Is a Tooth Infection the Same as an Abscess?

You might hear the terms tooth infection and tooth abscess used interchangeably, even though they are technically different conditions. Here, we’ll look at how they both work and when it’s time to call an emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN.

Tooth Infection vs. Abscess

You can think of a tooth infection as any bacterial infiltration of either the teeth or the gums. The abscess refers to the results of the infection’s spread. There are a couple of types of abscesses but both usually lead to pus-filled pockets in the tooth. It can also lead to anything from jaw pain to a fever.

How Infections Are Treated

A tooth infection in Indianapolis, IN can be treated by anything from a cleaning to a filling. In some cases, you’ll only need a regular tooth cleaning to clean out bacteria. In others, you may need a deep cleaning, one that extends into the pockets of the gums to reach any accumulated bacteria or food particles.

How Do I Know?

Usually, the answer is fairly obvious to people because the pain and discomfort of an abscess is generally much sharper and harder to ignore. However, no matter what type of infection you have, it’s important to get it taken care of sooner or later. Whether you need a small cavity filling or a tooth extraction, without intervention, a tooth infection can become an abscess and potentially spread into the rest of your body.

If you have questions about any new symptoms, such as swelling or fever, contact Indiana Emergency Dental today to describe what’s happening or ask whether you need immediate attention. We’re here for you any time of day (or night) to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.