Tooth Infection Treatment and Abscessed Tooth Care
Phoenix & North Scottsdale
 If you're experiencing swelling, throbbing pain, or pus around a tooth, you may be dealing with a dental infection or abscess. Tooth infections can escalate quickly and require prompt treatment to prevent serious health risks. At Jerome Riddle DDS, we offer timely, professional abscessed tooth care to relieve your pain and restore your oral health.
Recognizing a Tooth Infection or Abscess
Understanding the signs of a tooth infection can help you get the care you need before the condition worsens.
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Throbbing Pain - Persistent or worsening toothache, often more intense when chewing or lying down.
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Swelling or Redness - Swollen gums, cheeks, or jaw near the affected tooth.
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Pus or Foul Taste - Visible pus pocket or bad taste in the mouth indicating infection.
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Fever or Fatigue - General illness may accompany severe infections.
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No Symptoms - Some infections are silent until they spread or cause damage. |
You may notice a shiny, red gum area or even pus leaking from around the tooth. Infections left untreated can spread to the jaw, face, or bloodstream, posing serious health threats.
What Causes a Tooth Infection
Tooth infections develop when bacteria enter the inner pulp of a tooth, typically due to decay, cracks, or gum disease.
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Untreated Cavities - Deep decay breaches enamel and dentin layers.
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Cracked or Damaged Teeth - Trauma or grinding allows bacterial access.
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Advanced Gum Disease - Bacteria can reach the tooth root through infected gum tissue.
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Poor Oral Hygiene - Increases risk of cavities and infections.
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Risk Factors - Diabetes, dry mouth, and weakened immunity raise infection susceptibility. |
Once bacteria reach the pulp, inflammation builds pressure and forms a painful abscess. This is why early cavity treatment and regular checkups are essential.
Emergency Tooth Infection Care — When to Seek Help
Some oral infections require immediate dental care to prevent dangerous complications.
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Facial Swelling - Can signal an infection spreading to surrounding tissues.
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High Fever - Indicates systemic involvement and risk to overall health.
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Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing - A medical emergency requiring urgent care.
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Severe, Persistent Pain - Not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
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Rapidly Expanding Swelling - Especially near eyes or throat. |
While an ER may offer temporary pain relief, only a dentist can treat the root cause. Don’t delay—serious infections can spread quickly.
Professional Treatment Options for Infected or Abscessed Teeth
Our dental team provides targeted tooth infection treatment based on the severity and location of the abscess.
Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
Antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce bacterial load and control the spread of infection.
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Temporary Solution - Helps manage infection but won’t remove the source.
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Prescription Only - Based on severity and symptoms.
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Full Course Required - Always finish the entire prescription for effectiveness. |
Used alone, antibiotics are rarely a cure—they typically support other procedures like drainage or root canals.
Drainage of Dental Abscess
For urgent pain relief, our dentists may perform a simple abscess drainage.
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Lancing the Abscess - A small incision drains pus from the infected area.
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Quick Relief - Reduces swelling and pressure.
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Numbing the Area - Local anesthesia ensures patient comfort.
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Often Preliminary - May be followed by a root canal or extraction. |
This provides immediate comfort but is usually part of a larger treatment plan.
Root Canal Therapy
When the infection reaches the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
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Removes Infected Tissue - Cleans out bacteria from inside the tooth.
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Prevents Extraction - Preserves your natural tooth structure.
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High Success Rate - Especially effective when done early.
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Permanent Seal - Prevents reinfection after treatment. |
This is one of the most effective treatments for long-term abscessed tooth care.
Tooth Extraction (When Necessary)
If the tooth is too damaged, extraction may be the safest route.
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Stops the Spread - Removes the source of infection entirely.
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Aftercare is Key - Follow post-op instructions for best healing.
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Replacement Options - Implants or bridges can restore function and appearance. |
Our dental team will guide you through recovery and discuss long-term replacement solutions.
At-Home Care Before You See a Dentist
While you wait for your appointment, some at-home remedies may provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
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Saltwater Rinses - Gently cleans the area and reduces inflammation.
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Cold Compresses - Helps reduce facial swelling.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers - Non-prescriptive meds can help manage discomfort.
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Hydration - Drinking water helps flush bacteria.
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Do Not Attempt to Pop Abscess - This can worsen infection or cause serious complications. |
These measures do not replace professional care and should only be used as a short-term aid.
Preventing Future Tooth Infections
Preventive care is the best defense against oral infections and abscesses.
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Brush and Floss Daily - Removes plaque and food debris.
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Regular Dental Visits - Catch issues early before they worsen.
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Fluoride and Sealants - Strengthen enamel and reduce decay risk.
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Healthy Diet - Limit sugar and drink water to reduce bacterial growth.
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Treat Cavities Promptly - Address decay and cracks before they lead to infection. |
Our team will create a personalized care plan to help you maintain long-term oral health.
Schedule Prompt Treatment for a Tooth Infection
Dental infections don’t go away on their own. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of an abscess, reach out to Jerome Riddle DDS today. Our team offers compassionate, expert care to resolve your infection and protect your health.
Call 480-991-4410 now to schedule an exam or emergency appointment. Fast treatment can save your tooth and prevent serious complications.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include throbbing pain, swelling in the gums or face, pus discharge, a foul taste in the mouth, fever, and pain that worsens when lying down or chewing.
Is a tooth infection an emergency?
Yes. A tooth infection can become life-threatening if it spreads to the jaw, blood, or brain. Immediate dental care is essential if you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Can antibiotics alone cure a tooth abscess?
Antibiotics can reduce infection symptoms, but they do not eliminate the root cause. Procedures like drainage, root canals, or extractions are usually necessary to fully treat an abscess.
How long can I wait to treat a tooth infection?
You should not wait. Delaying treatment increases the risk of the infection spreading and causing serious health complications. Seek care at the first sign of a toothache, swelling, or pus. |
