Any type of tooth pain can be disruptive, whether it is preventing you from eating certain foods or keeping you awake all night. Tooth pain can develop from a variety of dental issues, and letting your dentist determine the cause is the first step towards effective treatment and long-lasting pain relief. One of the most uncomfortable sources of dental pain comes from an abscessed tooth. At Bencaz Family Dentistry, we offer prompt solutions for your abscessed tooth as part of our commitment to excellent emergency dental care.

How can you tell if your tooth pain is an abscessed tooth? An abscessed tooth is often a secondary problem that includes an infection caused by tooth decay, gum disease or a fractured tooth. These dental issues all create a breeding ground for bacteria to invade the pulp of your tooth and cause infection around these sensitive nerves. The pulp of your tooth is the innermost portion of the tooth that is comprised of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. Your tooth’s vitality depends on healthy tooth pulp. Not to mention, when this area of your tooth is compromised, significant pain can result.

How does the abscess actually form? When there is an infection, pus builds up at the tip of the tooth root where it meets the jawbone. It creates a pocket of pus, or abscess, that triggers pain, swelling and redness in the gums. Dental abscesses also can cause a foul or bitter taste in your mouth and even lead to a fever if it is not treated in a timely manner.

Left alone, the abscess can infect your jawbone and spread to neighboring teeth. At this point, you are at risk for serious consequences to your smile. It is imperative that you see a dentist so that the infection can be treated and the pus-pocket drained. In addition, it will be important to address the root cause of your abscess, or the primary problem that led to the infection in the first place. At Bencaz Family Dentistry, we offer effective, non-invasive treatments for decay, gum disease and cracked tooth repair. Procedures such as a root canal, dental filling or deep cleaning may be recommended depending on your unique situation.

When it comes to an abscessed tooth, our first priority is to get you out of pain. If you suspect that your severe toothache may be caused by an infection or fluid-filled abscess at your jaw, please call our office immediately. We offer same day dentistry and emergency dental care for patients of all ages.