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If you’ve ever had a throbbing toothache that just won’t quit, you know how miserable dental pain can be. Sometimes, that pain is a sign of something serious, like a tooth infection, also called a tooth abscess. But don’t worry! While an abscess needs quick treatment, our team at Dental Specialty Associates has the skills, technology, and gentle care to help you feel better fast. From diagnosing the cause of your tooth infection to rebuilding your smile after treatment, we can handle everything you need, right here under one roof.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes a tooth abscess, how you can spot the signs, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What Is a Tooth Abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of trapped pus that forms inside the body, usually due to an infection. While they can happen anywhere in the body, dental abscesses are one of the most common types.
A tooth abscess usually starts when bacteria sneak in through a cavity, crack, or unhealthy gum tissue. If it isn’t treated, the infection can spread and cause swelling, pain, and even more serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to take tooth pain seriously and call your dentist right away if something doesn’t feel right.
Tooth infections are a very common reason people need emergency dental care, which our team is proud to provide. Addressing the issue promptly is the best way to protect your smile and your overall health.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Tooth Infection
Before we get to the causes and treatments for dental abscesses, it’s important to understand that these can be serious, and even life-threatening, issues. While rare, dental infections can cause a condition called sepsis, which is an extreme reaction to an untreated infection that can cause organ damage and even death.
If you or someone you’re caring for has any of the following symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention:
- High fever with signs of a tooth infection
- Significant swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Generally feeling sick or lethargic, or developing a headache that won’t go away
If you’re unsure what to do about an infected tooth or a toothache that doesn’t feel better with over-the-counter pain medication, call us! We can help you figure out what’s going on and whether it’s time to head to the hospital.
What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
There are several different types of oral abscesses and they each have different root causes. However, here are some of the most common reasons people develop an abscess:
Untreated Tooth Decay
Cavities that go too deep let bacteria reach the soft tissue inside the tooth.
Gum Disease
Infections in your gums can spread to the areas around the roots of your teeth.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Even a tiny opening can make it easy for bacteria to get into the inner part of a tooth and cause an infection.
Injuries to the Mouth
Trauma can damage the interior of a tooth even without visible damage to the outside. In some cases, the nerve of a tooth can die even a long time after an injury and lead to an abscess even if your oral health seems perfect.
Old Dental Work
Over time, restorations like crowns or fillings can fail and start to leak, allowing bacteria to get into the tooth and cause and infection.
Signs You Might Have a Tooth Abscess or Infection
Tooth abscesses usually make themselves known, and they can be pretty painful. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Throbbing pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- A bad taste or smell in your mouth
- Pain when you bite down or chew
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
If you notice any of these symptoms of a tooth infection, don’t wait. Getting treatment early can prevent serious complications and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
The good news is that tooth abscesses can be treated, and you’ll usually feel much better soon after starting care. Here’s how we can help:
- Antibiotics – In many cases, we may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection until you can get it treated, or to help it shrink before we proceed with other treatments.
- Draining the abscess – This relieves pressure and clears out the infection.
- Root canal therapy – If the tooth can be saved, we’ll clean out the infection and seal the tooth to keep it strong.
- Simple tooth extraction – If the tooth is too damaged, we may need to remove it. This is a quick and comfortable procedure at our office.
- Surgical tooth extraction – For more complicated cases, like teeth that are broken at the gum line, surgical removal may be needed.
Our team uses advanced tools and gentle techniques to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. We know dental treatment can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you feel calm, cared for, and pain-free.
If You Need a Tooth Extraction, We Can Rebuild Your Smile!
Sometimes, saving an infected tooth isn’t possible, and an extraction is the best option for your health. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with a gap in your smile.
At our dental offices in Gilbert and Phoenix, we offer natural-looking solutions to rebuild your smile:
- Dental implants – These act like real tooth roots and can hold a new crown in place. Implants are strong, long-lasting, and help keep your jaw healthy.
- Dental bridges – A bridge fills the space left by a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side.
Whether you need a simple fix or a full smile makeover, we can take care of everything right here. No need to visit multiple offices, we’ve got you covered.
How to Prevent a Tooth Abscess
The best way to avoid the pain and stress of a tooth abscess is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to clean between your teeth and prevent gum infections.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Treat small problems like cavities or gum disease early, before they turn into bigger issues.
- Wear a mouthguard to prevent cracks if you grind your teeth or play sports.
- Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies that can crack your teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
By keeping up with these healthy habits, you can lower your risk of abscesses and keep your smile strong and beautiful.
Don’t Let a Tooth Infection Steal Your Smile. Get Relief Today!
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or think you might have an abscess, please don’t wait. An untreated dental infection can spread and cause serious problems, but with the right care, you can feel better quickly.
At Dental Specialty Associates, we’re committed to treating your pain gently and efficiently with safe and effective tooth abscess treatments in Gilbert and Phoenix. Whether you need a simple tooth extraction, surgical extraction, or full smile restoration with implants or bridges, we can give your smile all the care it needs.
Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. Let’s get you out of pain and back to smiling comfortably again!
