About Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms at the root of a tooth, or just inside it. It occurs when a bacterial infection enters the tooth and begins to multiply. The most common cause of a tooth abscess is decay or a cavity. When left untreated, a cavity can cause the tooth to become infected. The infection then spreads to the pulp, which contains the blood vessels and nerves. From there, it can travel down to the root of the tooth.
If left untreated, an abscess can lead to serious health complications, such as sepsis or death. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess and providing antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, a dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.
About Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess is an infection that occurs at the root of a tooth. The abscess is usually the result of bacteria getting into the tooth through a cavity or crack. Once inside the tooth, the bacteria begin to multiply, causing the surrounding tissue to become inflamed and swollen. In some cases, the abscess may also cause the tooth to become loose. Symptoms of a periapical abscess include severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and swelling around the affected tooth.
Now that we know what it is, let’s find the answer to “What does an abscess tooth look like?”
What Does a Gum Abscess Look Like?
A periodontal abscess usually looks swollen and red around the gums. There may also be a pocket of pus visible at the gum line. It might coexist or cause periodontitis, which is a serious gum disease. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. So, if you notice pus and redness on your gums, contact a dentist as soon as possible.
What Does an Abscess Tooth Look Like?
What does an abscess tooth look like? It may resemble an infected tooth, meaning the area around might be red and swollen. As for the tooth itself, it is often brown or bruised. In severe cases, it looks “rotten.” It may cause extreme tooth pain. In some cases, an abscessed tooth may also cause fever, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. If you think you may have an abscessed tooth, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Abscess Stages
Now we know the visuals and symptoms. What does an abscess tooth look like while it’s happening? There are three stages of a tooth abscess.
- Stage 1: The first stage of a tooth abscess is known as “pulpitis.” This is when the infection first starts to develop in the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
- Stage 2: If left untreated, the infection will spread from the pulp to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. This stage is known as “periodontitis” because it also leads to developing of the mentioned condition.
- Stage 3: The final stage of a tooth abscess is known as an “abscessed tooth.” At this point, the infection has spread and can cause serious damage to the jawbone. Moreover, it poses as a serious threat to your health.
Is Abscess the Same as Tooth Decay?
When most people think of tooth decay, they picture a cavity. However, tooth decay can actually take many different forms. One type of later stage of tooth decay is abscess. However, abscesses are not the same as cavities. Cavities form “holes” while abscess doesn’t have to. Cavities are caused by acidic foods and drinks, while abscesses are caused by bacteria.
To sum up, tooth decay is when your teeth are going bad. Abscess and cavities are two of the possible results of exactly that. In addition to that, cavities can lead to abscess.
Is Abscess the Same as Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection is an infection of the tooth that can occur when bacteria enter the tooth. The infection can spread to the root of the tooth, causing inflammation and pain. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms around the root of the tooth or inside it, and it can be very painful. Both infections can cause fever, headache, and swelling. A tooth abscess may also cause a bad taste in the mouth or difficulty swallowing. In other words, a tooth abscess is a form of a tooth infection.
What Can Untreated Dental Abscess Lead to?
- Tooth loss: The infection can destroy the tooth, causing it to fall out.
- Spread of infection: The infection can spread to other teeth, as well as to the bones and tissues around the teeth.
- Jawbone damage: The infection can damage the jawbone, leading to pain and swelling.
- Severe pain: The infection can cause severe pain and discomfort.
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