Definition
A tooth abscess is a sac of infected material called pus in a tooth or the gums.
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Causes
A tooth abscess is caused by bacteria. It begins when bacteria invade and infect the tissue around a tooth. This results in pus build-up. When the pus is unable to drain, an abscess results.
Conditions that allow bacteria to invade a tooth include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Break or crack in a tooth that lets bacteria invade the pulp
- Failed root canal treatment
- Advanced periodontitis
- Dental trauma
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of a tooth abscess include:
- Build up of tartar or calculus beneath the gum line
- Poor dental hygiene leading to cavities and periodontal diseases
Symptoms
A tooth abscess may cause:
- Throbbing/lingering pain in a tooth or gum area
- Pain when biting
- Pain from hot or cold
- Sudden tooth pain
- Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the gums
- Fever
- Bad breath or foul taste in mouth
- Open, draining sore on the gums
- Loose tooth
If left untreated, complications of tooth abscess include:
- Loss of tooth and surrounding tissues or bone
- Spread of infection to surrounding tissue or bone
Diagnosis
Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A detailed exam of your teeth and gums will be done.
Images may need to be taken of the tooth and surrounding bone. This can be done with x-rays.
A sample of the abscess fluid may be taken and tested.
Treatment
Drainage of Abscess
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If an abscess results from infection between the tooth and gum:
- The abscess is drained and thoroughly cleaned.
- The root surface of tooth is cleaned and smoothed.
- In some cases, surgery to reshape the gum is done to prevent a repeat infection.
Removal of Abscess Via Root Canal
-
If an abscess results from tooth decay or a break or crack in the tooth:
- The tooth and surrounding tissue is numbed and a hole is drilled through the top of the tooth.
- Pus and dead tissue are removed from the center of the tooth.
- The interior of the tooth and the root canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent filling.
- A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it.
Tooth Extraction (Removal)
-
Tooth extraction may be required if:
- Tooth decay and/or tooth infection is too extensive for filling or root canal treatment.
- The break or crack in the tooth is too severe to be repaired.
- The infection or loss of tissue/bone between the tooth and gum is severe.
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If the tooth is extracted, it will be replaced with a:
- Partial bridge
- Denture
- Tooth implant
Medication
- Antibiotics to fight residual infection of the tooth or gums
- Over-the-counter pain relief drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Prevention
To help reduce your chance a tooth abscess:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per day.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a powered toothbrush.
- Floss between your teeth and gums every day.
- Get regular dental check-ups and teeth and gum cleanings every 6 months.
RESOURCES:
Academy of General Dentistry
http://www.agd.org
Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
http://www.mouthhealthy.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca
REFERENCES:
Abscess (toothache). Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess. Accessed August 22, 2017.
Acute apical dental abscess. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T435303/Acute-apical-dental-abscess. Updated June 15, 20175. Accessed August 22, 2017.
Dental abscess. NHSinform website. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/dental-abscess. Updated April 13, 2017. Accessed August 22, 2017.
Toothache and Infection. The Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/symptoms-of-dental-and-oral-disorders/toothache-and-infection. Updated September 2016. Accessed August 22, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 9/30/2013