Drainage
The pus is drained to relieve pressure and pain.
Dental abscess and infection treatment
A dental abscess forms when bacteria infect the inside of a tooth or the gums around it. It can cause severe pain and swelling, and the infection can spread if it is not treated. Prompt care removes the source of the infection.
About Dental Abscess & Infection
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It may start inside a tooth, often from deep decay or a crack, or in the gums next to a tooth. Treatment usually involves draining the infection and removing its source, which may mean root canal therapy or removing the tooth. Antibiotics may be prescribed when your dentist decides they are needed.
Signs of a dental abscess or infection
- Severe, throbbing pain in a tooth, jaw or ear
- Swelling in the gums, cheek or face
- A pimple-like bump on the gum that may leak fluid
- A bad taste or bad breath that does not go away
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure
- Fever or feeling unwell
Treatment options
Root canal therapy
When the infection starts inside the tooth, the infected tissue is removed and the tooth is sealed so it can be kept.
Extraction
A tooth that cannot be saved is removed to clear the source of infection.
Antibiotics when needed
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, especially if the infection has spread, along with treating the tooth.
What to expect
- 1
Call promptly
Contact the office as soon as you notice swelling or severe pain. The team will tell you the next available time.
- 2
Diagnose the infection
Your dentist examines the area and takes X-rays when needed to find where the infection started.
- 3
Treat the source
The infection is drained and its source is treated, such as with root canal therapy or an extraction.
- 4
Follow up
Your dentist checks healing and plans any restoration or replacement the tooth needs.
Benefits
- Removes the source of the infection
- Relieves pain and pressure
- Helps keep the infection from spreading
- May allow you to keep your natural tooth
Risks and limitations
- Antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess, because the source of the infection remains.
- Pain may ease if the abscess drains on its own, but the infection still needs treatment.
- An untreated abscess can spread to the jaw, neck or other parts of the body.
- A tooth with a large abscess may not be savable and may need to be removed.
Recovery and aftercare
- Finish any antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water if your dentist recommends it.
- Keep follow-up visits so healing can be checked.
- Go to an emergency room if swelling spreads or you develop trouble breathing or swallowing.
Offices offering Dental Abscess & Infection
Call the office you plan to visit to confirm scheduling and availability.
Frequently asked questions
When should I go to the emergency room for an abscess?
Go to an emergency room or call 911 if swelling spreads to your eye, jaw or neck, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever or feel very ill.
Will antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?
Antibiotics can help control infection, but they do not remove its source. The tooth or gum problem still needs dental treatment.
Should I pop an abscess at home?
No. Squeezing or popping it can spread the infection. Rinse with warm salt water and call the office.
Can an abscessed tooth be saved?
Often, yes, with root canal therapy. If the tooth is too damaged, your dentist may recommend removing it and discuss replacement options.
Related services
Emergency Dentist
Urgent dental care for severe pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, swelling and infections.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy removes infection from inside a tooth so you can keep your natural tooth.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved, a careful extraction protects your health and prepares you for what comes next.
Severe Toothache
Strong or lingering tooth pain is a sign that something needs attention.
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¡Hablamos Español! Spanish-speaking front desk and dental assistants at every office.
¡Hablamos Español!Spanish-speaking front desk & dental assistants