Tooth Abscess Symptoms — Why It’s Important to Know What They Are?

There’s no escaping from the fact that a dental abscess is a real dental emergency. Aside from the fact that it can be debilitating and painful if left untreated, it can lead to severe and even life-threatening conditions, hence the need to call an emergency dentist for help.

Because of the need to act fast, it pays to understand the tooth abscess symptoms. You can distinguish a problem toothache from a full-blown dental emergency.

What is a Dental Abscess?

Before we dive into some of the tooth abscess symptoms, it’s essential to understand what a dental abscess is and, more importantly, what causes it. So, let’s examine exactly that.

A tooth abscess is, in effect, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Our body typically produces pus in response to an infection, and this pocket can occur in various places but predominantly at the tip of the tooth root where it meets the gum.

This is known as a periapical tooth abscess. Typically, bacteria enter the tooth via an untreated cavity or a chip and travel down to the root. Unsurprisingly, it can be incredibly painful.

Treating this as a dental emergency, a dentist will seek to drain the pus containing the infection and treat it with a course of antibiotics. In certain situations, a root canal can save the tooth; in other situations, the tooth will have to be extracted. Untreated tooth abscesses can result in potentially fatal conditions, especially if the infection spreads to other bodily parts.

It’s important to note that a dental abscess won’t go away. If the abscess ruptures, it may alleviate some of the pain, making you think that the problem is over, but in truth, you should still contact an emergency dentist who should treat it as a dental emergency.

Now that you know what a dental abscess is, what causes it, and why you should contact an emergency dentist, let’s examine some of the symptoms.

Tooth abscess symptoms and signs

The top signs and symptoms of a dental abscess include:

• Constant or severe throbbing toothache
• Sensitive teeth that are particularly susceptible to hot or cold temperatures
• Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
• Facial swelling around the face and neck
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes – particularly around the neck and face.
• A foul odour emanating from the oral cavity
• A sudden rush of foul-tasting fluid followed by immediate pain relief is a surefire sign that your abscess has ruptured.
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty in breathing

In truth, any of these tooth abscess symptoms are noticeable but may not always be associated with a dental abscess. This is why they’re sometimes ignored. Instead, call your Leichhardt dentist immediately if you show any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.

What about if you experience facial swelling or breathing difficulties?

If you have facial swelling and can’t get to your local Leichhardt dentist, visit your nearest emergency centre. Also, see your emergency centre if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, which can indicate that the infection may have spread to other areas.

How to Prevent a Dental Abscess

Despite the unpredictability of dental abscesses, there are precautions you can do to lower your risk:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
• Regular dental check-ups: Routine visits can catch issues like cavities and gum disease early.
• Address dental problems promptly: Avoid tooth pain, sensitivity, or other concerns.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit sugar and processed foods to prevent decay. Include calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus for strong enamel.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water to rinse away bacteria and support saliva, which protects against decay.

Dental Abscess Treatment in Leichhardt

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, time is of the essence.

At My Local Dentists, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies. Our experienced and compassionate team offers same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain quickly.

Call us today at (02) 9171 0840 or book an appointment online to take the first step toward feeling better. Don’t let a dental abscess put your health at risk—let us help you get back to smiling comfortably.

Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Leichhardt

Visit us at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.