Alternative Names abscessed tooth, infected tooth, dental abscess, periapical abscess
Definition When a tooth becomes infected is called an abscessed tooth. Pus collects in an area that forms in the bone at the end of the root. An abscess almost always begins in the central or pulp area of the tooth and spreads into the surrounding bone.
What is going on in the body? When the nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth pulp begin to decay, it causes the cells to die. The area then becomes infected with bacteria that break down the healthy tissue forming pus. An abscessed tooth usually starts with a deep cavity. If left untreated the cavity can extend into the tooth pulp. The pus that collects in the centre of the tooth eventually spreads to the bone tissue at the end of the root. Most of the time, this causes a toothache and soreness in that part of the mouth. Even though the toothache may come and go, the abscess will remain until it is treated.
Second to tooth decay, trauma is the most common cause of a tooth abscess. This can consist of a hard blow to the tooth or a fracture from biting on a hard object. Tooth trauma is a much less common cause of tooth abscess than tooth decay.
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection? Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
tooth sensitivity to heat or cold
tooth soreness that may come and go
mild toothache
severe toothache that may throb
increased pain when lying down
tooth soreness or pain when chewing
bad taste or bad mouth odour
possible fever
swelling around tooth or in jaw
pus drainage in mouth
swollen glands
loss of appetite
sleeplessness
general sick feeling
What are the causes and risks of the infection? A tooth abscess occurs when decay attacks the central area of the tooth pulp. This can be avoided by treating cavities when they are small. Once a tooth abscess forms, treatment is always necessary to stop the process. Root canal therapy will usually save the tooth.
What can be done to prevent the infection? Tooth abscess can be avoided by treating cavities early. Good brushing and flossing habits, regular dental check ups, and avoiding excessive amounts of sugary or starchy foods also help prevent tooth abscess.
How is the infection diagnosed? A dentist can diagnose a tooth abscess by examining the tooth, reviewing the symptoms, and looking at the X-rays. If a tooth becomes sensitive to heat or cold, a dentist may be able to prevent a tooth abscess by treating the problem at an early stage.
What are the long-term effects of the infection? Left untreated a tooth abscess can lead to general infection in the body. With prompt treatment, the tooth may be saved and serious complications from infection can be prevented.
The following can happen when a tooth abscess is not treated properly:
loss of the tooth
spread of the infection to other parts of the jaw
spread of infection to other parts of the body
What are the treatments for the infection? There are two basic treatments for a tooth abscess. Root canal therapy can get rid of the infection and save the tooth in most cases. With root canal therapy, the infected tissue in the central part of the tooth is removed. The area is then sealed to prevent continued infection. Surgery to remove the infected material from the bony tissue around the root is sometimes needed. The tooth itself may need to be repaired with a crown after root canal therapy.
If root canal therapy is not successful, the tooth usually has to be extracted. Antibiotics alone will help symptoms only temporarily. A tooth abscess cannot be permanently cured without root canal therapy or the removal of the tooth.
What happens after treatment for the infection? If root canal therapy is successful and the tooth is properly repaired afterward, it can last indefinitely. Removing the tooth before the infection has spread to the rest of the body also solves the infection, although it may cause other oral problems.
Author: Marvin Goldfogel, DDS Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
