If you have ever had a cavity then you know how painful they can be, but if you have never had an abscessed tooth than you may not know what to expect. A cavity is when the tooth starts to decay, and it gets a pit or hole in it. But, an abscessed tooth happens below the surface and can cause a mouth full of pain. But what is an abscessed tooth and how can you tell if you have one? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is An Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is caused when the pulp (which is the soft tissue inside the tooth) dies, becomes swollen, and then gets infected.
How Can You Tell If You Have An Abscessed Tooth?
If you bite down on something hard then you may experience some shooting pain in your mouth. But if you start to experience a lot of aching and pain in your jaw and mouth, then it may be an indication that you have an abscessed tooth. Typically, patients who have an abscessed tooth experience pain, and a lot of visible swelling which can make it hard not to notice.
How Is it Treated?
Usually, we at McDowell Dental Group like to treat an abscessed tooth with a root canal. During a root canal, we will get rid of the root which houses all of the bacteria and infection in the tooth. After it has been removed, we will fill it with an inert material and then seal it off.
If you have an abscessed tooth, the best thing that you can do is have it taken care of right away by our office. To learn more or to schedule your next appointment, contact our Abbington office at (215) 885-0555.
