Dental caries are asymptomatic until the decay process is close enough to the dental pulp to cause chemical inflammation. This results in the tooth being abnormally sensitive to temperature changes, particularly the cold, and sweet foods.
Subsequent bacterial invasion of the dental pulp results in a constant dull aching pain. The pulpitic pain resolves when there has been necrosis of the dental pulp.
If a dental abscess then forms, the patient will again be afflicted by a dull, aching tooth ache. The tooth will be sensitive to presure and percussion and localised swelling may be evidence.
If the abscess spontaneously drains then the pain and swelling will resolve. There may be the appearance of a 'gum-boil' which may discharge intermittently. However, if a chronic peridontal abscess develops then this reqiures intervention.
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