A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of a tooth’s root (periapical abscess) or in the gum beside a tooth (periodontal abscess).
Symptoms
- Intense, throbbing toothache that may spread to the ear, jaw or neck
- Pain when biting or touching the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- A bad taste or pus draining into the mouth
- Fever and feeling unwell
If the abscess bursts, the pain may ease, but the infection is still there.
Why it needs treatment
An abscess won’t go away without treatment. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, the face and neck, and in rare cases become life-threatening. Antibiotics alone don’t remove the source of the infection, although they may be used alongside treatment.
How an abscess is treated
- Draining the abscess to release the pus
- Root canal treatment to remove the infection and save the tooth
- Extraction, if the tooth can’t be saved
- Deep cleaning, for a gum abscess
Get urgent help if
- Swelling spreads to your eye, neck or under the tongue
- You have difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
- You have a high fever
In these cases go to an emergency department immediately.
While you wait for your appointment
Rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Don’t apply heat to the outside of the face.
If you think you have an abscess, call Dr H.B Mohamed in Lenasia on 011 852 7866.