Infected tissue around the tooth causes an abscess, which is a sign of a more serious infection. If an abscess isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to more serious complications. It is bacteria that grows from dead tissue when the tooth pulp dies as a result of damage or decay. Abscesses are formed when bacteria spread from a dead tooth root into surrounding tissue and create a pocket of necrosis.
A tooth abscess can also be caused by gum disease. A disease that affects the gums causes them to pull away from the teeth, resulting in the formation of pockets. It is possible for bacteria to grow and spread when one of the pockets is blocked. When this occurs, an abscess begins to form beneath the gum line, and the swelling that results as it grows and spreads becomes apparent.
As the infection spreads, your jawbone may begin to dissolve to accommodate the swelling in the infected area. The infection will still be present, but the pressure will be greatly reduced when the bone begins to dissolve. Despite the fact that you will feel better, the infection will worsen, and the pain will return. It is inevitable that the tooth will become loose and necessitate extraction if any more of the bone has been dissolved.
Swollen, reddened, and painful gums are all signs of an abscessed tooth. There may also be swelling in the jaw or around the affected area, and a high fever may accompany the other symptoms. An abscess can cause excruciating pain in the affected area, and it’s not uncommon for it to do so. The pain seems to get worse no matter what you do.
In the back teeth, abscesses are more common, but they can also occur in the front teeth as well. Your dentist won’t immediately remove your tooth if it’s abscessed. An abscessed tooth should not be extracted while the infection is still present. Instead, you’ll be given antibiotics by your dentist to help kill the bacteria.
A root canal can also be performed by a dentist in order to remove diseased or decayed tissue from the root of the tooth. As a final option, the dentist can also drill into the tooth and remove any dead pulp that may be causing the infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat the infection, followed by extraction of the affected tooth. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to permanent damage to the jawbone.
