Signs You May Have an Abscessed Tooth

Signs You May Have an Abscessed Tooth

A tooth abscess is nothing to fool around with. Learn the telltale signs that should have you going right to your dentist.

If you are experiencing dental pain, enough is enough. Toothaches don’t go away on their own, and can be so severe that it can affect tooth abscesshow your chew or even wake you up at night. Before you let this pain persist, it’s time to visit our Lexington, MA dentist, Dr. Ramzi Antoine Sarkis, to find out if you are dealing with a tooth abscess.

What is a tooth abscess?

This is often the result of a tooth decay complication or of a small crack in the tooth. This can happen to a tooth that has become damaged, as bacteria can get inside the enamel and affect the inside of the tooth (also known as the dental pulp). When pus begins to form then you have an abscess.

What are the symptoms?

If you have a tooth abscess more likely than not you will know it. You may experience:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Severe and persistent dental pain
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Facial swelling
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes
  • Fever

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to see your Lexington endodontist right away. The sooner you seek treatment the better.

How is it treated?

The ultimate goal is to eliminate the infection. To do this we drain the abscess and disinfect the area. We may also need to perform a root canal if the infection has reached the inside of the tooth. A root canal is designed to remove pus, bacteria and other debris from the inside of the tooth to preserve as much of it as possible.

However if the tooth is too far damaged, the only option left may be to extract the tooth and remove the abscess.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above then it’s time you turned to the dental experts at Lexington Endodontics in Lexington, MA. Don’t let an abscessed tooth affect your oral health for the long-term; nip the problem in the bud!

Contact Us

Lexington Endodontics

Lexington, MA Endodontist Lexington Endodontics

922 Waltham St. Suite 204

Lexington, MA 02421-8019

(781) 325-8181