Treating an Abscess Tooth
Abscessed Tooth Treatment in Fairhope, AL | Sweet Water Dentistry
An abscess is a serious and painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or in the gum surrounding it. It develops when the pulp—the soft tissue inside the root canal—becomes inflamed or infected, often due to deep decay, trauma, or an untreated cavity. When left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth to the surrounding bone, gum tissue, and even other parts of the body. Because of this risk, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect you may have an abscess.
Common Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
The most common warning sign of an abscess is a persistent toothache. However, there are several other symptoms to watch for, including:
Pain when chewing or biting down
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
A foul taste in the mouth or bad breath
Fever or swollen lymph nodes
Pus drainage near the infected tooth
Swelling of the face or jaw
In some cases, the pain may subside if the pulp inside the tooth dies. However, that doesn’t mean the infection is gone—it may continue to spread, making timely treatment even more important.
Types of Dental Abscesses
There are two main types of dental abscesses:
Periapical Abscess
This type occurs at the tip of the tooth’s root. It is typically caused by untreated dental decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the pulp. Symptoms may include intense, throbbing pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness near the affected area.Periodontal Abscess
This abscess forms in the gums next to a tooth and is usually the result of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) or a foreign object becoming trapped between the tooth and gum. Symptoms often include swollen or bleeding gums, discomfort while chewing, and a visible bump or pimple on the gum that may release pus.
Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth
At Sweet Water Dentistry, we offer prompt and compassionate care for abscessed teeth. The most common treatment for a dental abscess is a root canal procedure. During this procedure, our skilled dental team will:
Carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp
Clean and disinfect the root canal system
Shape and fill the canal
Seal the tooth to prevent reinfection
Afterward, a dental crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to strengthen it and restore full function. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be necessary, followed by discussion of replacement options like implants or bridges.
Your Health is Our Priority
Delaying treatment for an abscessed tooth can lead to serious complications. The infection may spread to other areas of the head or neck, or even cause a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. That’s why it’s essential to address the issue as early as possible.
If you are experiencing signs of a dental abscess, don’t wait. Our caring team at Sweet Water Dentistry is here to help you get the relief and treatment you need. We offer same-day appointments when available and will walk you through every step of the healing process.
Call Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, AL today at (251) 210-2773 to schedule your appointment. Your comfort, health, and smile are our top priorities!
Visit us for expert care:
Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773
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