Having a dental problem can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience. If you’re wondering if an abscessed tooth is a dental problem or something that requires root canal treatment, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments for an abscessed tooth to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction
An abscessed tooth can be a painful experience and requires prompt treatment. An abscess is an infection in or around the root of a tooth caused by bacteria that can spread to the surrounding tissue. It may cause swelling, redness, and pain that can become quite severe. Abscesses can also be caused by a tooth infection or injury. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments for an abscessed tooth to help you make an informed decision.
Symptoms of An Abscessed Tooth
There are several common symptoms of an abscessed tooth. The most noticeable symptom is a throbbing or shooting pain that may be constant or intermittent. Other symptoms include redness and swelling, bad breath, fever, and a bitter taste in the mouth. If the abscess ruptures, it can cause severe pain and discharge of pus from the infected area.
Pain
The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is a throbbing or shooting pain that may be constant or intermittent. This pain can spread to the jaw, neck, and head and may become worse when you chew food or bite down on something hard.
Swelling and Redness
The area around the abscessed tooth may become swollen and inflamed. You may also see redness around the affected tooth, as well as tenderness when touched.
Other Symptoms
An abscessed tooth can cause other symptoms such as bad breath, fever, a bitter taste in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. If the abscess ruptures, it can cause severe pain and discharge of pus from the infected area.
Causes of An Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is usually caused by bacteria that has found its way into the inside of a tooth either through an infection or an injury. The infection can cause the tooth’s pulp to become inflamed and die, leading to an abscess. Other causes include cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, or a defective filling.
Bacterial Infection
The most common cause of an abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the tooth through a cavity, a crack in the enamel, or a defective filling. Once inside, the bacteria will multiply and cause infection in the pulp of the tooth, leading to an abscess.
Injury
Injury is another common cause of an abscessed tooth. If you chip or break a tooth, the enamel may be weakened and bacteria can enter the tooth through the damaged area.
Other Causes
Other causes of an abscessed tooth include gum disease, a defective crown or filling, and wearing braces. Gum disease can cause bacteria to get into the teeth and cause infection in the pulp. A defective crown or filling can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Wearing braces, especially too tightly, can cause damage to the enamel that allows bacteria to enter and infect the pulp.
Treatments for an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth requires prompt treatment to prevent further infection and damage. Treatment options include antibiotics, root canals, and extraction.
Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to the affected area through a medicated rinse or gel.
Root Canal Treatment
If the abscess has damaged the pulp of the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will clean out the infected pulp and replace it with a filler material.
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, an abscessed tooth may be too damaged to be saved and must be extracted. If the infection is severe, your dentist may also recommend removing other teeth in the area to prevent the further spread of the infection.
Conclusion
An abscessed tooth is a serious dental problem that requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage and infection. Treatments include antibiotics, root canal treatment, and extraction. It is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible if you think you may have an abscessed tooth.