Can a Tooth Abscess Heal?
A tooth abscess is an accumulation of pus in either your tooth or gums as the result of an infection. It should be treated by your dentist immediately. The tooth abscess will not disappear on its own.
A tooth abscess will not dissipate without proper professional treatment. If the abscess opens and ruptures, the pain will recede, making you think that the problem has gone away, but you still need treatment.
If the abscess is not drained, the infection can easily spread to your jaw and even to other areas of your neck and head. If the infected tooth is close to your maxillary sinus, the two large spaces underneath your eyes and behind each cheek, it can create an opening between the tooth abscess and the sinus cavity. This will allow the infection to enter the sinus cavity. You can even develop sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your entire body.
Symptoms of a Possible Tooth Abscess
Signs of an abscess include:
- An intense toothache or a pain in the soft tissue of your gums.
- A sensitivity to hot or cold in the immediate affected area.
- Redness inside your mouth, or on your face or jaw.
- A consistent bad taste in your mouth.
- A swollen jaw or face.
- Difficulty opening your mouth and even chewing food.
- An elevated temperature.
How to Manage the Pain from a Tooth Abscess
Here are a few suggestions you can consider to manage the pain until you can get dental treatment.
- Take over the counter pain relievers.
- Eat soft foods such as soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth.
- Avoid sugar, and hot or cold foods and drinks.
Treatment for a Tooth Abscess
Your dentist will treat your tooth abscess. They will drain away the pus. If a problem with your tooth is the cause of the abscess, you could need a root canal, or the tooth might need to be extracted. You could be prescribed a pain reliever for a few days after treatment and also an antibiotic.
Causes of a Tooth Abscess
Abscesses most often occur when pus builds up beneath your teeth or gums from an infection. You may get an abscess if:
- You have an impacted tooth.
- You have either tooth decay or gum disease.
- You have injured a tooth, your gums or soft tissue in your mouth.
- You are having radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
How to Prevent a Tooth Abscess
There are some measures you can take to prevent abscesses.
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, spitting after brushing, and not rinsing.
- Flossing between your teeth every day.
- Replacing your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Having regular dental check-ups every six months.
When to See Your Dentist
Schedule an appointment to visit your dentist promptly if you experience any symptoms of a tooth abscess.
If you have swelling in your face or a fever and you cannot reach your dentist, visit an emergency room. Go to the emergency room also if you have any trouble swallowing or breathing. These symptoms indicate that the infection has spread into your throat, jaw, or neck or possibly another area of your body.