A tooth abscess can be serious and painful. Fortunately, abscesses don’t occur frequently within the American population. Estimates indicate that about 200,000 cases are reported each year, although the actual number may be higher due to non-reported cases and situations where immediate treatment is not sought for mild abscesses.
What is a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection. There are three types of dental abscesses.
- Gingival abscess: Limits its spread to the gingival or gum tissue, the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth.
- Periapical abscess: Typically occurs because of an untreated dental cavity, an injury, or prior dental work. This infection reaches the tooth pulp and can spread to the root of the tooth.
- Periodontal abscess: Often stems from gum disease and begins in the tooth’s supporting structure. Children, adults, and seniors are all vulnerable to having an abscess.
Causes and Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess can be caused by untreated cavities, bacteria from gum disease, physical injury to a tooth, including an impact or tooth fracture that damages the pulp and allows bacteria to enter the tooth, poor oral hygiene, consuming too much sugary foods, and drinks, and an individual’s weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Signs and symptoms include severe toothache, swelling of the gums, cheek, or neck, tooth sensitivity, fever, headache, neck pain, chills and fatigue, and bad breath.
Diagnosis and Abscess Tooth Treatment
It is critical to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you detect signs or symptoms that might indicate a tooth abscess. Your dentist will discuss your symptoms and then he or she will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and gums, looking for signs of inflammation or infection. They may also take x-rays of your teeth and jaw. If an infection exists, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic.
How Long Can a Tooth Abscess Last with Antibiotics?
How long a tooth abscess lasts depends on the size and severity of the abscess. A small abscess may go away in a day, while a larger one may take longer. A more severe infection may take longer as well. The length of the abscess will also depend on the patient’s overall health.
A tooth abscess can last for weeks or months if left untreated. If untreated, the infection can cause severe pain, damage the jawbone, spread to the surrounding tissues and beyond, and can lead to systemic health issues, including becoming a medical emergency.
With antibiotics, a tooth abscess can last 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the abscess and the type of antibiotics prescribed. Normally, any swelling should go down within 3 days, and the patient should feel better within 7 days of starting the antibiotics. If needed, the dentist may prescribe a painkiller for the first few days of treatment.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located off of Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, SC, for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical using the most advanced technology. We offer routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.