Understanding Tooth Abscesses, Dental Abscesses & Infected Teeth, Tooth Infections, and Determining if an Infection Has Spread
A dental abscess is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous consequence of a bacterial infection in the tooth or gum. Dental infections, if left untreated, can not only be extremely painful but can also spread infection to other areas of the body. That's why it's so important to understand the signs, causes, and treatments for tooth abscesses, as well as how to determine if an infection has spread beyond the affected tooth. This article will provide an overview of tooth abscesses, dental infections, and how to tell if an infection has spread.
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth or gum. It's incredibly painful, and the abscessed tooth won't heal on its own - you need prompt dental treatment. Poor oral hygiene and untreated tooth decay are common causes of tooth abscesses. When the abscess ruptures, the pus drains temporarily relieving pain, but the infection and inflammation can continue to spread. That's why it's critical to Consult your dental professional as soon as possible if you suspect an abscess. Catching it early allows your dentist to save your tooth and stop the infection from spreading further.
1. What are tooth abscess symptoms?
You may have an abscessed tooth if you experience any of the following tooth abscess symptoms:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling around the affected tooth, jaw, neck, or lymph nodes
- Gum that appears red, swollen, or painful
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Pus draining from the gum
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Swollen face, especially on the side with the infected tooth
Any of these could signify a tooth abscess, so don't hesitate to call your dentist. Leaving an abscess untreated means the infection can continue spreading to the bone and other tissues.
2. What causes dental abscesses and infection spread?
There are a few main causes of tooth abscesses:
- Untreated tooth decay - Cavities that are left untreated can lead to infection in the pulp of the tooth.
- Cracked teeth - Cracked enamel allows bacteria to enter and infect the inner layers of the tooth.
- Injuries - Trauma to the tooth can damage it and provide an entry point for bacteria.
- Previous dental work - Improperly sealed fillings or crowns allow bacteria to leak in and infect the tooth.
Once bacteria enter the tooth, they infect the pulp and spread through the root canals. This infection builds up in the bony area around the tip of the tooth root, forming a pus-filled abscess.
The infection can then spread from the tooth to the tissues and bones surrounding it. In severe cases, the infection may even spread from the tooth root to other areas of your jaw, neck, and head.
3. What situations are abscess causes?
There are a few specific situations that can lead to a tooth abscess:
- Advanced gum (periodontal) disease - Infection from severe gum disease can spread to the tooth root.
- Delayed treatment - Putting off dental work like a root canal or filling replacement allows decay and infection time to spread.
- Recent procedures - An abscess can form at the site of a newly placed filling or crown if bacteria were sealed into the tooth.
- Cracked or broken teeth - Fractured teeth provide an easy entry point for bacteria to infect the pulp.
- Trauma - Injuries that chip, crack, or knock teeth out of alignment can expose tissue to infection.
- Poor oral hygiene - Not brushing and flossing properly allows plaque to build up and decay teeth.
The takeaway is prevention is key. Prompt treatment of dental decay and regular dental visits reduce your risk of developing a tooth infection that leads to an abscess.
4. What's tooth abscess treatment and its causes?
If the abscess is detected early, the infected tooth can often be saved with treatment. But an abscessed tooth won’t heal without professional dental treatment. Here are some common options:
- Prescription antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection causing the abscess
- Root canal treatment to remove infected pulp and save the tooth
- Draining the pus by creating an opening in the tooth to relieve pressure
- Tooth extraction as a last resort for severely infected teeth
- Antibiotic rinses and medicated gels placed in the empty tooth socket after extraction
- Further dental procedures to remove all infected tissue and bone
Your dentist will determine the best course of treatment depending on the severity of the infection. Prompt treatment helps stop the infection from spreading further and causing more damage.
5. How can I tell if an infection spreads?
It’s important to watch for signs that a dental infection may be spreading beyond the affected tooth to surrounding tissues. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling that keeps increasing, spreads across the face/neck, or makes it hard to swallow
- High fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
- Fatigue, flu-like symptoms and generally feeling unwell
- Severe, constant, throbbing facial pain, even when taking pain relievers
- Pus continuing to drain from the gums despite antibiotics
- Red streaks spreading from the infected area
- Enlarged or hardened lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
These could indicate the infection has spread from the tooth into the bone or tissues. Your dentist can do tests to determine how far the infection has progressed and the appropriate treatment.
6. What are the signs of tooth infections?
Signs of a tooth infection may include:
- Tooth sensitivity and pain, especially when chewing
- Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods/drinks
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Gum recession, revealing more tooth surface
- Increased tooth mobility
- Pus around the tooth and gums
- Dark discoloration at the gum line or tooth surface
- Loose fillings or crowns
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Consult your dental professional to recognize and address any disease before it develops into an oral abscess or propagates further.
7. When should you see your dentist for an infection?
Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any potential signs of a tooth infection. The earlier treatment begins, the better chance you have of saving the tooth and preventing the infection from spreading.
Consult your dental professional right away if you experience:
- Sudden, severe tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold lasting more than a few days
- Facial swelling around a tooth
- Tenderness, redness, or bleeding from the gums
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
Don’t wait for it to become unbearable. Even slightly suspicious symptoms warrant a medical exam to identify and treat infection early.
8. What are the signs an infection has spread?
Here are the most common signs that a tooth infection may have spread beyond the affected tooth:
- Swelling or pain in the jaw, neck, or lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
- Fever, chills, fatigue and malaise
- Pus leaking from the gums
- Bad breath that persists despite brushing
- Dark redness and swelling of the gums or face
- Numbness or shooting pain in the jaw, neck, or ear
If you experience any of these, the infection likely has spread. You need urgent medical care to get the infection under control before it becomes life-threatening.
In Summary
Be proactive about your dental health to avoid tooth infections and abscesses. But if you do suspect an infection, Consult your dental professional right away. Prompt treatment helps contain the infection and often saves the tooth. Watch for signs the infection is spreading and immediately contact your dental professional if you notice anything suspicious. Don't wait with an infection - a dental professional can help determine the appropriate solutions based on the severity and progression of the infection. With prompt care, many teeth can be saved and serious complications avoided.
Key Things to Remember
- Tooth infections and abscesses require professional dental treatment - don't wait for them to heal on their own.
- Untreated decay and poor oral hygiene raise your risk of developing a tooth infection.
- See your dental professional as soon as possible at the first signs of a possible tooth infection or abscess.
- Common symptoms include tooth pain, sensitivity, gum swelling, and bad breath.
- X-rays and tests help dentists determine if an infection is present in the tooth.