The pain of an abscessed tooth is often referred to as a toothache. A toothache can vary in severity, from a minor pain to an intense throbbing pain that interferes with daily activities. A person suffering from abscessed tooth pain should make an appointment with a dentist who can diagnose and properly treat the cause of the pain. Prompt treatment will not only provide pain relief, but it can also prevent more serious health problems.
The Facts
Abscessed tooth pain is caused by an infection inside the tooth. This infection occurs when bacteria enters the tooth through an opening in the enamel. The infection creates a pocket of puss inside the tooth, which is known as an abscess.
Time Frame
The pain of a tooth abscess can occur as soon as one day after the infection begins. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the pain of a dental abscess can last for years as the pain will not go away until the infection has been treated. After treatment, the pain generally subsides immediately or within a few days.
Identification
Abscessed tooth pain is often described as a throbbing pain originating from deep within the affected tooth. According to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, abscessed tooth pain may affect the lymph nodes in the neck, causing them to swell. A tooth abscess can also cause sinus pain. In addition to pain, an abscess may cause fever, bad breath, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and an unpleasant or bitter taste in the mouth.
Solution
A visit to the dentist is necessary to relieve a toothache, but patients can help ease the pain of an abscess by taking pain relievers, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, while waiting for an appointment. A mixture of warm water and salt used as a mouth rinse may also help relieve pain. At the dentist office, patients can expect the dentist to perform an examination, which may include tapping on the tooth and pressing on the swollen part of the gum in order to determine the proper course of treatment. An X-ray will also be taken to determine if there has been a loss of bone at the root of the tooth. A tooth abscess is treated with a root canal or by removing the tooth depending upon the severity of the infection.
Warning
Patients suffering from the pain of a tooth abscess should see a dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection of a tooth abscess can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe complications and even death.
Tags: tooth abscess, abscessed tooth, Abscessed tooth pain, inside tooth, pain abscess
