What You Need to Know About All Stages of Tooth Abscesses

Do you have throbbing pain in your mouth that keeps you up at night? It could be more than just a toothache. What if it’s a tooth abscess, a serious infection lurking beneath the surface? Don’t let fear and uncertainty take over. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about all stages of a tooth abscess, from the initial warning signs to crucial treatment options, so you can take charge of your oral health and save it from deteriorating before it gets too late.

What is a Tooth Abscess, and How to Identify Whether You Have it? 

A tooth abscess occurs when a bacterial infection develops in the pulp of the tooth, the gums, or the bone supporting the tooth and eventually forms a pocket of pus. The abscess can occur in different locations around the tooth, depending on the source and spread of the infection. Let’s understand this in detail so you know what you are dealing with:

1. Periapical Abscess:

This infection occurs at the tip of the tooth’s root. Usually periapical (the tissues and structures surrounding the tip of a tooth root, including the cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone) abscess originates from within the tooth itself. The main reason behind this type of periapical abscess is tooth decay because the decay exposes the tooth pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue) to the bacteria. The infection then spreads out through the opening at the root tip.

2. Periodontal Abscess:

Periodontal abscess occurs in the gums right next to the root of a tooth. It typically occurs because of advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. In this condition, the gums start receding and forming pockets between them and the teeth, which traps bacteria, plaque, and tartar. 

3. Gingival Abscess:

The gingival abscess, as the name suggests remains confined to the gum tissue only. When a foreign object like a toothbrush bristle or food particle gets forced into the gum and causes a minor injury to the gum tissue, it introduces bacteria into the gum, causing a localized infection. Please note that this abscess does not involve the tooth itself or the periodontal ligament (the fibers that attach the tooth to the bone).

4. Combined Periodontic-Endodontic Abscess:

This type of infection involves both the inside of the tooth and the surrounding gum tissues. Combined Periodontic-Endodontic Abscesses can be caused by complex infections that have a dual origin. They often start as a periapical abscess (infection in the tooth pulp) that then spreads outwards through the root tip and turns into the periodontal tissues (gums and supporting bone). Alternatively, a severe periodontal abscess can sometimes spread inwards and affect the tooth pulp through openings in the root surface.

5. Lateral Root Abscess:

The lateral root abscess takes place along the side of the tooth’s root. In most cases, perforation in the tooth, infected accessory, and tooth fracture are the main causes. This type of infection can spread from this damaged area to the gum tissue adjacent to the root.

6. Chronic Abscess:

Chronic abscess develops slowly over time. If you have a chronic abscess, you might experience persistent, low-grade pain or discomfort that can last for extended periods. Sometimes, a chronic abscess may drain pus periodically, relieving pressure and pain, only for it to recur. Generally, it is not as severe as other types of abscesses in terms of immediate and intense pain. However, they still require dental attention as the underlying infection persists and can cause damage over time.

7. Acute Abscess:

Acute abscess can occur rapidly and suddenly. They are characterized by severe, intense, and often throbbing toothache. The affected area may also have swelling, redness, and tenderness.

They require an emergency response due to the significant pain and the potential for the infection to spread quickly.

How to Identify a Tooth Abscess?

Early recognition can spare you from distressing pain and tooth loss. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

1. Persistent Throbbing Toothache: A persistent toothache is a common sign of an abscessed tooth. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to intense. It may even radiate to other parts like the neck, face, or jaw.

2.  Pain when you chew or bite: This is another common sign of tooth abscess. If you feel pain when you bite down on food, this might be occurring because the pressure is being applied to the affected area.

3. Sensitivity: People with tooth abscesses are reported to experience increased sensitivity to cold and hot food consumable items. This occurs because the infection affects your nerve endings, making them sensitive to temperature changes.

4.  Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or nearby neck area

It is nodes that filter and drain out the fluids from your mouth and face. Due to infection, they may also become inflamed, fighting off the bacteria.

5. Fever: Fever is the human body’s natural response to fight off infections.

6. A Discolored or Loose Tooth: A tooth abscess causes damage to the tooth’s root, which is infected. As a result, the tooth can become discolored or loose. This is a typical sign that your infection is gradually progressing.

7.  Swollen Gum: Shiny, red, and swollen gums indicate infection.

If you spot any of the above symptoms, consider seeking emergency dental services right away.

Tooth Abscess Stages and Progression

Knowing the stages and progression of tooth abscesses is important to understanding how urgently you need timely dental care.

Stage 1. Initial Inflammation

The first stage starts with inflammation of the pulp present inside the tooth. In this stage, you will start to experience temperature sensitivity and dull pain in the affected area.

Stage 2. Pulpal necrosis

If your condition does not receive timely treatment, it might progress onto the next stage, which is pulpal necrosis (the pulp present inside the tooth dies). By this time, your pain might subside, but this doesn’t mark the end of the infection. If you still choose to ignore the issue, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues.

Stage 3: Abscess formation 

As the bacteria grows and spreads, it will start to form pockets filled with pus. This usually occurs at the root of the tooth. It is the most painful stage as the pus starts to exert pressure on the nerves. At this stage, a root canal procedure is often necessary to remove the infected pulp, clean the area, and seal the tooth, preventing further spread of the infection.

Stage 4: Spreading Infection

If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth and even the jawbone. The infection may further develop into life-threatening conditions like Ludwig’s angina, EP, or osteomyelitis.

Bottomline

Oral issues might appear minor at first, but sometimes, they are hidden dangers. If you recognize any of the symptoms discussed, seek immediate care. At Emergency Dental 365, our expert team is available 7 days a week, from 6 am to 10 pm, to expertly diagnose and treat your condition.