Do you know how to tell if you have an abscessed tooth? If you are having tooth pain and you are not sure why, it’s a good idea to call your dentist. An abscessed tooth needs immediate attention. A tooth abscess is typically a secondary problem that stems from an infection caused by tooth decay, gum disease or a cracked or fractured tooth. Such tooth problems host a breeding ground for bacteria to enter the tooth pulp and cause infection. The pulp of your tooth is the important soft tissue inside your tooth that holds nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. Tooth health relies on tooth pulp remaining healthy.
You may be wondering how a tooth abscess forms? If an infection is present in or around a tooth, pus can build up at the tip of the root in the jawbone. An abscess is a pus-pocket that causes pain, swelling and redness in your gums. A tooth abscess can create a bad taste in your mouth or cause a fever. At the first sign of trouble it is imperative to see your dentist before an abscess has the chance to infect your jawbone the surrounding teeth and oral tissues. We do not recommend trying to address a tooth abscess on your own. A dental professional is needed to treat the infection and alleviate the tooth pain.
An experienced dentist like Dr. Porcaro can offer a variety of treatment options for an abscessed tooth depending on the severity of the infection. Sometimes you may simply need a prescription of antibiotics to eliminate the infection. If swelling from the abscess is severe and painful the infection can be drained. If gum disease is the root of the abscess problem, your dentist can perform a deep cleaning to remove harmful bacteria and debris between the gum and tooth. If your abscess is caused by an infection of a fractured or cracked tooth you will most likely need a root canal to properly address the damaged or dead tooth pulp.
Attending your routine dental exams and cleanings and maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent infection risks are the best way to avoid painful tooth abscesses.