What Is Tooth Abscess?

It is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. It can occur in different regions of the tooth or different reasons. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the foot, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums next to a tooth root. The information here refers specifically to periapical abscesses.

Causes

• Your tooth is hard on the outside, but the inside is filled with a pulp made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
• A deep cavity or tooth decay
• Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease
• A cracked tooth

Symptoms

• An intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse.
• Pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side.
• Sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids
• A foul taste in the mouth
• Fever
• A generally unwell feeling
• Insomnia
• Swallowing difficulties

Types

Gingival abscess: It is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal abscess: It starts in the supporting bone tissue structure teeth.

Periapical abscess: This abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.

Diagnosis

You might notice:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Gum redness
• Bad taste
• Pain when you chew
• Jaw pain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• A pimple-like bump on your gum
• Tooth X-ray to find abscess

Treatment

The pain can be intense and prevent a patient from eating properly.

Open up and drain the abscess: The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water.

Perform a root canal

Pull the affected tooth

Prescribe antibiotics