An abscessed tooth is caused by an infection in the tooth or gum tissue due to untreated dental conditions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a raised bump on the gum. Treatment may involve medication, a root canal, or tooth extraction. Untreated abscesses can lead to serious health problems.
An abscessed tooth is a term used when there is an infection deep inside a tooth or in the gum tissue. This type of infection is commonly caused by untreated dental conditions such as gum disease or tooth decay. Typical symptoms of an abscessed tooth include moderate to severe pain, a raised bump on the gum tissue surrounding the infected tooth, and swelling of the face or jaw. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may involve the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, a root canal, or extraction of the infected tooth. Any questions or concerns about possible symptoms of an abscessed tooth or the best treatment options for an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Untreated cavities can become so severe that the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, leading to an infection that causes a tooth abscess. Gum disease can cause gum tissue to slowly separate from the tooth, allowing food particles and bacteria to build up between the tooth and the gum. This collection of bacteria can lead to an infection or an abscess. As the abscess gets worse, unpleasant symptoms can develop, often forcing the affected person to seek the assistance of a dentist.
The initial symptoms of a tooth abscess often include discomfort that later turns into extreme shooting pain, especially when chewing. Fever often develops as a result of the infection, and the face or jaw may begin to swell in the area of the abscessed tooth. A bump that looks like a boil may appear on the gum, or the gums may appear red and swollen. Many people with this condition report a strange taste in their mouth, which could be a result of the infection leaking into the mouth from the abscess.
An untreated abscess can cause significant health problems, especially if the infection travels to the brain or bloodstream. In many cases, an abscessed tooth can be treated successfully with prescribed antibiotics, although the damage to the tooth must be addressed so that infection does not occur. A dental procedure known as a root canal may be able to save the affected tooth, although in severe cases the tooth may need to be extracted. Depending on the severity, extraction may simply consist of pulling the tooth or the tooth may need to be surgically removed. A dentist will be able to help the patient decide on the best course of treatment on an individual basis.
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