What Are Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth?
What Are Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth?
A bacterial tooth infection can cause a range of symptoms, but many don’t appear until the infection has already caused significant damage. This is why it's so important to have regular visits with your dentist so that any issues can be taken care of before they become serious.
What Are Signs of an Infected Tooth?
Tooth abscesses commonly produce localized sensitivity. If you notice a single tooth is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, you may be suffering from a tooth infection. Additional symptoms may include localized pain which can be throbbing, sharp, or a combination. Pain is always an indication that it’s time to call the dentist for an examination.
But not everyone who has an infected tooth experiences pain. Sometimes, you might actually be experiencing tooth pain, but you think it’s a headache or sinus pain. Other times, you might not feel pain at all. Most of the time, pain in a tooth is related to pressure that builds up in the tooth. But if the cavity that allowed access to the tooth pulp also allows drainage from the tooth, there’s less cause for pain. Tooth pain isn’t the only symptom of an abscessed tooth.
Advanced symptoms of tooth infection may include:
A chronic bad taste in the mouth
Bad breath that fails to respond to brushing
Changes in tooth color
Red or swollen gum tissue around a specific tooth
Pimples on the gums
Facial swelling that spreads to the eye or neck
Extreme sensitivity to pressure, biting, or hot/cold temperatures
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Many of these symptoms can also indicate gum disease or another oral health issue and you should contact us for an appointment as soon as possible.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore an Abscessed Tooth
If you think you have an abscessed tooth, contact Dr. Marzban right away. Do not ignore the symptoms of an abscessed tooth: the consequences could be serious. Instead of having one tooth to treat, if you wait, the infection could affect other teeth, which may not be treatable.
An untreated abscessed tooth can become a serious health risk. Infection can spread beyond the tooth to nearby areas like the sinuses, and in rare cases, reach the brain. It may also enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. Once the infection spreads, it becomes far more difficult to treat and can lead to life-threatening complications.
How is an Infected Tooth Treated?
Once a tooth has become infected, the only way to prevent its loss is through root canal treatment. Dr. Marzban utilizes advanced techniques that effectively remove infection and protect impacted teeth without causing any pain or discomfort to the patient. However, if you are nervous about root canal treatment, Dr. Marzban would be happy to discuss your sedation dentistry options during your treatment consultation.
If you believe you have an infected tooth, contact us for a root canal evaluation. Based in Burke, Dr. Marzban serves Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and nearby Virginia communities.
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An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum. This happens when the tooth gets a bacterial infection, causing a pus-filled pocket to form.
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Symptoms can cause a severe, persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing or biting, swelling in the gums or face, and a noticeable bump or pus near the affected tooth.
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Yes, some abscesses develop slowly, especially in the early stages, and symptoms may not appear until significant damage has happened.
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Yes, the infection can produce pus that can cause a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath.
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Yes, the infection can trigger referred pain which may cause headaches, earaches, or jaw discomfort.
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Seek dental care immediately. An abscessed tooth can spread infection to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications if left untreated.