Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesWho Is at RiskDiagnosisWill It Go Away?ComplicationsOutlookPreventionWhen to Seek Emergency Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Who Is at Risk
Diagnosis
Will It Go Away?
Complications
Outlook
Prevention
When to Seek Emergency Care
A tooth abscess, also called an oral or dental abscess, is a localizedbacterial infectionin which pus builds up in a tooth, gum, or jawbone. The infection can affect surrounding tissues and cause severe pain.
A tooth abscess needs appropriate treatment, which can improve symptoms within days. Left untreated, it can lead to hospitalization or become life-threatening. Treatment options for a tooth abscess includesurgical drainage,root canal,tooth extraction, andantibiotics.
This article will cover the symptoms and causes of tooth abscesses, how they are diagnosed, available treatment options, and more.
Types of Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses can affect the teeth and gums.The three most common tooth abscess types areperiapical abscess,periodontal abscess, andgingival abscess.
Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root of a tooth. It results from a dental injury or cavity. It is one of the most common dental emergencies.
This abscess type affects the top part of the tooth. It results from a bacterial infection of thepulp—the innermost layer of a tooth containing the nerves, blood vessels, cells, and connective tissues that provide the tooth with nutrients.
Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess affects the bones and tissues that support the teeth. It generally results fromperiodontitis, a severe type of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
A periodontal abscess will usually present with swollen red gums (related to periodontal disease), The surrounding teeth may not be broken down with large cavities. This is in contrast to periapical abscesses, which can be associated with large cavities and broken-down teeth.
Periodontal abscesses share a microbiology like that ofperiodontal disease— inflammation and infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth.Most of the bacteria involved are resistant to antibiotics (except forazithromycin).
Periodontal Disease vs. PeriodontitisPeriodontal disease refers to any condition that affects the teeth, gums, bone foundations, and ligaments.Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, while periodontitis is a more severe condition that damages soft tissue and bone.
Periodontal Disease vs. Periodontitis
Periodontal disease refers to any condition that affects the teeth, gums, bone foundations, and ligaments.Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, while periodontitis is a more severe condition that damages soft tissue and bone.
Gingival Abscess
Gingival abscess, also called gum abscess, develops in the gums but generally does not affect the teeth.
This type of abscess can be painful and lead to severe complications, including an infection that can spread deeper into the gum tissue and travel to other parts of the face and body.
Tooth Abscess Symptoms
The main symptom of a tooth abscess isthrobbing near the affected toothin the gums. The pain will come on suddenly and get worse over time.
The pain will be continuous and may radiate into the jaw, ear, and neck. You may feel pain when biting and chewing and have facial swelling and redness or discoloration. Tooth abscess pain can be described as throbbing, shooting, gnawing, or sharp.
Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Dentist
Additional symptoms of tooth abscess may include:
Stages of Developing a Tooth Abscess
Five stages of tooth decay can lead to the development of a tooth abscess: white spots, enamel decay, dentin decay, pulp involvement, and abscess formation.
What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?
If you are not brushing regularly, bacteria will build up in and around your gums and teeth, leading to an abscess.
Other risk factors for tooth abscess include:
Who’s More Likely to Develop an Abscessed Tooth?
Some people are at a higher risk for an abscessed tooth. This includes people who:
Toothache: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
A Word From VerywellIt is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible, even if the abscess has drained on its own. The only way to ensure the abscess fully resolves is to see a dentist to treat and remove thesourceof the infection.—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
It is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible, even if the abscess has drained on its own. The only way to ensure the abscess fully resolves is to see a dentist to treat and remove thesourceof the infection.—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
It is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible, even if the abscess has drained on its own. The only way to ensure the abscess fully resolves is to see a dentist to treat and remove thesourceof the infection.
—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How Is an Abscessed Tooth Diagnosed?
If you experience symptoms of a gum or tooth abscess, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
A dentist can examine your gums for signs of infection, including swelling, tenderness, and redness. The dentist may also order adental X-rayto look for a pulp infection, periodontal disease, or bone loss related to the infection.
Your dentist might request a pulp vitality test to check the strength and overall health of pulp tissue and determine your treatment options. This is recommended for both people with dental pain and those without or those who report hot or cold sensitivity in specific areas of their mouth.
If the Tooth Abscess BurstsIf the tooth abscess bursts, you may feel immediate pain relief.But you may also notice a foul taste and smell in your mouth due to pus drainage. You should still contact a dentist to treat the infection.
If the Tooth Abscess Bursts
If the tooth abscess bursts, you may feel immediate pain relief.But you may also notice a foul taste and smell in your mouth due to pus drainage. You should still contact a dentist to treat the infection.
How Is an Abscessed Tooth Treated?
The goals of treatment for a tooth abscess are to clear the infection, save the tooth, and prevent complications, such as the loss of the tooth.
Treatment options include:
How Long After Starting Antibiotics Will My Tooth Pain Go Away?
Abscessed Tooth Self-Care
A tooth abscess requires dental treatment, but some home remedies can relieve pain and discomfort as the mouth heals.
OTC Pain Relief for an Abscessed Tooth
If you are experiencing intense pain, you might be able to get relief with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) oraspirin. Make sure you only take the recommended dose and reach out to a dentist if you are still struggling with tooth and gum pain.
Root Canal and Endodontic Surgery
Root canals and tooth extractions areoral surgeryprocedures. Your general dentist typically would not do these procedures unless they have additional training and dental board certifications. You will likely be referred to an oral surgeon.
A root canal procedure involves removing the infected dental pulp.After the bacteria is removed, the root canal is filled, and the tooth is sealed. The tooth is then covered with a filling or dental crown.
If an abscessed tooth cannot be saved, it will need to be extracted (pulled). The procedure involves local anesthesia or sedation, and the tooth is removed using surgical instruments.
Can a Tooth Abscess Go Away On Its Own?
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. The source of the infection needs to be removed and treated. An abscess must be drained and treated with antibiotics so the infection does not spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, and bloodstream.
If the tooth pulp is infected, a root canal and crown will be necessary. If a root canal cannot be performed, the tooth needs to be extracted.
Complications of an Untreated Tooth Abscess
If a tooth abscess is left untreated, the infection can spread. Some complications require hospitalization and can be life-threatening.
Complications of a tooth abscess include:
Do Not Put Your Health At RiskAlthough the above complications are rare or uncommon, you should still contact a dentist if you have a tooth abscess. This way, you avoid putting your health at risk.
Do Not Put Your Health At Risk
Although the above complications are rare or uncommon, you should still contact a dentist if you have a tooth abscess. This way, you avoid putting your health at risk.
What’s the Outlook for Someone With an Abscessed Tooth?
When addressed promptly, the outlook for a person with tooth abscess can be positive. A dental procedure and antibiotics can cure a tooth abscess. You will typically feel pain relief and fully recover within weeks.
If you do not seek treatment for a tooth abscess, you could put yourself at risk of severe complications. If you suspect a dental abscess, reach out to a dentist right away. The sooner you get checked out and treated, the sooner your life can return to normal.
Can You Prevent a Tooth Abscess?
Preventing a tooth abscess requiresgood oral hygiene habits. These include:
If you have facial swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or problems breathing, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. These symptoms might indicate the dental infection is spreading to your face or neck.
Confusion, an elevated heart rate, and problems swallowing are additional signs that may warrant an emergency room visit.
Summary
A tooth abscess is a localized bacterial infection in which pus builds up inside a tooth, the jaw, or the gums. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues and cause pain and swelling.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the teeth or gums can cause tooth abscesses. Some people are at increased risk for dental abscesses, including smokers, those with poor dental hygiene, older adults, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
Without treatment, a dental abscess can spread to the jawbone, mouth, face, or neck. This can lead to severe and life-threatening complications.
If you experience signs of a tooth abscess or have dental pain, you should see a dentist right away. Treatment can manage the infection and its underlying cause.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth abscesses and other dental problems. You should see your dentist every six months for cleanings and dental screenings to address issues before they worsen.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dental Health Society.Can an infected tooth cause a sore throat?Cope AL, Francis N, Wood F, et al.Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD010136. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010136.pub4Irshad M, Alam MK, Alawneh A, et al.Characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens associated with periodontal abscess.Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(10):654. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9100654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Jauch EC, Valdez JA.Gingival abscess (periodontal abscess). In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e. McGraw-Hill; 2021.University of Florida Health.Tooth abscess.Soundview Family Dental.Understanding the stages of tooth decay.Mount Sinai.Dental cavities.Singh AK, Saxena A.The periodontal abscess: a review. IOSR J. Dent. Med. Sci. 2015;14(11):81-86.Jevon P, Abdelrahman A, Pigadas N.Management of odontogenic infections and sepsis: an update.BrDent J. 2020;229(6):363-370. doi:10.1038/s41415-020-2114-5Patro S, Meto A, Mohanty A, et al.Diagnostic accuracy of pulp vitality tests and pulp sensibility tests for assessing pulpal health in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(15):9599. doi:10.3390/ijerph19159599CDHP Dental Health Project.What to do if a dental abscess bursts on its own? (5 steps).University of Washington Medical Center.Incision and drainage of an abscess.Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F.Antibiotic therapy in dentistry.Int J Dent. 2021;2021:6667624. doi:10.1155/2021/6667624American Association of Endodontists.Abscessed teeth.Bali RK, Sharma P, Gaba S, et al.A review of complications of odontogenic infections.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2015;6(2):136-143. doi:10.4103/0975-5950.183867Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cerebral abscess.National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dental Health Society.Can an infected tooth cause a sore throat?Cope AL, Francis N, Wood F, et al.Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD010136. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010136.pub4Irshad M, Alam MK, Alawneh A, et al.Characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens associated with periodontal abscess.Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(10):654. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9100654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Jauch EC, Valdez JA.Gingival abscess (periodontal abscess). In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e. McGraw-Hill; 2021.University of Florida Health.Tooth abscess.Soundview Family Dental.Understanding the stages of tooth decay.Mount Sinai.Dental cavities.Singh AK, Saxena A.The periodontal abscess: a review. IOSR J. Dent. Med. Sci. 2015;14(11):81-86.Jevon P, Abdelrahman A, Pigadas N.Management of odontogenic infections and sepsis: an update.BrDent J. 2020;229(6):363-370. doi:10.1038/s41415-020-2114-5Patro S, Meto A, Mohanty A, et al.Diagnostic accuracy of pulp vitality tests and pulp sensibility tests for assessing pulpal health in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(15):9599. doi:10.3390/ijerph19159599CDHP Dental Health Project.What to do if a dental abscess bursts on its own? (5 steps).University of Washington Medical Center.Incision and drainage of an abscess.Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F.Antibiotic therapy in dentistry.Int J Dent. 2021;2021:6667624. doi:10.1155/2021/6667624American Association of Endodontists.Abscessed teeth.Bali RK, Sharma P, Gaba S, et al.A review of complications of odontogenic infections.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2015;6(2):136-143. doi:10.4103/0975-5950.183867Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cerebral abscess.National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Dental Health Society.Can an infected tooth cause a sore throat?Cope AL, Francis N, Wood F, et al.Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD010136. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010136.pub4Irshad M, Alam MK, Alawneh A, et al.Characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens associated with periodontal abscess.Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(10):654. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9100654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Jauch EC, Valdez JA.Gingival abscess (periodontal abscess). In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e. McGraw-Hill; 2021.University of Florida Health.Tooth abscess.Soundview Family Dental.Understanding the stages of tooth decay.Mount Sinai.Dental cavities.Singh AK, Saxena A.The periodontal abscess: a review. IOSR J. Dent. Med. Sci. 2015;14(11):81-86.Jevon P, Abdelrahman A, Pigadas N.Management of odontogenic infections and sepsis: an update.BrDent J. 2020;229(6):363-370. doi:10.1038/s41415-020-2114-5Patro S, Meto A, Mohanty A, et al.Diagnostic accuracy of pulp vitality tests and pulp sensibility tests for assessing pulpal health in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(15):9599. doi:10.3390/ijerph19159599CDHP Dental Health Project.What to do if a dental abscess bursts on its own? (5 steps).University of Washington Medical Center.Incision and drainage of an abscess.Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F.Antibiotic therapy in dentistry.Int J Dent. 2021;2021:6667624. doi:10.1155/2021/6667624American Association of Endodontists.Abscessed teeth.Bali RK, Sharma P, Gaba S, et al.A review of complications of odontogenic infections.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2015;6(2):136-143. doi:10.4103/0975-5950.183867Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cerebral abscess.National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
Dental Health Society.Can an infected tooth cause a sore throat?
Cope AL, Francis N, Wood F, et al.Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD010136. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010136.pub4
Irshad M, Alam MK, Alawneh A, et al.Characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens associated with periodontal abscess.Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(10):654. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9100654
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.
Jauch EC, Valdez JA.Gingival abscess (periodontal abscess). In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e. McGraw-Hill; 2021.
University of Florida Health.Tooth abscess.
Soundview Family Dental.Understanding the stages of tooth decay.
Mount Sinai.Dental cavities.
Singh AK, Saxena A.The periodontal abscess: a review. IOSR J. Dent. Med. Sci. 2015;14(11):81-86.
Jevon P, Abdelrahman A, Pigadas N.Management of odontogenic infections and sepsis: an update.BrDent J. 2020;229(6):363-370. doi:10.1038/s41415-020-2114-5
Patro S, Meto A, Mohanty A, et al.Diagnostic accuracy of pulp vitality tests and pulp sensibility tests for assessing pulpal health in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(15):9599. doi:10.3390/ijerph19159599
CDHP Dental Health Project.What to do if a dental abscess bursts on its own? (5 steps).
University of Washington Medical Center.Incision and drainage of an abscess.
Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F.Antibiotic therapy in dentistry.Int J Dent. 2021;2021:6667624. doi:10.1155/2021/6667624
American Association of Endodontists.Abscessed teeth.
Bali RK, Sharma P, Gaba S, et al.A review of complications of odontogenic infections.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2015;6(2):136-143. doi:10.4103/0975-5950.183867
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cerebral abscess.
National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
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