A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the base of a tooth. The most common cause of a tooth abscess is an infection due to decay, but it can also be caused by an injury or other damage to the tooth.
If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, you may wonder exactly what does a tooth abscess look like? Understanding the appearance and symptoms of an abscess can help with early detection and treatment, preventing any associated oral health complications such as tooth loss or sepsis.
Is a Tooth Abscess a Dental Emergency?
A tooth abscess is considered a dental emergency. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, such as sepsis, bone loss, and tissue death.
Infection can spread to the jawbone and soft tissues, causing deterioration and tooth loss.
In rare cases, bacteria can cause meningitis or endocarditis. While these infections are serious, they can be treated with antibiotics.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately so your dentist can assess the severity of the condition of your oral health and provide prompt treatment.
What Does a Tooth Abscess Look Like: Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
Identifying symptoms early is critical to receiving prompt treatment for a dental emergency. Symptoms can be subtle initially, but if you know what to look for, you can get the help you need to save your tooth.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
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Swelling in the Face or Neck
The lump may be visible to the naked eye, or you may only feel it when touching your skin. The swelling is usually caused by an accumulation of pus in the abscess. As the pus builds up, it puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, causing swelling.
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Intense Pain
There are several types of pain associated with an abscess. You may feel radiating pain occurs when the abscess presses on nearby nerves. This type of pain typically radiates from the centre of the abscess outwards.
Continuous pain is a constant, low-level pain typically less severe than radiating pain. The pulsing of blood causes throbbing pain within the abscess, and it is often most noticeable when the abscess is first forming.
Chewing pain occurs when the abscess presses on the teeth or jaw and is usually only experienced when eating or drinking.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath is caused by the accumulation of pus in the abscess. The pus is full of bacteria, and as it builds up, it emits sulphur as a metabolic byproduct with a strong odour. This can be a sign that the dental emergency is worsening.
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Foul Taste in the Mouth
The pus in the tooth abscess can also cause a foul taste in your mouth. It might make you feel like you need to clear your throat constantly.
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Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth becomes more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. The infection has damaged the tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin.
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Fever and Nausea
If the infection spreads beyond the tooth, you may experience fever and nausea. These are signs that the infection has entered your bloodstream and affects other body parts.
What Does a Tooth Abscess Look Like: Types of Abscesses
A dental abscess can occur in different parts of the mouth. They are generally classified according to where they are located. Several types of dental abscesses can occur.
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Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess is an infection that occurs at the root tip of the tooth. It is the most common type of tooth abscess. This dental abscess is usually caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a cavity or crack.
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Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is an infection of the gum pockets and often affects the underlying ligaments and bone. It occurs when bacteria enter the gum tissue through a tooth cavity or crack. The bacteria then multiply and cause an infection.
This type of dental abscess is usually more challenging to treat than a periapical abscess because it is located deep in the gum tissue and may require emergency dentist appointments.
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Gingival Abscess
A gingival abscess is an infection of the gums. It is typically not due to tooth decay but caused by food debris becoming lodged in the gum tissue, allowing bacteria to grow in the periodontal pocket. A gingival dental abscess may also be caused by foreign bodies such as toothpicks or dental floss becoming trapped in or damaging the gum tissue.
Treatment for a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a dental emergency and requires professional medical treatment. It will not resolve on its own.
Treatment involves surgically draining the abscess to remove the pus and antibiotics. However, if the infection has caused significant damage to the tooth or bone structure, the tooth may need to be extracted.
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Draining the Abscess
The dentist applies a local anaesthetic and then makes a small incision in the abscess allowing the pus to drain. They may need to insert a small rubber drain to keep the drainage port open to encourage the swelling to subside.
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Root Canal Therapy
A periapical abscess typically requires a root canal. It involves removing the infected tooth pulp and nerve tissue from the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed. A root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
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Antibiotics
If the infection has spread beyond the tooth, you may also need to take a course of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, or metronidazole. Antibiotics eliminate the bacteria that cause an abscess. They are usually taken for 7-10 days.
After the dental abscess is drained, the pain will typically go away immediately. However, it is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if you feel better. This ensures the infection is completely gone and prevents reinfection or bacterial resistance.
Protect Your Oral Health at No Gaps Dental
Maintaining good oral health is essential for your general well-being. If you have a toothache or other symptoms of a dental abscess, it is crucial to see an emergency dentist immediately. Understanding what a tooth abscess looks like can ensure you get prompt treatment. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious problems.
No Gaps Dental is dedicated to providing quality dental care and emergency dentist services. Contact one of our 15 Sydney locations to schedule a dental emergency appointment or call us on (02) 8007 6727.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Tooth Abscess Symptoms, Remedies, Complications & Prevention
https://askthedentist.com/tooth-abscess/
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease