OverviewA tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that's caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can occur at different areas near the tooth for different reasons. A periapical (per-e-AP-ih-kul) abscess occurs at the tip of the root. A periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. The information here is about periapical abscesses. Show A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or prior dental work. The resulting infection with irritation and swelling (inflammation) can cause an abscess at the tip of the root. Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
When to see a doctorSee your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess. If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
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clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesA periapical tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Bacteria enter through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth and spread all the way down to the root. The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root. Risk factorsThese factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess:
ComplicationsA tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may improve a lot, making you think that the problem has gone away — but you still need to get dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. If the tooth is located near the maxillary sinus ⸺ two large spaces under your eyes and behind your cheeks ⸺ you can also develop an opening between the tooth abscess and the sinus. This can cause an infection in the sinus cavity. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body. If you have a weakened immune system and you leave a tooth abscess untreated, your risk of a spreading infection increases even more. PreventionAvoiding tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay:
What happens if you leave a toothache too long?If your toothache isn't treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected. This can usually lead to a dental abscess, with severe and continuous throbbing pain. Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, may reduce the pain and discomfort while you're waiting for an appointment.
How long does a toothache last without treatment?If you are experiencing pain due to a cavity or an infection, then your discomfort will persistently last for more than 48 hours and will continue to worsen with time.
How long can I go with tooth pain?See your dentist as soon as possible if: You have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days. Your toothache is severe. You have a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide.
Will a toothache eventually go away on its own?Many people leave an issue like a severe toothache alone to see if it works itself out. However, the longer you let something progress, the worse it typically gets. It's rare, if ever the case, that a tooth infection or other dental emergency works itself out without receiving treatment.
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