Why You Should Never Ignore an Abscessed Tooth

If you have ever had an abscessed tooth, you know how unpleasant the symptoms can be. Severe pain, a bad taste in your mouth, swelling and even a fever are all indications that a dental abscess is present. The truth is, an abscess is actually a secondary problem that is triggered by an infection. This tooth infection could be from a recent tooth injury (cracked or fractured tooth), gum disease or severe tooth decay. Regardless of what caused it, when the infection penetrates the tooth center, or the pulp, it can wreak havoc on your tooth health and cause painful and disruptive symptoms if not addressed. A dental abscess is simply one way your smile is crying out for help. 

How does the abscess form? A tooth infection can cause pus to accumulate at the tip of the tooth root in the jawbone. This pus-pocket is the abscess that causes pain, swelling and redness in the gums. Most patients also experience a foul taste in their mouth and some even develop a fever. If left untreated, this infection can spread and damage your jawbone and surrounding teeth and gums.

An abscessed tooth always needs to be addressed by a dentist. In fact, it is considered an emergency dental concern. Treating an abscessed tooth depends on the cause of your infection. Treatment may include an antibiotic prescription, draining the abscess, a deep cleaning or a root canal. At Cosmetic Dentistry of Hayward, we are equipped to diagnose and treat all types of tooth infections, including those caused by a tooth fracture, gum disease or decay. We will eliminate the source of your abscess so that your pain is alleviated and your smile health is restored. If you are experiencing symptoms of an abscessed tooth, don’t ignore them! We reserve time in our daily schedule to handle dental emergencies so that worsening dental problems do not result.