A tooth abscess is a pocket of infection that can develop in or around a tooth, often as a result of bacteria reaching the inner tissues of the tooth or surrounding gums.
Tooth Abscess
Tooth Abscess? Don’t Wait to Get Care
A tooth abscess is a dental infection that can cause significant pain and may worsen without appropriate treatment. Symptoms can include persistent or throbbing tooth pain, tenderness, swelling, or discomfort when biting and chewing. We start by identifying the source of the problem, relieving your immediate discomfort, and determining the appropriate treatment for the infected tooth.
Depending on your situation, treatment may involve cleaning the infected tooth with root canal therapy or extracting the tooth. Prescriptions, including antibiotics or pain medication, may also be provided when clinically appropriate. Whenever possible, our team strives to diagnose and treat your dental concern during the same appointment.
Call to Schedule01.
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling around a tooth or the gums
- Increasing pain or tenderness around the affected tooth
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
- A suspected infection or abscess
- Symptoms that are getting worse rather than improving
02.
Process
- We’ll evaluate the affected tooth and surrounding tissues to look for signs of infection.
- Digital X-rays may be used to better understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
- Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may include a root canal, tooth extraction, or another appropriate procedure.
- Antibiotics or pain medication may be prescribed as part of emergency treatment when clinically necessary.
- Whenever possible, we strive to diagnose and treat the problem during the same appointment.
- We provide follow-up appointments and can refer you for specialized care when needed.
FAQ
-
What is a tooth abscess?
-
What are the signs of a dental abscess?
Common signs can include severe or throbbing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling of the gums or face, tenderness when biting or chewing, a bad taste in the mouth, or a pimple-like bump on the gums.
-
Can a tooth abscess affect my overall health?
Yes. A tooth abscess is an infection, and without treatment, the infection can potentially spread beyond the affected tooth.
Related Services
Root Canal Treatment
Severe tooth pain, persistent sensitivity, or infection can make it difficult to wait for regular dental office hours. We provide prompt root canal treatment to address infection or damage within your tooth while giving you an opportunity to preserve the natural tooth instead of removing it.
Root Canal Treatment
Tooth Extractions
Your natural teeth are worth preserving whenever possible, but severe decay, infection, trauma, or other dental problems can sometimes make extraction the appropriate treatment. Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and determine whether it can be restored or should be safely removed.
Tooth Extractions