Toothache is something everyone will experience. Typically, it’s a one-off issue that can be related to sensitivity or another problem. In others, it can be tied to more serious oral health problems. Many people diagnose themselves with a tooth infection or tooth abscess thinking they’re the same. Each is a separate dental complication and warrant a trip to the dentist.

Tooth Infection vs. Tooth Abscess

Tooth Infection

A tooth infection occurs when decay-causing bacteria are allowed to enter the pulp chambers inside your tooth. There, they’ll cause inflammation that will eventually kill the tooth. It can create serious pain and cause swelling. In worse cases, it can even spread to another tooth. To resolve the issue, a dentist will perform a root canal treatment. They’ll drill into the top of the tooth to access the pulp chambers. Once there, they’ll clear the infection, clean the canals, and seal the tooth. To keep it functional, they’ll then top it with a custom-designed crown.

Tooth Abscess

When decay-causing bacteria are allowed to spread from the infected area, they’ll begin infecting gum tissue below the tooth. An abscess—a large pocket of puss—will then form between the tip of your tooth’s root and the jawbone. Extreme pain can develop from there, and there may be a visible lump in your gums. Abscesses may contribute to gum disease, and when unaddressed, often require tooth extraction by a dentist to resolve. To avoid each of these issues, make sure you brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning and checkup.

If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning, turn to dentist Patrick M. Pitts, DDS, of Archdale, NC. Dr. Pitts specializes in restorative and cosmetic dentistry services as well as general care. He takes a unique approach with each patient to determine their needs and then offers various potential solutions, such as dental implants, crowns, or root canal therapy. Call (336) 431-0002 to schedule an exam and visit his website to learn more about the practice.