An abscessed tooth is a tooth which has pus in the tissues next to it. Pus is an infection which forms when the body is trying to fight a bacterial infection. If the pus cannot drain, it leads to formation of an abscess
The damage to the tooth or an untreated cavity or a gum disease can lead to an abscessed tooth. If the cavity in mouth is not treated on time, the inside of the tooth can become infected. The bacteria inside the teeth can spread from the tooth till the tissues and thus create an abscess. The gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This leaves some pockets behind. If the food builds up in one of these pockets, it will lead to the growth of bacteria and an abscess can be formed. An abscess can lead to the bone around the tooth to dissolve.
If you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist will initially give you antibiotics to destroy the bacteria causing the infection. You can make a hole in the top or back of the tooth so the infection can drain. Usually this will relieve your pain. If necessary, you can make a small hole in the swollen area to allow it to drain.
If the inside of your tooth is infected, you can approach your dentist and get a root canal treatment done. With a root canal, you can save your tooth by taking out the infected pulp. If the treatment does not work, the dentist will have to remove your tooth.
You can prevent having an abscessed tooth by preventing bacterial infections which take place in your mouth. You can prevent bacterial infections by taking good care of your teeth and gums. You need to brush your teeth in the morning, at night and after eating food. If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, you can chew sugarless gum.
You should floss your teeth every day. You must also see your dentist for regular dental checkups. You must eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks.
A lateral abscess is similar to a periapical abscess. However, it develops along the lateral surface of the tooth's root. The infection in this case, comes from outside the tooth instead of from within. Since most lateral abscess happen due to periodontitis, the treatment is part of an overall periodontal treatment program.
An abscessed tooth is sensitive or painful. There is discomfort in tooth and it alerts the patient about the problem. Sometimes an abscess may be detected on an x-ray and treated at an earlier stage. If the abscess is left untreated, it may hamper the immune system and in certain cases, it may become life-threatening.