New Patients (410) 221-3085

Current Patients (410) 628-6070

1 Texas Station Ct Suite 110 Timonium, MD 21093

Tooth Abscess Timonium, MD

Do you have severe pain in your tooth? Is a constant toothache interfering with your ability to function or sleep? You may have a tooth abscess. If so, you will need dental treatment as soon as possible to get relief. Dr. Paul Karpovich is a general dentist that practices in Timonium, MD. If you are suffering from a tooth abscess, he provides quality treatment to help you restore your oral health.

Treatment for a Tooth Abscess in Timonium, Maryland

What is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is a puss filled pocket that is located at the tip of the tooth root or in the gum tissue. It is caused by a bacterial infection. In most cases, this painful dental condition is linked to lack of proper oral care. However, it can also be caused by trauma to the mouth. An abscess is typically caused by an untreated cavity, failing prior dental work, or a cracked or chipped tooth. These conditions allow bacteria to enter the innermost parts of the tooth where an infection and inflammation will develop. When this tooth infection is not treated, then it will progress into a tooth abscess.

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
  • Sharp pain when chewing or biting food
  • Severe toothache that can spread to your ears, neck or jaw
  • Fever from an infection
  • Swelling on the side of your face or neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Bad breathe
  • The taste of puss in your mouth if the abscess ruptures
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes

Treatment for a Tooth Abscess

If you think you have a tooth abscess, you should schedule a dentist appointment as soon possible. Dr. Karpovich will examine the tooth and the area around it to determine what is causing your symptoms. If you have an abscess, he will also figure out the proper treatment. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have at saving your tooth. An abscess is an infection and requires treatment as soon as possible. It is important to understand that it will not go away on its own. After draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics, Dr. Karpovich will recommend one of two treatments:

Root Canal

A root canal procedure will save your tooth and remove the infection. To perform this, your dentist will make a small opening in the tooth by drilling a hole. Using special tools, Dr. Karpovich will access the inside of the inside of the tooth via the hole and remove all the infected tissue. Then, he will clean out the tooth and fill it special material. Often, dentists will cap the tooth with a dental crown to strengthen and protect it.

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes, the infection is left untreated for too long and the dentist cannot save the tooth. In this case, you will need to have your tooth extracted. For the procedure, we will numb the area around the tooth for your comfort. Dr. Karpovich will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it comes loose. We will also discuss how to replace the tooth.


Call Dr. Karpovich If You Think You Have a Tooth Abscess

Contact our Timonium, Maryland dental office at (410) 221-3085 if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms. We will do our best to see as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is very important if you have an abscess.