An abscess is a painful infection near the tooth root that often causes tooth pain and gum inflammation. Infections may form for a number of reasons, including severe decay, gum disease, or because of a broken tooth. An infection can lead to an abscess when a person fails to seek treatment or when a prior root canal fails. An abscessed tooth can produce one or many of the following symptoms:
- Pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gums
- Swollen cheeks
- Fistula (a pimple-like formation on the gums)
It is important to see an endodontist for a potential tooth infection even if pain and other symptoms subside. Infections will only continue to spread over time – potentially outside of the tooth root and into the gum tissues as well.
Tooth Abscess Treatment
A tooth abscess is usually treated by an endodontist, who will perform aRoot Canal Procedureto drain the tooth and remove diseased root tissue. Not only can root canal treatment save an abscessed tooth and alleviate pain, but the tooth can continue to function like any other natural tooth after being restored.
Get Help for an Abscessed Tooth
If you have one or more of these symptoms, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Irvine Endodontics as soon as possible. We can diagnose and treat tooth abscesses, alleviating pain and potentially saving your tooth. We invite you to contact our office for more information about abscessed tooth treatment and whether it’s right for you.
