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Conditions

Dentistry · Oral health

Dental abscess

Recognise a collection of pus from tooth or gum infection and warning signs of spread.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection within a tooth, around its root or in the gum.

Possible symptoms

Throbbing pain, tenderness, a bad taste, swollen gum or face, fever and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth can occur.

Causes and associated factors

Decay, pulp necrosis, periodontal disease, an impacted tooth, a crack or trauma can allow bacteria into deeper tissues.

Diagnosis

A dentist locates the source, assesses spread and looks for systemic or breathing signs that change urgency.

Tests

Examination, dental tests and a targeted X-ray are common; spreading infection may require hospital imaging and tests.

Course of the condition

An abscess does not resolve reliably until its source is treated and it can spread into facial and neck spaces.

Care options

Treatment drains infection and addresses the cause with root canal care, periodontal treatment or extraction; antibiotics do not replace local treatment.

When to consult

Request urgent dental care whenever an abscess is suspected, even if it drains or the pain eases.

Urgent help

Difficulty breathing or swallowing, neck or eye swelling, high fever, confusion or rapid worsening requires immediate help.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis explains my symptoms?
  • Are the tooth, gum, bone or jaw joint affected?
  • Which options can preserve natural tissues?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should I compare?
  • What follow-up and warning signs should I plan for?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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