Tooth Abscess Pain Relief: Symptoms, Risks, And Treatment

Tooth abscess pain can be excruciating, often characterised by a throbbing or sharp sensation. It’s a clear sign that something is amiss within your oral cavity. This article will get into the basics of tooth abscess, its symptoms, what causes this distressing pain, and how to provide tooth abscess pain relief.

What Is A Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess, also called a dental abscess, is a localised collection of pus that forms within the tissues of the tooth or the surrounding gums. A bacterial infection is typically the cause of this condition. Untreated dental decay, gum disease, or an injury that destroys the structural integrity of the tooth are the most prevalent causes.

Dental abscesses are classified into two types:

• Periapical abscess: This type of pus starts at the soft pulp of your teeth (i.e., the innermost part that contains blood vessels and nerves).
• Periodontal abscess: This type of pus starts in your teeth’s bone tissue structure.

Common Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of a tooth abscess is crucial to seeking timely relief. These symptoms may include:

• Severe Toothache: The most prominent and distressing symptom is often an intense, persistent toothache that can radiate to other parts of your face and jaw.
• Swelling: You might notice swelling in the affected area, leading to facial puffiness, particularly around the affected tooth or gum.
• Sensitivity To Hotness And Coldness: Consuming hot or cold food and drinks can trigger sharp, shooting pain in the affected tooth.
• Pain While Chewing: Discomfort while chewing or biting is common due to the pressure exerted on the infected tooth.
• Foul Taste And Odour: You may experience a foul taste in your mouth, accompanied by bad breath.
• Fever: A tooth abscess can sometimes lead to a mild fever, indicating an ongoing infection.

Providing In-Home Tooth Abscess Pain Relief

Dealing with the intense pain caused by a tooth abscess can be distressing. While these home remedies can help temporarily alleviate the discomfort, seeking professional dental treatment for a permanent solution is essential.

Cold Compress

Utilising a cold compress can provide immediate relief from tooth abscess pain.

Here are a few instructions to apply cold compression:

1. Take a clean cloth or a tiny towel and wipe it down.
2. Wrap some ice cubes in it.
3. Focus the cold compress on the sore spot outside your cheek.
4. Keep your position for 15–20 minutes.

The cold temperature can numb the area, reducing pain and inflammation.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Painkillers

OTC medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve your tooth abscess pain. So make sure to follow the dosage instructions in the package insert.

Saltwater Rinse

Saltwater rinses can help decrease germs in the mouth and give some relief:

1. In a glass of lukewarm water, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt.
2. Swish the solution around in your mouth and gargle for 30 seconds.
3. Spit everything out.

Repeat this method up to three times each day, preferably after each meal.

Clove Oil

Clove vital oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and pain reducer.

Here are a few suggestions for using clove oil:

1. Utilise a cotton ball or swab and soak it in clove oil.
2. Apply it to the afflicted area immediately.
3. Keep your position as is for a few minutes.

You can find clove oil at most health food stores or pharmacies.

Soft Foods

To minimise the pressure on the affected tooth:

1. Stick to a soft food diet.
2. Opt for items like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies.
3. Avoid crunchy or hard foods that can exacerbate the pain.

While these home remedies can offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of the tooth abscess. It is essential to schedule an appointment with a dentist promptly to receive proper treatment and restore your healthy gums.

Getting Tooth Abscess Pain Relief at the Dentist’s Office

 

 

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, seeking professional dental treatment is crucial to addressing the root cause of a tooth abscess and finding lasting pain relief.

Here are some dental procedures that dentists commonly use:

Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

A root canal is often the preferred method to permanently eliminate tooth abscess pain.

Here’s how the procedure works:

1. Diagnosis: Your dental expert will examine your teeth and take a CT scan and X-rays to assess the extent of the infection.
2. Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
3. Cleaning And Disinfection: The dentist drills an opening in the tooth and takes out the infected pulp and any debris.
4. Sealing: After a thorough cleaning, the dentist fills and seals the tooth’s pulp chamber to prevent future infections before going about your restored tooth properly.
5. Restoration: A crown is placed on top of the tooth to restore its strength and functionality.

Root canals have a high success rate and can provide long-term relief from tooth abscess pain.

