Dental Abscess

Key Points

Overview

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms in your teeth or gums due to a bacterial infection. This infection can develop inside a tooth, around its root, or in the surrounding gum tissue. It often results from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or injury to the mouth. The infection causes pus to build up, leading to pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Urgent dental care is essential as an abscess will not heal by itself. Treatment typically involves draining the pus and addressing the underlying cause to prevent further complications and spread of infection.

Signs and Symptoms

• Intense toothache or gum pain
• Redness inside mouth or on face/jaw
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks
• Bad taste in mouth
• Difficulty opening mouth or chewing
• Swollen face or jaw
• Swollen glands in neck
• High temperature

Things That Increase the Risk

• Untreated tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Injured teeth, gums, or mouth
• Impacted tooth (not fully grown)
• Undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Diagnosis

• Dental examination
• Review of symptoms
• Visual inspection of affected area

Treatment & Management

• Draining the pus from the abscess
• Root canal treatment (if tooth is salvageable)
• Tooth removal (if tooth cannot be saved)
• Local anaesthetic for pain relief during procedure
• Painkillers for post-treatment discomfort
• Antibiotics (if infection has spread)

Prevention

• Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
• Replace toothbrush every 2-3 months
• Attend regular dental check-ups
• Avoid smoking
• Do not use mouthwash immediately after brushing

Related Diseases

• Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
• Pulpitis
• Cellulitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Sepsis

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Dental Abscess:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Dental Abscess: