What Is a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess forms when bacteria enter a tooth through decay, a crack, or advanced gum disease, creating a pocket of pus that builds pressure and pain. Because the infection is sealed inside the tooth or surrounding tissue, it can’t heal on its own — and left untreated, it can spread beyond the tooth.
Warning Signs
- Constant or throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A bad taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Pain when chewing or opening your mouth
These symptoms typically mean an active infection that needs professional attention — not something to wait out.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how far the infection has progressed and whether the tooth can be saved:
- Draining the abscess to relieve pressure and inflammation
- Root canal therapy to remove infected tissue and preserve the natural tooth
- Extraction if the tooth has sustained severe structural damage
- Antibiotics, alongside in-office treatment, to help control the spread of infection
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
The longer an abscess goes untreated, the more time bacteria have to damage surrounding bone and soft tissue — and, in some cases, spread beyond the mouth entirely. Early treatment controls the infection while it’s still limited to one area, protecting both the tooth and the teeth around it.
Ongoing pain or swelling is your body telling you something needs attention. Call Densley Dental at (702) 212-6641 to schedule an evaluation.