An abscess is a painful infection at the root or in the gum of a tooth. It occurs when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected and goes untreated. The infection can spread to the bone and the gum tissue around the tooth. An abscessed tooth must be treated by a dentist as soon as possible to relieve the pain and prevent further damage.

A toothache is the most common symptom of an abscess, but you may also experience pain when chewing, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling of the gums, or other symptoms.

There are two types of dental abscesses: periapical and periodontal. Periapical abscesses occur at the tip of the root and are often caused by untreated dental decay or a cracked tooth. Symptoms of periapical abscesses include severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the gum near the infected tooth. Periodontal abscesses occur between the gum and the tooth’s surface. These types of abscesses are typically caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or tooth trauma. Symptoms include swollen or bleeding gums and pain when chewing or touching the infected area.

A dental abscess is usually treated with a root canal. Our highly trained dental team will remove the inflamed or infected area, clean, shape, fill the root canals, and seal the space. You will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

If you think you may have an abscessed tooth, contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment. Our team will provide you with the treatment you need to relieve your pain and prevent further damage. Give us a call today at (251) 210-2773 to request an appointment.