An abscessed or infected tooth is a painful experience to endure. An abscess is a pocket of pus found at the tip of the root or in the gums surrounding the root of the tooth, usually caused by a bacterial infection. With prompt dental care, the infection is treatable, but serious complications can occur if it's not taken care of by a dentist in a timely fashion. Here's a closer look at tooth infections and the options available to relieve pain and potential sickness.

What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?

Tooth decay, usually as a result of poor oral hygiene, is the primary cause of an abscessed tooth. A cavity allows bacteria to enter the tooth and spread all the way to the root tip. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups are essential to overall dental health and preventing infection. High-sugar diets contribute to tooth decay, as extra sugar feeds the bacteria that can damage your teeth. 

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common sign of tooth infection is pain. Abscesses cause pain around the affected tooth that can radiate to the neck and ear. Tooth sensitivity to both hot and cold, pain when chewing, facial swelling, and swollen lymph nodes can also indicate an infected tooth. Some people develop a fever as well. 

Although a tooth abscess requires dental care and will not go away on its own, sometimes the abscess can suddenly rupture. If this happens, you'll experience immediate pain relief, along with a sudden rush of unpleasant-smelling liquid in your mouth. However, this does not mean the infection has cleared, so further treatment is still necessary. 

How Is an Abscess Treated? 

Depending on the location and severity of the infection, your dentist has several options for treatment. If the abscess has not ruptured, the dentist will drain it to decrease the swelling and remove the excess bacteria. 

Once the pus has drained, the dentist may perform a root canal to save the tooth. A root canal involves removing the diseased portion of the tooth pulp and sealing it against any further decay. If the tooth is severely decayed, extraction may be necessary. The dentist will pull the tooth and drain the abscess to relieve the infection. 

In many cases, antibiotics are needed to kill the infection. If you have a weakened immune system or the infection has spread to other areas, antibiotics will almost certainly be prescribed to prevent further spread. 

If you have severe tooth pain, don't wait to get dental care. Make an appointment with Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A., in Thomasville, NC, to ensure an infection doesn't get any worse. This gentle and compassionate dentist and his team will find the source of your discomfort and provide expert treatment to have you feeling better as soon as possible. Call (336) 476-1109 for an appointment and learn more about the practice on their website.