Abscessed Tooth Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Abscessed Tooth Guide

Christine Jeffries

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Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a tooth abscess. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your dentist if you have any of these:

  • Throbbing/lingering pain in a tooth or gum area
  • Pain when biting on a tooth
  • Spontaneous tooth pain
  • Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the gums
  • Fever
  • Swollen neck glands
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Bad breath or foul taste in mouth
  • Open, draining sore on the gums

If left untreated, complications of tooth abscess include:

  • Loss of tooth and surrounding tissues or bone
  • Spread of infection to surrounding tissue or bone

Diagnosis

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a detailed exam of your teeth and gums.

Your dentist will test the tooth for pain and sensitivity by:

  • Lightly tapping on the tooth
  • Stimulating the tooth nerve with heat or cold
  • Stimulating the tooth nerve with a low electrical current
  • Sliding a probe between the tooth and gum to measure gaps or tissue loss

Your dentist will also take an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone.

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