Tooth abscess. Those two words can strike terror into the hearts of dental patients. That’s because they hurt like hell, and can lead to you losing a tooth. Tooth loss seems very final, but is in fact just the start of complications that can lead to you having to curtail the way you live your life, what you eat, how you talk and how much you smile. That’s why, if you think you have a tooth abscess, it’s important that you get yourself to an emergency dentist in Edinburgh as quickly as possible.

If you come to Polwarth Dental Clinic our emergency dentist in Edinburgh guarantees to see you on the day you ring us.

What is an abscessed tooth?

A tooth abscess is a collection of pus. It can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It is caused by bacterial infection, often coming from severe tooth decay. This is not the only cause. Others are a broken or chipped tooth, gingivitis or gum disease.

These problems can create openings in the tooth enamel, through which bacterial infection can enter and infect the centre of the tooth. The infection may also spread from the root to the bones supporting the tooth.

How do I know if I have a tooth abscess?

There are several symptoms to look out for. In fact, it’s hard to miss: severe, continuous toothache experienced as gnawing or throbbing pain, or sharp or shooting pain. Also fever, pain when chewing, sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold, a bitter taste in the mouth, foul smelling breath and swollen neck glands. You may also experience general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling; red and swollen gums, a swollen area on the upper or lower jaw and an open, draining sore on the side of the gum.

These are the kinds of symptoms that will drive you to see our Edinburgh emergency dentist. If the pain subsides, you should still come to see us. The infection may have killed off the tooth root. Just because you don’t hurt any more, doesn’t mean the infection has gone away. It could well still be active, spreading and destroying tissue.