The Signs & Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

If you are experiencing any dental pain that hasn’t gone away on its own, it’s probably time to schedule an appointment with your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group. Why? You may be suffering from an abscessed tooth. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following guide to the signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth.

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is often the result of tooth decay or a small crack in its enamel. This allows bacteria to get inside a tooth and affect its dental pulp. Once an infection forms (pus), then you have an abscessed tooth.

The Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

Below are some of the most common symptoms that you may experience with an abscessed tooth.

Extreme Pain

If you experience any severe pain in your mouth that won’t go away, this is often the main symptom that you have an abscessed tooth.

Swelling in Neck or Face

Another indication of an abscessed tooth is swelling in your neck or face that is accompanied by severe pain. This inflammation occurs when an abscessed tooth gets really bad.

Fever

When fighting an infection, your body works overtime, resulting in a fever. If you notice you are running hotter than normal, this may indicate you have an infection.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes located under your jawline that are tender to the touch are another symptom of an abscessed tooth. If you experience swollen, tender lymph nodes combined with any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to visit your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group right away. The soon you seek treatment, the better.

Treatment

The ultimate goal with an abscessed tooth is to eliminate the infection. At Summit Dental Group, your Boise dentist will drain the abscess and disinfect the area. A root canal may also be needed if the infection has reached the pulp of a tooth. This will remove any pus or bacteria from the inside to preserve as much of the tooth as possible. However, if the damage is substantial, an extraction may be necessary to eliminate the abscess.

Summit Dental Group

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Summit Dental Group. We will eliminate the infection and do our best to save your tooth while ensuring your oral health for the long term. Contact us by filling out our online form or give our downtown Boise office a call at (208) 314-2275 today.