A tooth abscess is an infection surrounding the root resulting from disease in the center of a tooth or the gum.

A tooth abscess can form as a result of:

• Tooth decay
• Trauma to the tooth
• Gaps in the enamel which allow bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp), or
• Gum disease.Infection invariably spreads from the root of the tooth to the bones supporting the teeth destroying it rapidly

Symptoms:

• The main symptom is severe pain which is continuous and may be described as sharp or throbbing.
• Bad taste or smell in the mouth
• General discomfort & fever
• Pain on chewing or applying pressure to the tooth
• Sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold
• Swollen glands in neck & face
• A ‘Gum Boil’ may be seen on the gum adjacent to the affected tooth draining pus

Treatment:

• The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and prevent further complications
• If there is a severe infection, the tooth may be removed or surgery may be needed to drain the abscess
• In such a case an implant can be planned as a future replacement option