Infected and Abscessed Teeth

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental condition that occurs when the tissue inside the root canal space—known as the dental pulp—becomes inflamed and infected. This infection often develops when a cavity is left untreated, allowing bacteria to spread deep within the tooth and reach the pulp. If not addressed promptly, the infection can worsen and potentially spread beyond the tooth, leading to a serious, and even life-threatening, bacterial infection throughout the body.

Signs You May Have an Abscess

• Continuous sharp or throbbing pain
• Pain when chewing
• Red, swollen gums
• Oral or facial swelling
• Bitter or bad taste in the mouth or bad breath

How Do We Treat a Tooth with an Abscess?

If your tooth has an abscess, treatment options typically include root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue and disinfect the inside of the tooth. If the tooth has already had a root canal, a retreatment may be necessary to eliminate any remaining infection. In cases where these options aren’t possible or effective, endodontic surgery—or in some cases, extraction—may be recommended.

Your endodontist may also prescribe antibiotics. After your endodontic treatment is complete, you’ll return to your general dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed, which will protect the tooth and restore it to full function.