Tooth Infection (Tooth Abscess): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

A toothache is rarely just a surface-level problem. Often, it is the body’s way of telling that something is wrong beneath the enamel. A severe toothache is often a sign of a tooth infection (or dental abscess), which happens when bacteria penetrate the protective layers of your teeth. The condition usually requires professional treatment to prevent long-term health complications.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we believe that the right education is the first step toward consistent oral health. This article covers everything you need to know about tooth infections, from the early symptoms and probable causes to the advanced treatments we offer.

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria breach the dental pulp, the soft layer beneath the enamel, and start affecting nerves, blood vessels, and tissue. When the infection reaches the pulp, the white blood cells in the body try to fight the bacteria. This leads to gum inflammation and the formation of an abscess (a pocket of pus).

There are two types of dental abscesses:

1. Periapical Abscess: This occurs at the tip of the tooth's root, usually as a result of an untreated cavity or an injury that allowed bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth.

2. Periodontal Abscess: This occurs due to an advanced gum disease (periodontitis), where bacteria create "pockets" between the tooth and the gum line.

The Symptoms of Tooth Infection

While throbbing pain is the most common symptom, a tooth infection can also send various other signals. Some infections are completely silent and only show up on diagnostic X-rays, while others are accompanied by visible symptoms.

Common Signs to Watch For:

• Persistent, throbbing pain

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids that lingers long.

• Sensitivity (pain) when biting down or chewing.

• Swelling in the gums (looks like a small pimple) or the cheek.

• Foul-smelling and foul-tasting salty fluid in the mouth.

• Fever

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

The Root Causes: Why Infections Occur

Bacteria are always there in the mouth, but they cannot infect as long as you have strong enamel and a solid oral care routine. An infection happens when bacteria manage to penetrate the defence.

1. Deep Dental Caries (Cavities)

If you ignore a cavity, decay can break through the enamel and the dentin, eventually reaching and infecting the pulp. This is the most common cause of periapical abscess.

2. Dental Trauma

A high-impact injury can seriously crack or damage a tooth, creating a gap for bacteria to enter the pulp. The trauma can also sometimes disrupt the blood supply to the root, causing it to become infected.

3. Failed Dental Work

Older, unstable, or loose fillings or crowns can allow bacteria to get underneath them, leading to gradual decay and eventual infection.

4. Advanced Gum Disease

Gingivitis or periodontitis can cause gums to draw away from the teeth, creating pockets that allow bacteria to thrive, eventually resulting in an abscess.

Why You Shouldn’t Neglect a Tooth Infection

A common myth is that a tooth infection will heal on its own.

It will not.

While the pain may subside or feel less over time, this only indicates that the nerve inside the tooth has died. However, the bacteria are still alive and active.

Left untreated, the infection can continue to expand and eventually breach the jawbone and enter the bloodstream, leading to a condition called Sepsis, where the blood pressure drops significantly, damaging the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs.

In some cases, the infection can spread to the brain or the heart and can cause life-threatening damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Lynnwood Dental Studio

When you visit Lynnwood Dental Studio with a toothache, our priority is instant pain relief and diagnosis. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine the exact problem.

The Diagnostic Process

• Digital X-rays: To examine the bone density and the extent of infection.

• Physical Exam: Checking for swelling and tapping on the tooth to test sensitivity.

• Thermal Testing: Checking how the area responds to hot or cold.

Treatment Options for Tooth Infection

Our priority is to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Depending on the condition of your tooth and our diagnosis, we may recommend one of the following treatments for tooth infection in Lynnwood:

1. Incision & Drainage

Purpose: Immediate pressure relief

Procedure: The dentist makes a small cut in the abscess to extract the pus. The area is cleaned with saline.

2. Root Canal Therapy

Purpose: Saving the tooth

Procedure: The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth. This is the best way to treat a severe infection while saving the tooth.

3. Tooth Extraction

Purpose: To prevent infection from spreading to other areas

Procedure: If it’s not possible to save the tooth, we remove it and clean the area thoroughly. We may recommend replacement options, such as dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable dentures, based on your specific condition and goals.

4. Antibiotics

Purpose: Containing the spread

Procedure: If the infection has spread further, we prescribe antibiotics to help your immune system fight it.

Why Prevention Is The Best Cure

While tooth infections can be treated and even reversed in most cases, we would rather recommend you avoid them. A solid oral hygiene routine helps.

• Routine Cleanings: Professional cleanings every six months remove the tartar, minimizing bacterial build-up.

• Fluoride and Sealants: Using fluoride toothpastes can provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.

• Nightguards: If you grind your teeth, a custom nightguard can help reduce the risk of cracks that lead to infections.

• Immediate Action: If you feel persistent pain or notice a cracked tooth, don't wait. See your dentist immediately.

Why Choose Lynnwood Dental Studio?

• Professional & expert dentists

• A calm, compassionate environment with friendly staff

• High level of dental expertise

• CBCT (3D Imaging) for precise diagnosis

• Patient-first philosophy

• Personalizes treatment plans

Conclusion

If you are experiencing throbbing dental pain, swelling, or extreme sensitivity, it could be a sign of tooth infection. Do not delay. A quick consultation and diagnosis could be the difference between a simple restoration and a complex tooth extraction.

Ready to discuss your dental problems with an expert. Visit Lynnwood Dental Studio or call our helpline at (425) 778 5665 to schedule your appointment.