A tooth can become abscessed when the root or surrounding gum tissue becomes severely infected. It most often occurs because of an untreated cavity or advanced gum disease or traumatic injury to the tooth. Anything that causes damage or infection of the pulp in the core of a tooth can cause an abscess such as poor oral health.
What is a Tooth Abscess?
Abscessed tooth symptoms include a severe toothache that doesn’t get better after a few days, pain when chewing, an increase in sensitivity levels, bad breath, redness and pain in the gums, fever, draining pus and swelling around the neck. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth could potentially be very dangerous, even life-threatening. It’s important to see us at Morgan Dental Care as soon as any of these symptoms become noticeable.
Most tooth abscesses can be avoided by simply following good dental care routines. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, will go a long way in keeping teeth and gums in a healthy state. It is also important to see a dentist regularly for routine care, and also immediately after any major accident that causes a chip, break or loosening of a tooth. A lack of intense pain is not necessarily an indicator that everything is fine. Very often it takes a long time before symptoms develop, but the damage is getting worse even while there is no pain.
The most important part of abscess treatments is getting the infection under control, especially if the infection is severe. Any time there is swelling around a tooth or in the gum, it is important to talk to Dr. Morgan so he can assess the situation.
To learn more about treating and repairing a tooth abscess, call Dr. Ted Morgan and Dr. Amanda Rockwood at Morgan Dental Care today!