by Toni Murphy

Created on: July 02, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

If you have ever had an abscessed tooth then you already know that the pain can be excruciating. Trying to ease that pain with pressure or heat only adds to the discomfort. Other symptoms of an abscess tooth can be a bitter taste, breath odor, fever, pain during chewing and sensitivity to hot and cold. You may also notice that the glands in your neck are painful and appear swollen. The most serious symptom and one that should send you to seek medical care immediately is swelling of the upper or lower jaw.

Wikipedia defines an abscess of the tooth as an accumulation of pus, caused by bacteria, in the tissues of the jawbone at the tip of an infected tooth. A tooth can become infected due to untreated tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth or untreated periodontal disease. A similar abscess can occur from a failed root canal.

According to the National Institute of Health an abscess, if left untreated, can actually perforate the bone. This perforation allows drainage into the surrounding tissues thus causing facial swelling. The pain from this can feel much like that experienced by migraine suffers.

Perforation of the bone may occur in untreated cases, along with other complications as the infection spreads. Some infections such as Ludwig's angina, a life threatening infection of the floor of the mouth causing closure of the airway resulting in suffocation. Infection can also spread to the central compartment of the thoracic cavity causing major complications of the heart or other vital organs. An infection of the upper teeth causes a risk of infection in the blood from connecting blood vessels. It is extremely rare, but can result in an abscess of the brain.

Treatment for an abscessed tooth involves elimination of the infection. Antibiotics may be given to help fight infection. Over the counter pain relievers can be used to temporarily bring down the fever and relieve the pain. A root canal may be done if the tooth is able to be restored, but extraction may be necessary if restoration is not possible.

The failure of an abscess to heal can be caused by one of several reasons: failed root canal, vertical root fracture, foreign material in the lesion, periodontal disease or penetration into the maxillary sinus. Abscesses that do not heal may require hospitalization and surgery.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. The best prevention of a tooth abscess is good dental hygiene, regular visits to your dentist and having any broken or cracked teeth fixed immediately.

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