A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms around a tooth or in the gums as a result of a bacterial infection. A dental abscess is a serious condition that does not go away on its own and requires treatment by a dentist. Without treatment, the infection can spread and lead to serious complications.
Causes of dental abscess
The most common causes of dental abscess are:
- Cavities (caries) that have penetrated deep into the tooth and reached the dental nerve
- Gum disease (periodontitis) that has created deep pockets between the tooth and gums
- A broken or damaged tooth where bacteria have gained access to the interior of the tooth
- Previous dental treatment that has failed
Symptoms of dental abscess
A dental abscess often produces very clear symptoms. Common signs include:
- Extreme toothache with intense, throbbing pain
- Severe pain that can appear suddenly and worsen over time
- A lump or swelling on the gums near the affected tooth
- Pain that radiates to the ear, jaw and neck
- Pain that gets worse when lying down
- Swelling and redness in the face on the affected side
- A loose tooth or a feeling that the tooth is "raised"
- Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath
Treatment of dental abscess
A dental abscess does not go away on its own. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. The dentist will assess which treatment is best based on the extent of the infection.
Common treatments include:
- Antibiotics: For widespread infection, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics. Common types include penicillin, clindamycin or metronidazole. Antibiotics alone do not cure the abscess, but they control the infection so that further treatment can be carried out.
- Root canal: If the tooth can be preserved, the dentist will perform a root canal to remove the infected nerve and clean the root canal.
- Tooth extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, it must be extracted.
- Drainage: The dentist may drain the abscess by making a small incision to release the pus and relieve the pressure.
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Is a dental abscess dangerous?
Yes, an untreated dental abscess can be dangerous. The infection can spread to the jaw, head, neck and in rare cases to other parts of the body. In the worst case, an untreated dental infection can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning), which is a life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is very important to see a dentist promptly if you suspect a dental abscess.
Important: Never attempt to puncture or squeeze a dental abscess yourself. This can cause the infection to spread further and worsen the situation. Always seek professional help.
View infographic — Dental abscess
