain or bleeding that doesn’t stop after the first day, you should contact your dentist immediately, as these conditions are abnormal.
Call the Experts at Affordable Dentures & Implants for Emergency Dental Care
Affordable Dentures & Implants has the experience to handle dental abscess emergencies professionally and painlessly. With our affordable and accessible services, you can get the emergency care you need at a price that fits your budget. Participating Affordable Dentures & Implants practices offer all new patients a free X-Ray, helping identify any issues like abscesses.
We offer extractions and restorative dental procedures at competitive prices with compassionate care. Find an Affordable Dentures & Implants practice near you to book an emergency dental appointment.