Posted on 9/7/2020 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
Many people ignore tooth pain until it becomes too great to ignore. This is especially true in the case of an abscessed tooth. Any tooth pain should be checked. However, you should schedule an appointment immediately if you believe you have an abscess.
What Is An Abscessed Tooth And How Does It Develop?
An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth – one that needs immediate dental care. This type of dental problem does not resolve itself or get better. You need to contact our office if you feel you have an abscess. Abscesses can form at the tip of a tooth (called a periapical abscess) or at the side of a tooth and inside the gum (a periodontal abscess). In either case, a pocket of pus forms that must be drained to prevent a further spread of the infection. A periapical abscess results from deep decay, prior dental work, or an injury, and is usually treated with root canal surgery.
Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth
If you have an abscessed tooth, you should see us right away if your tooth throbs and you experience extreme sensitivity. An abscessed tooth can cause facial swelling and pain, and can cause the lymph nodes to become swollen. If the abscess bursts, you will experience immediate pain relief and a salty and foul taste in your mouth. Some patients have problems swallowing, or experience respiratory distress as well. Even if an abscess breaks, you still need to come see a dentist in our office, as this type of complication can lead to life-threatening results.
If you believe you have developed an abscess or you are experiencing any type of tooth sensitivity, we urge you to call our office without delay. An abscess is not a condition you can ignore. Give our office a call and schedule an appointment right away. Abscesses are dental emergencies. Make it a priority to call our office ASAP.