“How do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?”
I am a 34 year old male. I want to know how do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?
10 Answers
In general, dental abscess are unlikely to spread as they are typically a localized infection. If an infection does spread, one would likely have systemic symptoms such as fever, increased swelling, malaise or shortness of breath. If one has a dental abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. A systemic infection can lead to sepsis and may require a trip to the emergency room
You may notice swelling & discomfort
They always grow until treated.
If there are symptoms like swelling associated with it. In the absence of symptoms, your dentist can compare your current X-ray with a previously taken X-ray and inform you.
You would need to see your dentist to get imaging and an exam to understand what is going on. Best not to wait!
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
Any infection will spread if left untreated. You should see your dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) as soon as possible to evaluate the abscess and treat the infection and save the tooth.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Hello,
A tooth abscess is an infection which is always changing. The abscess part is the the battle ground between the infection and the immune system fighting it. The abscess will try to keep expanding until it reaches a drainage area. The drainage area can be from the gum around the tooth, from gum up by the end of the root, or into the facial tissues (this causes the face to swell up). To know if it is spreading without seeing any of these signs would require some type of imaging; such as, an x-ray. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
A tooth abscess is an infection which is always changing. The abscess part is the the battle ground between the infection and the immune system fighting it. The abscess will try to keep expanding until it reaches a drainage area. The drainage area can be from the gum around the tooth, from gum up by the end of the root, or into the facial tissues (this causes the face to swell up). To know if it is spreading without seeing any of these signs would require some type of imaging; such as, an x-ray. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
It gets bigger.
It is impossible to determine from the information you have provided whether your tooth abscess is spreading. The best way to find out would be to visit your dentist and have them take a current xray of your tooth, and compare it to an older xray from 6-12 months ago.
Ask your dentist. They do not usually cure on their own!
