Tooth Abscess (Dental Abscess, Abscessed Tooth)

Throbbing/lingering pain in a tooth or gum areaPain when biting on a toothSpontaneous tooth painRedness, tenderness, or swelling of the gumsFeverSwollen glands in the neckDiscoloration of a toothBad breath or foul taste in mouthOpen, draining sore on the gums If left untreated, complications of tooth abscess can include: Loss of tooth and surrounding tissues or boneSpread of infection to surrounding tissue or bone DiagnosisA dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a detailed exam of your teeth and gums. The examination will include testing the tooth for pain and sensitivity by: Lightly tapping on the toothStimulating the tooth nerve with heat or coldStimulating the tooth nerve with a low electrical currentSliding a probe between the tooth and gum to measure gaps or loss of tissue Your dentist will also take an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone. TreatmentTreatment includes: 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 top of the tooth.Pus and dead tissue are removed from the center of the tooth.The interior of the tooth and the root (nerve) canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent filling.A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it. 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 performed to prevent recurrence of infection. Tooth Extraction (Removal) Removal of the tooth 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 extensive. If the tooth is extracted, it will be replaced with: A partial bridgeA dentureA tooth implant MedicationAntibiotics to fight residual infection of the tooth or gumsNonprescription pain relief drugs (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and warm salt water rinses Prevention Most tooth abscesses can be prevented with:

Proper dental hygiene, including: Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per dayDaily flossing between teeth and gumsRegular dental check-ups (every six months)Regular professional teeth and gum cleaning (every six months) RESOURCES: Academy of General Dentistryhttp://www.agd.org/consumer American Dental Associationhttp://www.ada.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dental Associationhttp://www.cda-adc.ca The Canadian Dental Hygienists Associationhttp://www.cdha.ca/ References: American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org . The Merck Manual of Medical InformationHome Edition . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ . Last reviewed October 2007 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.