What is an Abscessed Tooth?
Your mouth contains a mixture of good and bad bacteria. If the bad bacteria develop in excess for any length of time, you could be at risk for an abscessed tooth. Tooth abscesses are generally painful, and if not treated by a qualified family dentist, can lead to tooth loss. For more information about this severe dental condition, keep reading.
- What is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is essentially an infected tooth. Abscesses occur when the tissue around the tooth, the root, or the nerve within the tooth becomes infected due to a surge in harmful bacteria that results from inadequate brushing and flossing. Abscesses are painful, prohibiting you from biting down on the tooth or surrounding teeth. If the infection isn’t treated, it will spread, putting you at risk for oral bone loss and tooth loss.
- What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscess often develops after a tooth experiences trauma. Trauma can create a weakness in the structural integrity of the tooth, making it easier for bacteria to invade. If you already have a mild bacterial infection such as a tooth decay or gingivitis, the infection could quickly worsen. In this case, bacteria enters lose pockets that form around the teeth as plaque eats away at the oral tissues. Food acids contribute to the formation of bacteria within these pockets, and before too long, a tooth abscess can develop.
- How Do You Know If You Have an Abscess?
Symptoms of an abscess include throbbing pain when you chew, inflamed gums, swelling of the face, fever, a painful bump along the gum line, blood or puss oozing from a sore along the gums, or toothache. As the infection festers, oral bone density may weaken and cause the tooth to become loose or fall out.
If you believe you are suffering from an abscessed tooth, call All Smiles Dental Care today at (602) 903-5483. We will treat your oral infection and alleviate your pain. We’ll also provide the preventative care you need to keep future infections at bay.
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