Warning Signs That You Have A Tooth Abscess

If you have an abscess tooth, it’s impossible to ignore – it really hurts!

Here at Dental Health Associates of Madison, we see many Madison, WI, patients suffering from the kind of serious tooth infection that can lead to an abscess. Unfortunately, many people delay treatment because they believe their toothache might subside.

That’s not the case with an abscess. It needs prompt attention!

How is an Abscess Different from Other Dental Problems?

An abscess is actually the secondary result of a cavity that has gone untreated. Over time, it becomes more and more likely that dangerous bacteria will use the cavity to infect a tooth’s interior.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can disrupt bacteria, but infection is still possible.

When an infection has progressed sufficiently in the root of a tooth, or between the teeth and the gums, it can cause swelling, inflammation and the development of a sac of pus. At this point, the pulp of the tooth is already severely infected.

Tooth Abscess Symptoms To Watch Out For

An abscess has relentless and painful symptoms, including:

• A severe and persistent toothache that might be felt in the neck, the ear or the jaw;
• Sensitivity to using the tooth, including chewing and biting and hot or cold foods;
• A fever, possibly accompanied by tenderness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
• Swelling in the face or cheek located on the same side as the painful tooth or teeth.

The most “iconic” symptom of an abscess is one that might never appear. When it does, it could take several days: The sufferer can experience a sudden eruption of foul-tasting, salty liquid in the mouth – this is caused by the rupturing of the pus sac, the “abscess” itself.

In many cases, it’s impossible to tell whether you have an abscess without professional help. An abscess almost always begins in just one tooth, but the underlying infection can spread very quickly. If not treated promptly, it can even spread to the bone and surrounding tissues.

If allowed to progress without treatment, an abscess can become life threatening!

Don’t Wait Another Minute If You Suspect An Abscess

Don’t have dental insurance? Contact one of our Madison area locations immediately. If our offices have closed for the day, you will be connected with our on-call dentist. The dentist will triage your situation and help decide the best course of action. At Dental Health Associates, we have 7 locations throughout the Madison, WI, area to help you. Call us right away to be connected with your local office or, after hours, with the on-call staff.