A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. It can be very painful, and it will not go away on its own. If you think you have one, see a dentist urgently. Prompt treatment relieves the pain, stops the infection from spreading, and can often save the tooth.
Types of Tooth Abscess
- Periapical abscess. This forms at the tip of the root when bacteria reach the pulp, the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth, through deep decay, a crack, or an injury.
- Periodontal abscess. This forms in the gum and bone beside a tooth, usually because of gum disease.
- Gingival abscess. This forms in the gum tissue only, sometimes after food or a small object gets pushed into the gum.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
- intense, throbbing toothache or gum pain that may spread to the jaw, ear, or neck
- pain when you bite down or touch the tooth
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- redness and swelling in the gum, face, or jaw
- a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
- swollen glands in the neck
- difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- a bad taste or bad breath that won’t go away, especially if the abscess drains into your mouth
- fever or feeling generally unwell
When Is a Tooth Abscess an Emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have:
- trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing
- a lot of swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
- swelling around your eye, or changes in your eyesight
- a fever with swelling in your face
For other abscess symptoms, call a dentist the same day. At Green Apple Dental, call the clinic closest to you for a same-day appointment. After hours, our team still answers emergency calls.
How a Dentist Diagnoses a Tooth Abscess
Your dentist will examine the area and gently tap or press on your teeth to find the one that is sensitive. X-rays show where the infection is and whether it has reached the bone. In some cases, a 3D scan helps confirm which tooth is affected and plan the treatment.
How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
The goals are to drain the infection, remove its source, and save the tooth whenever possible. You will be given a local anaesthetic so the area is numb.
- Draining the abscess. The dentist releases the pus and cleans the area.
- Root canal treatment. When the infection is inside the tooth, a root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth so you can keep it. A crown is often placed afterwards to protect the tooth.
- Extraction. If the tooth can’t be saved, it is removed so the infection can drain, and your dentist will explain the options for replacing it.
- Gum treatment. A periodontal abscess is drained, and the gum pocket is deep cleaned to treat the gum disease behind it.
- Antibiotics. These may be prescribed if the infection is spreading or you have a fever. Antibiotics alone don’t cure an abscess, though. The source of the infection still needs treatment.
What to Do Until You See the Dentist
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and follow the label. Don’t give aspirin to children or teenagers.
- Eat soft foods, and chew on the other side of your mouth.
- Avoid food and drinks that are very hot or very cold.
- Clean your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Don’t squeeze or try to pop a bump on your gum.
Painkillers can ease the pain, but they don’t treat the infection. Even if the pain fades, see your dentist. A tooth can stop hurting when the nerve inside it dies while the infection keeps spreading. The NHS guide to dental abscesses gives the same advice.
How to Prevent a Tooth Abscess
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and spit rather than rinse afterwards.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Have cavities, cracked teeth, and broken fillings repaired early.
- Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings, so gum disease is caught early.
- Wear a sports mouthguard for contact sports to protect your teeth from injury.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No. Even if it drains or the pain stops, the infection is still there and can spread. It needs treatment by a dentist.
Will I need a root canal or an extraction?
It depends on how much of the tooth is healthy. When a tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the first choice. Your dentist will explain your options after an exam and X-rays.
Are antibiotics enough to treat an abscess?
No. Antibiotics can help control a spreading infection, but the abscess still needs to be drained and its cause treated.
Tooth Pain or Swelling? Call Us
If you think you have a tooth abscess, call our Fleetwood or Newton clinic in Surrey for a same-day visit. For other urgent problems, see our guide on what to do in a dental emergency.
