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.

Tooth Abscess FAQs

Learn more about treatment for a tooth abscess in Timonium, MD, with answers to these common questions:

Can a broken tooth increase my risk of a tooth abscess?

Yes, when a tooth breaks, it creates an opening that bacteria can use to get inside your tooth. Your tooth is normally protected by your tooth enamel, but a break damages this protection.

Once bacteria get inside the broken tooth, they can:

  • Infect the soft tissue inside (called the pulp)
  • Cause the nerve inside to die
  • Create a pocket of infection (abscess) at the root of your tooth

Please call us so we can treat your broken tooth in Timonium, MD. Fixing your tooth will decrease the risk of more problems, which can include infection.

When should I get emergency care for a tooth abscess?

You should seek immediate care if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe pain that won’t respond to over-the-counter medication
  • High fever
  • Significant facial swelling

Early dental care can reduce the spread of infection and the risk of a burst abscess.

How much does it cost to treat a tooth abscess?

The cost of tooth abscess treatment depends on the treatment type. A tooth extraction may cost less than a root canal based on how many teeth need treatment. Dental insurance will usually cover part of treatment, and we will review the cost of your treatment beforehand.

How can I prevent a tooth abscess?

You can reduce the risk of a dental abscess if you:

  • Get regular dental check-ups
  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • Treat cavities or damaged teeth
  • Wear protective gear during sports
  • Address tooth sensitivity early

We recommend that you contact us if you notice any change in your oral health. If you injure a tooth, please visit us for treatment.

What should I do while waiting for my dental appointment?

If you have a tooth abscess, you can care for your mouth before your dental visit. We recommend that you:

  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication
  • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
  • Avoid very hot or cold foods
  • Keep the area clean

Does it hurt to treat a tooth abscess?

Treating an abscess is much less painful than leaving it untreated. We will give you a local anesthetic (numbing shot) so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.

When the numbness wears off, you might feel sore for a few days. We will recommend over-the-counter pain medicine like to help with discomfort. The relief from getting rid of the abscess is often immediate – many people feel much better right after treatment.

Can I get rid of a dental abscess at home?

No, you can’t treat an abscess without professional care. You can’t completely clear the bacteria that cause your infection with home treatments. If you don’t get proper care, the infection could spread.

While you can reduce swelling or pain with saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and pain medication, this will not treat the abscess. Please contact Dr. Karpovich’s Timonium dental office if you have a tooth abscess.

What do I do if my tooth abscess bursts?

If your tooth abscess bursts, you may notice a sudden release of foul-tasting liquid, pain relief, or swelling going down.

First, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and help reduce bacteria. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out. Avoid swallowing the liquid.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with any discomfort. Applying a cold compress to your cheek can also reduce swelling.

Then, call our dental office. A burst abscess means the infection has spread, and you may need antibiotics to clear up any remaining infection and drainage to remove any remaining pus.

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.