Tooth Abscess Stages — All You Need to Know to Get Quick Relief

An abscessed tooth is a tooth where bacteria has infected the root, and pus has begun to form. There are four typical stages to a dental abscess, and it’s crucial that you see a dentist for immediate treatment so the bacterial infection can heal properly and doesn’t have the opportunity to spread. 

 

What are the tooth abscess stages?

 

 

Enamel decay

Plaque buildup creates an inviting space for bacteria to grow. If this progresses without treatment, it can cause pus formation and a dental abscess. If you don’t brush your teeth enough, plaque will start to build up on your gums and teeth. Acid is damaging to tooth enamel and will cause decay, which leads to cavities.

 

Dentin decay

If you don’t address your enamel decay, it will get worse and affect the next layer of your tooth. The second layer from the outside is dentin, and it has a yellowish hue. Many people will find that their teeth are more sensitive during this stage. Eventually, a small hole may form in the tooth.

 

Tooth pulp infection

The bacteria can attack the tooth’s nerve if they reach the soft inner pulp, which is the deepest layer of your tooth structure. When this happens, it often leads to terrible tooth pain. If the issue persists, the tooth’s nerve will eventually die, and an abscess will start to form.

 

Tooth loss

Dental discomfort or pain often signals that an abscess has already formed. You should schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible. Without treatment, a dental abscess can progress and lead to complications such as bone loss and tooth loss.

 

What are the types of tooth abscesses?

• Gingival abscess. Gingival abscesses are only infections of the gum tissue. Gum infections can be painful and even dangerous. Gingival abscesses are commonly caused by food or other objects getting stuck in the gums. 
• Periodontal abscess. Periodontal abscesses are infected pockets of gum tissue that form next to the roots of teeth. They are often the result of gum disease or injuries. 
• Periapical abscess. The most prevalent type of dental abscesses, periapical abscesses, do involve the teeth, as they develop at their roots. How does a periapical abscess happen? Teeth are protected by an outer layer of enamel. However, over time, this protective shield can become damaged by physical injury or decay. If that happens, bacteria can start affecting the teeth’ living tissue. If a tooth infection is not addressed, it will likely spread down the teeth. If the infection worsens to the point where pus forms at the root of the tooth, this is called a periapical abscess.

 

What are tooth abscess symptoms?

The following symptoms may occur if you have an abscessed tooth:

• A throbbing tooth pain that can migrate to other areas, such as the ear, jaw, or neck
• A jaw or glands that are swollen
• A fever
• A lingering bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away despite rinsing, flossing, and brushing
• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods in the affected area
• A loose tooth near the infection site
• Severe tooth pain

 

How to treat an abscessed tooth? 

The objective of treatment is to eradicate the infection. To do this, the dentist may:

 

Drain the abscess

The dentist cuts open the abscess to let the pus drain. Afterwards, the dentist rinses the area with salt water (saline). A small rubber drain is sometimes placed to facilitate drainage and reduce swelling.

 

Perform a root canal treatment

To do this, the dentist will make a hole in the affected tooth to remove the diseased pulp and drain any abscess.

After the dentist removes the tooth’s pulp, they fill and seal the chamber and root canals.

A tooth may be crowned to make it stronger, especially if the tooth is in the back of the mouth. The restored tooth can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

 

Perform tooth extraction

If the abscessed tooth can’t be saved, the dentist will extract it and drain the abscess to eliminate the infection.

 

Prescribe antibiotics

The patient may not need antibiotics if the infection is only present in the abscessed area. The dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading if it has already reached nearby teeth, jaw, or other areas. 

 

End your tooth abscess pain at St Leonards Green Dental

Our patients’ dental health is always our top priority at St. Leonards Green Dental, so if you need treatment for a dental abscess, our friendly dentists would be more than happy to help! At our clinic, we provide tooth abscess treatments and extractions as needed. The earlier you intervene, the less damage tooth decay will do and the more likely it is that your tooth can be saved. Contact us today at (02) 9158 6211 to book your appointment.

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

 

 

 

 

References

What to know about the stages of tooth decay and abscesses
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tooth-abscess-stages 

Abscessed Tooth: What You Need to Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth