What causes a tooth abscess?
A dental abscess is a serious infection requiring treatment:
What is an abscess: - Pocket of pus from bacterial infection - Can form at tooth root (periapical) - Can form in gums (periodontal) - Body's response to infection
Causes: - Untreated cavity reaching the nerve - Cracked or chipped tooth - Failed root canal - Gum disease - Trauma to tooth
Symptoms: - Severe, throbbing toothache - Swelling in face/cheek - Fever - Tender lymph nodes - Bad taste in mouth - Sensitivity to temperature - Pain when chewing
Why it's serious: - Infection can spread - Can affect jawbone - Can spread to other body areas - Rarely life-threatening if untreated
Treatment: - Drain the abscess - Root canal to save tooth, OR - Extraction if tooth can't be saved - Antibiotics to fight infection
Prevention: - Regular dental checkups - Treat cavities promptly - Don't ignore tooth pain - Good oral hygiene
If you suspect an abscess, call immediately: (703) 729-6222
Still have questions?
Our team is available Monday – Saturday. Call or use the chat assistant below.