Book NowIf you've experienced a tooth abscess, you know how painful it can be. A tooth abscess is a serious dental problem that can lead to further complications if left untreated. Let’s take a closer look at the stages of a tooth abscess, why it occurs and how it can be treated.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess, or dental abscess, is a bacterial infection that occurs in the soft, inner part of the tooth (the pulp) or in the gums surrounding the tooth. The infection causes a buildup of pus, which puts pressure on the surrounding tissues and causes pain, inflammation and serious consequences if left untreated.
Common symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Redness and swelling
- Throbbing near the affected tooth that comes and goes spontaneously
- Pain that worsens when lying down and interrupts sleep
- Painful, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw
- Severe ear, neck or jaw pain
- Consistent bad breath, even after brushing or rinsing the mouth
- A loose tooth near the infection
- Difficulties with swallowing and breathing
- Facial swelling
What causes a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is caused by bacteria getting into the teeth and gums. The way this happens can differ depending on what type of abscess you have.
Periapical abscesses
These abscesses occur at the tip of a tooth’s root, usually through a cavity.
Periodontal abscesses
Happening on the gum next to the root of a tooth, periodontal abscesses are usually caused by gum disease, but can also be the result of an injury. Occurring deep in the gum with nowhere to drain, these abscesses can spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
Gingival abscess
This type of abscess occurs on the gums, usually from a foreign body like a popcorn hull or toothbrush bristle getting stuck in the gums. It often appears as a small but visible pimple
The stages of a tooth abscess
There are four stages of tooth abscess. Keep an eye on your symptoms and get treated as soon as possible.
Stage 1 – Enamel decay
The first stage is damage to the outer layer of a tooth. Enamel decay usually occurs from a buildup of plaque. Plaque releases acid onto the teeth that corrodes the enamel and causes cavities. At this stage people can experience tooth sensitivity and white calcified spots on the teeth or no symptoms at all.
Stage 2 – Dentin decay
If enamel decay isn’t treated, the next layer of your tooth will start to decay. Dentin damage can increase tooth sensitivity and cause small holes in the teeth to develop.
Stage 3 – Tooth pulp infection
If bacteria eat through your tooth’s dentin, they will enter the deepest layer of your tooth structure where they can attack the nerve. This often causes severe tooth pain. The body’s immune system will begin to fight the infection, causing a buildup of pus around the dying roots that forms an abscess.
Stage 4 – Tooth loss or worse
If you don’t treat a tooth abscess, it can continue decaying the bone and lead to tooth loss. Bacteria can also spread to your bloodstream and cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection.
Treating a tooth abscess
A tooth abscess needs to be treated quickly. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the stage it's in.
Abscess draining
If the abscess is caught early, your dentist will make a small incision in the abscess to drain the pus. Never try this yourself at home. Your dentist will then clean the infected area and prescribe antibiotics to help fight infection.
Root canal treatment
In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. The dentist will also drain the abscess and clean, shape, seal and restore the root canal with a dental crown.
Tooth extraction
In more severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading. After the tooth has been removed, a dental implant or bridge may be necessary to replace the missing tooth and restore proper function to the mouth.
At home care
While you should always see a dentist, there are some steps you can take to reduce your discomfort at home. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
Preventing a tooth abscess
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth abscesses. It’s important to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet and reduce your sugar intake
- Visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings, x-rays, and dental exams every six months.
Make an appointment today
If you suspect you may have a tooth abscess, seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible. When you book in to see us, our team of experienced dentists will find out what type of abscess you have, what stage you’re in and which treatment is best for you.