Infected or Abscessed teeth

An abscessed tooth is a pus pocket around the root of the tooth. It will not clear up by itself so you need to see your dentist to remove the infection before it grows into a major toothache. A tooth can be abscessed for weeks or years and not show any symptoms. This is another reason to keep your regular dental visits.

Abscessed teeth can have several causes:

• • Deep decay

• • Cracked teeth

• periodontitis (gum infection)

Symptoms include:

• • pain and swelling

• • temperature or chewing sensitivity

• • redness in the gums

• • a bad taste

• • jaw pain

• fever and swollen lymph nodes

If the tooth can be saved your dentist will advise you to have a root canal and possibly a crown. If it can’t be saved your only choice is to have it extracted, then replaced with an implant, bridge, or a removable partial denture. Call us for an appointment to find out what is best for you.