Abscess Tooth Relief at Hardesty Dental in Wood County, WV

What is an Abscess Tooth and What Causes It?

An abscess is a small pouch of pus that forms around an infected tooth root. If you are suffering from an abscess tooth, it will not go away on its own. Abscess teeth require dental attention as soon as possible, as leaving it untreated can spread the infection into your neck, head, and other body parts. If you have younger or older family members, it is important to ensure that any suspicion of an abscess is examined by the dentist, as people of any age are subject to them. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of abscess, but sometimes, they are inevitable. There are many causes of an abscess tooth, including:

  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Untreated infections of the pulp
  • Gum disease

Types of Abscess Teeth & Symptoms

There are two different types of abscess: periapical and periodontal. A periapical abscess form at the tip of the root, while a periodontal abscess forms in the bone next to the tooth. While rare, you can have more than one abscess at a time, regardless of what type it is. Or, a single abscess can travel through the jawbone and appear elsewhere. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact Hardesty Dental in Wood County, WV, as you may have an abscess tooth.

  • Fever
  • Foul taste in your mouth
  • Pain in the mouth and jaw
  • Pain when you chew
  • Redness in the gums
  • Swelling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing

Prevent an Abscess & Call Hardesty Dental in Parkersburg, WV

While symptoms may encourage you to contact your dentist to find out if you have an abscess, sometimes symptoms are not noticeable. When this happens, the only way to know if you have an abscess is by attending bi-yearly dental checkups and having your x-rays taken. At Hardesty Dental in Parkersburg, WV, we are thorough in our exam and will let you know if you have an abscess, and recommend a method of treatment. Call us today at (304) 485-4551 to find out how we can help!

abscess teeth patient