A tooth abscess is a painful, inflamed dental condition where bacteria causes an infection in the tooth or the gum and fills with pus and fluid. As well as potentially causing significant damage to the gum and teeth, abscesses can cause you to feel ill and feverish as the infection progresses.
An abscess on a tooth is usually cased by tooth decay, a crack defect or trauma which allows bacteria to seep into the pulp which causes the pulp or nerve to become infected usually with associated pain and maybe sensitivity to cold and hot things. this infection then spreads through the root tip into the surrounding jaw bone and tissue causing more pain and swelling. In some people this stage can be annoying and may last a while of the tooth is damaged and irreparable. extraction becomes the only solution. A bridge implant can be used to restore the space even more. If the tooth can be saved then a small surgical procedure to achieve damage of pus and fluids together with antibiotics and a root canal therapy, will be required to save the tooth so that it can then be repaired with a composite felling or crown.
Learn more about missing teeth bridges implants and dentures.
Sometimes the abscess will drain up onto the gum forming a little tract that opens up onto the gum somewhere close tot he affected or adjacent teeth in the form of a pimple that gets bigger and smaller but usually wont go away unless the tooth is treated with root canal therapy or extracted to eliminate the infection.
Sometimes the infection and swelling is so quick usually because of nasty bacteria or the patient has a lower immune system causing cellulite which would necessitate hospitalization. intravenous antibiotics and a drain are often required.
An abscess in the gum is usually related to fraurra (eg food jammed in or tearing gums) or mostly to gum disease penadontitis and in the short is usually self resolving with better oral hygiene and antibiotics, but in the long run needs to be addressed by proper dentinal treatment including root planting or periodontal surgery.
If you have a dental abscess, it is important that you have a qualified dentist assess your situation immediately.