If you feel an intense pain in your teeth or gums, it’s important to see a dentist right away. A throbbing toothache can be a sign of an abscess – a pocket of thick, yellowish fluid known as pus. This painful swelling is caused by a bacterial infection, and, if left unaddressed, it can spread to different areas of the body. Four Corners Dental Group in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, explains what causes abscesses to form and how they can be treated.

Where Do Abscesses Form?

An abscess can form in various places on your tooth. When it occurs at the top of the root, it’s referred to as a periapical abscess. Periodontal ones, in contrast, can be found in the gums next to the root.

What Are the Symptoms?

Most are painful. You might experience a severe toothache that seems to radiate pain from your jawbone to your ear. Your teeth might also be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, chewing, and biting. The infection can also cause the lymph nodes in your jaw or neck to become tender and swollen.  

What Causes Them?

Untreated cavities, mouth injuries, and faulty dental work are three common culprits of periapical tooth abscesses. Periodontal ones often occur after food gets trapped between your teeth and gums, so make sure you are flossing regularly.

How Are They Treated?

A tooth abscess should be treated right away to avoid serious (and even life-threatening) complications. Your dentist will first drain the abscess to get rid of the infection. They will then need to either perform a root canal to save the tooth or an extraction to remove it.

Put your best smile forward with Four Corners Dental Group. With locations in Wasilla and Anchorage, this family dentistry practice provides a variety of preventative and cosmetic services. Learn more about their affordable offerings online, or make a dentist appointment by calling them today at (907) 258-3384.