Tooth Extraction

Extraction may be required if the tooth is significantly damaged or the infection has spread widely. Tooth extraction means completely removing the afflicted tooth. Following extraction, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement alternatives, such as bridges or dental implants, to restore the look and function of your smile.

Incision And Drainage

For severe abscesses, an incision and drainage procedure may be performed. This involves making a small incision to drain the abscess and fluids, relieving pressure and pain. Antibiotics are often prescribed after the procedure to clear any remaining infection.

Antibiotics

Dentists may prescribe antibiotics to manage tooth abscess pain temporarily and control the infection, especially if you have a weakened immune system. While antibiotics can relieve acute symptoms, they are not a standalone solution and should be combined with other dental treatments.

It’s important to note that a qualified dentist should only perform these dental procedures. Attempting to address a tooth abscess at home or postponing treatment can lead to more severe complications.

Risks Of Neglecting Tooth Abscess Pain Relief And Treatment

Ignoring tooth abscess pain or delaying treatment can seriously affect oral health and well-being.

Here are the risks associated with neglecting tooth abscess pain relief and treatment:

1. Spread Of Infection And Abscess Growth

An abscessed tooth indicates a bacterial infection. Without treatment, the infection can extend beyond the tooth and harm adjacent tissues such as the gums, jawbone, and even the bloodstream. This can result in a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

3. Tooth Loss

In advanced cases where the infection has extensively damaged the tooth structure and supporting tissues, tooth extraction may be the only option. Losing a tooth can significantly impact your oral health and quality of life, affecting your ability to chew, speak, and smile.

4. Dental Complications With Costly Measures

Neglecting tooth abscess treatment can lead to more dire and costly dental procedures in the future, such as extensive root canals, dental implants, or full-mouth rehabilitation. Delaying treatment can result in the need for more extensive and expensive dental procedures. Seeking timely treatment for a tooth abscess is not only essential for your health but also for your financial well-being.

5. Chronic Pain

Tooth abscess pain can be excruciating and persistent. Ignoring this pain can lead to chronic discomfort and a reduced quality of life.

6. Systemic Health Issues

Oral infections, when left untreated, can have systemic health implications. The bacteria from the abscess can invade your bloodstream and impact other parts of your body, potentially leading to conditions like endocarditis or pneumonia.

7. Emotional Distress

Living with persistent, horrific pain and suffering because of a tooth abscess can have a negative impact on your mental well-being, resulting in stress, worry, and a lower overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are dental abscesses life-threatening?

In some cases, untreated dental abscesses can lead to life-threatening complications. The infection can permeate other body parts, causing conditions such as Ludwig’s Angina, sepsis, or brain abscess. These situations are medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

2. What do I do if I think I have tooth abscess pain?

If you have severe pain, swelling, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, see a dentist swiftly. That way, you can examine your issue, provide pain relief, and treat it.

3. Can dental abscesses be treated without antibiotics?

Yes, if the infection doesn’t spread beyond the abscessed area, antibiotics may not be necessary. You’ll need drugs only when you want to prevent the bacteria from progressing further.

Relieving Your Dental Abscesses’ Pain

Dental abscesses should be treated promptly by a dentist to prevent complications and relieve pain. Home remedies can offer temporary relief but should not replace professional care.

If you notice any symptoms of an abscessed tooth, see a dentist to receive the appropriate treatment and pain relief.

If you’re experiencing tooth swells, call us at (08) 7078 8263, and our expert dentists will provide you with the appropriate dental care to help relieve your abscessed area.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources:

Furst, Ian M., et al. “A Rare Complication of Tooth abscess-Ludwig’s Angina and Mediastinitis.” JOURNAL-CANADIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION, vol. 67, no. 6, 2001, pp. 324–27. www.cda-adc.ca/JADC/vol-67/issue-6/324.pdf.

Healthdirect Australia. “Tooth Abscess.” Healthdirect, www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-abscess.

Heath, Peter J. “How to Drain a Tooth Abscess.” MSD Manual Professional Edition, 16 Oct. 2023, www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/how-to-do-dental-procedures/how-to-drain-a-tooth-abscess.

“Is It Possible to Die From a Tooth Infection?” Healthline, 13 Sept. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-until-a-tooth-infection-kills-you.

Newman, Tim. What’s to Know About Dental Abscesses? 4 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170136.

Sanders, Justin L. “Dental Abscess.” StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf, 20 Feb. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149.