What are the symptoms of an abscess tooth infection?

Dr. Thomas Rhodes and his team at Hunt Valley Dental in Hunt Valley, Maryland, provide dental health services for treating abscessed tooth infections. The symptoms of an abscess tooth infection could vary depending on the severity and the location of the infection. Some common signs may include the following:

• Sharp or throbbing pain in the affected area
• Fever
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures when consuming food or drinks
• A foul taste in your mouth or bad breath
• Pain when chewing, biting down, or touching the infected area
• Redness and swelling around the affected tooth
• Swollen lymph nodes near your jawbone
• Gum tissue appears dark red due to blood pooling
• Pus draining from the site of infection

What should I do if I suspect I have an abscess?

If you believe you have an abscess, seek treatment from Dr. Thomas Rhodes of Hunt Valley Dental as quickly as possible. While over-the-counter pain medications can help with the pain in the short term, only antibiotics and drainage of the infection can resolve the issue permanently. If left untreated, tooth abscesses can spread throughout your body, leading to serious health complications.

What should I expect during the treatment of an abscessed tooth?

It is best to contact Hunt Valley Dental for further advice about treatment or an appointment for a professional assessment. If possible, bring a friend or family member along to your visit so they can help support you during and after treatment, especially if you are given any sedatives during your appointment. During this visit, Dr. Thomas Rhodes will examine the affected area, take some dental X-rays, and determine the best course of treatment. This may include antibiotics to fight the infection or a root canal procedure to clear out any infection and save your tooth. Once the abscess is properly drained and treated, you should start feeling better in no time.

It is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible if you believe you may have an abscessed tooth!

Ignoring even mild symptoms can lead to more serious oral and systemic health concerns, so it’s best to be proactive about your health by contacting Hunt Valley Dental right away for immediate care.

Call (410) 771-6300 to request a visit at our office, located at 11321-A York Road.