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Tooth Abscess

(Dental Abscess; Abscessed Tooth)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Disease, Condition, & Injury Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

A tooth abscess is a sac of infected material called pus in a tooth or the gums. Early treatment can prevent tooth loss and the spread of infection to tissue and bone.

Abscess Between Tooth and Gum

Causes

A tooth abscess is caused by bacteria. It begins when bacteria invade and infect the tissue around a tooth. This results in pus build-up. An abscess happens when the pus is unable to drain.

Problems that allow bacteria to invade a tooth are:

Severe tooth decay
A break or crack in a tooth
Failed root canal treatment
Advanced periodontitis
Dental trauma

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

A build up of tartar beneath the gum line
Poor dental hygiene

Symptoms

Problems may be:

Throbbing and pain in a tooth or gum area
Sudden tooth pain
Pain when biting
Pain from hot or cold
Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the gums
Fever
Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
An open, draining sore on the gums
A loose tooth

Diagnosis

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and health history. A dental exam will be done.

Images may be taken of the tooth and surrounding bone. This can be done with x-rays.

A sample of the abscess fluid may be taken and tested.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and treat the infection. Options are:

Procedures

These procedures may be done to get rid of the infection:

Drainage—An incision is made in the abscess to allow pus to drain from it
Root canal—Pus and decayed tissue are removed from the inside of the tooth, then it is filled and sealed
Tooth removal—A tooth with severe decay or infection is removed. It can be replaced with a partial bridge, denture, or tooth implant

Medication

Medicine may be given to ease pain. Antibiotics will be given to treat the infection.

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per day.
Floss every day.
Get regular dental check-ups and teeth and gum cleanings every 6 months.

RESOURCES:

Academy of General Dentistry
http://www.agd.org

Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
http://www.mouthhealthy.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca

References:

Abscess (toothache). Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association website. Available at: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess. Accessed September 16, 2021.

Acute apical dental abscess. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-apical-dental-abscess. Accessed September 16, 2021.

Dental abscess. NHSinform website. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/dental-abscess. Accessed September 16, 2021.

Toothache and Infection. The Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 16, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mary-Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated: 9/16/2021

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