CAN A TOOTH ABSCESS HEAL

Can a Tooth Abscess Heal

A tooth abscess is a painful infection identified by a pus-filled pocket next to a tooth or at the base of the root. Unfortunately, an abscess will not heal on its own and requires professional attention right away. It is possible for an abscess to rupture, giving immediate relief but that does not mean that the abscess is gone and you should still seek treatment.

What causes a tooth abscess?

An abscess can develop if:

• A tooth is impacted below the gum line
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Injury to your teeth, gums or mouth
• Radiotherapy or chemotherapy

How do I know if I have a tooth abscess?

There are some symptoms that can help you identify if you have a dental abscess. Things to look out for include:

• Redness or swelling in the gum, cheek, or jaw
• Toothache or pain in the gum tissue
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away with brushing
• Fever
• Difficulty opening your mouth and chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold, sugar, or acids

What is the treatment for a tooth abscess?

Your dentist may be able to provide a prescription for an antibiotic to clear the infection if the abscess is not yet severe. In some cases, they may decide to drain the abscess by making a small incision in the gum tissue to allow the pus to drain out.

More severe abscesses may require treatment by an endodontist for a root canal. During a root canal, the doctor will drill a small access hole in the affected tooth and then clean out each canal to remove bacteria and infection. If the tooth is unable to be saved with any of these treatments, the tooth may need to be extracted. From there, dental implants may be considered.

There are also some steps you can take on your own to ease discomfort until you can get to your dentist. Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medications can help ease discomfort as can modifying your diet a bit. Stick to soft food and avoid anything very hot or very cold. It can also be best to avoid sugary or acidic foods.

Can I prevent a tooth abscess?

An abscess is a result of an infection from bacteria getting into the tooth. The only way bacteria can get into your tooth is through decay or fracture, both of which leave the tooth compromised. An abscess is just one reason that it is important to practice good oral hygiene and to see your dentist regularly. A small cavity can quickly grow and allow bacteria and infection to fester. Your dentist can fix a cavity very easily so it is not worth waiting until you are in pain!

If you think you have a tooth abscess, visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and the spread of infection.

Dental Abscess Symptoms and Causes