Just like any other part other of our body, we can injure the inside of our mouth. If this happens, bacteria can potentially enter and cause an infection—which can lead to a painful swelling filled with pus. If the pus can’t escape the area will become even more swollen and painful. This is known as an abscess. Essentially, an abscess is a barrier that keeps the infection from spreading to the rest of your body.
There are two types of abscesses the can form inside your mouth. First is a tooth abscess, which generally occurs when the nerve of a tooth is dead or dying. Fortunately, It will show itself at the tip of the root. The second kind of abscess is known as a gum abscess, which is usually the result of a foreign object getting caught between your teeth and gums causing an infection.
These are several symptoms of an abscess. These symptoms include a fever, pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, a bitter taste in your mouth, bad breath, swollen neck glands, discomfort, redness or swelling of your gums, and more, which is why it is vital to talk to your dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Treatment of an abscessed tooth can be complicated, however the goal is to eliminate the infection, preserve the tooth, and prevent complications. Our dentist will first need to drain the abscess and they will perform root canal therapy. A crown will then be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
If you worry that you may have an abscessed tooth, we recommend getting to our dentist right away. Dr. Lupy Gonzalez and our team are highly qualified and will help with any issue you may have. Just call Clearpoint Dentistry at 281-487-2400 to schedule an appointment. We are eager to hear from you.