Abcess
A collection of infected material (pus) resulting from bacterial infection of the center (pulp) of a tooth.
A tooth
abscess is a complication of tooth decay. It may also result from trauma to the tooth, such as when a tooth
is broken or chipped. Openings in the tooth enamel allow bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp). Infection
may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.
Infection
results in a collection of pus (dead tissue, live and dead bacteria, white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues within
the tooth. This causes a painful toothache. If the root of the tooth dies, the toothache may stop, but the
infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue.
Symptoms Return to top
- Toothache
- Severe, continuous pain
- Gnawing or throbbing pain
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Foul smell to breath
- Possible fever
- Swollen glands of the neck
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
- Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw -- a very serious symptom
Signs and tests
The
patient will feel pain when the dentist taps the tooth. Biting or closing the mouth tightly also increases the pain. The gums
may be swollen and red and may drain thick material.
Treatment
The goals
of treatment are elimination of the infection, preservation of the tooth, and prevention of complications. Antibiotics may
be given to fight the infection. Warm salt-water rinses may be soothing. Over-the-counter pain relievers may relieve the toothache
and fever. Do not place aspirin directly over the tooth or gums because this increases
irritation of the tissues and can result in mouth ulcers.
Root
canal surgery may be recommended in an attempt to preserve the tooth. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and vascular
tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The root and surface of the tooth remain in place. The
cavity that is created in the core is filled and repaired, and a crown may be placed over the tooth.
Surgical
drainage of the abscess or extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)
The
infection of tooth abscess is usually curable with treatment. Preservation of the tooth is possible in many cases.
Complications
