As small as our teeth are, they play a very vital role in our general health. When infection sets in our teeth, we often feel the pain severely, as well as a drastic reduction in our ability to use them. Sometimes the causes of these infections could be an abscess, and knowing how to identify them is crucial for immediate treatment.
What Is A Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a small sac of pus that forms from a bacterial infection. A tooth abscess can form in different areas around a tooth, and can occur for different reasons. When they occur, they usually affect the tooth they surround, the bone in that area, or even the surrounding teeth.
Types of Abscesses
An abscess could be periapical or periodontal. A periapical abscess occurs when the infection sets at the tip of the tooth root. This happens when bacteria travels into the tooth pulp through cavities or fractures. The bacteria affects the pulp and spreads to the tip of the root. From there, it affects the bone in that area causing an abscess. Conversely, a periodontal abscess results from infections that form in the jawbone and tissues that hold a tooth. Oftentimes, gum disease also causes a periodontal abscess.
Common Signs Of A Tooth Abscess
While an abscess may stem from cavity or gum disease, the symptoms are usually more pronounced. Patients may experience severe toothaches that can extend to the jawbone and neck area. Affected teeth will also be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. The gum in that area may swell and appear red. You can also have some fever, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. While there are other symptoms that could occur, it is always best to discuss them with our professionals to ensure that you are rightly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
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As small as our teeth are, they play a very vital role in our general health. When infection sets in our teeth, we often feel the pain severely, as well as a drastic reduction in our ability to use them. Sometimes the causes of these infections could be an abscess, and knowing how to identify them is crucial for immediate treatment.