Each tooth abscess symptom can change as an abscess gets worse. A tooth abscess forms around the end of a dead tooth root. Many teeth have several roots and it is possible that some roots can remain alive while one or more of the others are dead. This can make it difficult to find a tooth abscess in its early phases.

          The first tooth abscess symptom is usually hot and cold sensitivity. The sick tooth doesn't feel well and hurts when you bite. You know something is wrong. With time the problems get more dramatic. Toothache pain begins to come and go, gets worse and doesn't go away easily. Over the counter pain medications stop being effective. Your mouth gets hot from the dental infection and you may develop a low grade fever that may not show up with an ear or rectal thermometer. The tooth abscess begins to run you down and make you feel miserable (malaise).

          Finally, the dental pain becomes tremendous and will not stop. It keeps you up all night, throbs with piercing pain, and you just want to die. The tooth abscess symptoms get worse as you lose sleep and get overtired during the day. The lymph nodes in your neck swell as the infection develops. A serious complication is when the surface of the gums at the bottom of the tooth swells and gets bigger. The swelling can grow out of control, distort your face, block off your airway and kill you (Ludwig's Angina). If you are lucky, the swelling pops open before it gets very big and pus spills into your mouth (fistula). The pus tastes salty or bitter and you develop bad breath.

         Regardless of which tooth abscess symptoms you are experiencing, you should see a dentist immediately. The consequences of failing to get early treatment for a tooth abscess can be severe and its just not worth delaying dental care. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you think you have a tooth abscess and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky or Dr. Smith, make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.