WE HOPE THAT nobody reading this has ever experienced a dental abscess, but we feel everyone should be able to recognize the signs of one. Dental abscesses are pockets of pus that can develop in the jaw because of a bacterial infection (which typically begins in the pulp of an infected tooth). These can be very painful and can even threaten overall health if the infection reaches the bloodstream. Abscesses should be treated as soon as possible by an endodontist.
A dental abscess is usually accompanied by throbbing pain around the infected tooth, which may come on suddenly and get worse over time. It may radiate outward when lying down, and sometimes it gets worse when biting down or chewing. Other symptoms include tooth sensitivity, a foul taste, redness and swelling in the gums around the tooth, bad breath, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, and fever.
If an abscess ruptures, it can provide some relief by releasing the pressure but it still needs treatment! Dental abscesses don’t go away on their own and are much more likely to grow worse, more dangerous, and more expensive to treat with time. Anyone experiencing the symptoms we’ve described should schedule an appointment so that we can take a look and make a plan for treatment.
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