Tooth Abscess: Symptoms and Treatment

An abscessed tooth is incredibly painful and dangerous to one’s oral health. It normally occurs on the root of a severely decayed tooth but can also form between the gums and teeth. This infection can even affect the health of the entire body. Both children and adults can develop an abscess. Treating an abscess involves seeking the care of a dental professional. Our children’s emergency dentists offer treatment for dental emergencies that include damaged teeth and severe infections.
 

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

Most of the time, an abscessed tooth produces pain and discomfort. Some patients may describe it as a toothache. This discomfort can also flare up when chewing or consuming temperate foods and drinks. Some patients may experience a bitter taste in their mouths and have persistent bad breath. Other common symptoms include:
 

• Swollen or red gums

• Tender or swollen jaws

• Engorged neck glands

• Fever

• Sores on the gums that are open and draining
   

In some cases, discomfort related to an abscess can subside. This occurs when the abscess kills the cellular material inside a tooth. Unfortunately, the lack of pain does not mean that the condition has improved. Even if a tooth is dead, an infection can remain active and continue to destroy neighboring tissues.
 

Treating Abscessed Teeth

When diagnosing and treating an abscess, our children’s emergency dentists strive to alleviate discomfort and restore oral function. Common forms of treatment include root canal therapy, draining the abscess, or extracting the tooth if it cannot be saved. To manage the infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Treating an abscess in a timely manner is very important to protecting oral health structures. Foregoing treatment could lead to further complications.
 

Preventing Dental Infections

We strongly encourage parents and caregivers to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with our pediatric dentists so that children’s oral health can be monitored on a routine basis. Many times, catching and treating decay early on prevents the development of an abscess.

To schedule an appointment, call our family-friendly practice today!