Dental abscess – symptoms, causes and treatment

A dental abscess is a cavity filled with bacteria and pus that forms at the root of a tooth as a result of bacteria from tooth decay penetrating the root of the tooth. It is often associated with untreated tooth decay or poorly removed nerves from the tooth during root canal treatment. A dental abscess may or may not be painful, but it is very dangerous for the patient's overall health.

How can you recognise a dental abscess?

Typical symptoms include:

• Toothache when biting down.
• Toothache at rest ("out of nowhere").
• Dull tooth pain that may worsen at night.
• Swelling of the gums, cheeks or jaw.
• Redness and sensitivity of the gums around the tooth.
• Fistula, pus discharge from the gums and unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Elevated temperature and general fatigue.

Causes of dental abscesses

• Untreated tooth decay that has penetrated the dental pulp.
• A tooth that has been dead for a long time.
• Deep filling.
• Incompletely treated root canal.
• Mechanical injury to the tooth.
• Gum disease (periodontitis), which allows bacteria to penetrate deeper.

How is a dental abscess treated?

Treatment always depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the tooth:

1. Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment under a microscope) – removal of infected tissue, cleaning and filling of the canals.
2. Revision of old treatment – if the tooth has been treated before, it is possible to repeat or repair the endodontic treatment – so-called re-endodontics.
3. Resection – revision of an already treated tooth and possible removal of the root tip with bacteria
4. Antibiotics – used as a supplement to treatment when the infection has spread.
5. Tooth extraction – if the tooth is completely destroyed and cannot be saved, it must be extracted.

Why is it important not to underestimate a dental abscess?

• The infection can spread to the surrounding bone, jaw sinuses or bloodstream.
• An untreated abscess can cause chronic inflammation and general health problems.
• Early treatment usually saves the tooth and prevents serious complications.

A dental abscess is a warning sign that there is an infection in the tooth. Never underestimate pain, swelling and discomfort – a quick visit to the dentist is the only way to prevent complications and save the tooth.