On this page · 7 sections
01Why it matters
An abscess is a sign that an infection has taken hold inside or around a tooth. Germs can get into a tooth through a deep cavity, a crack, or an old filling that has broken down. They can also spread from deep gum disease. Once inside, the infection builds up pus, a thick fluid made of germs and dead cells.
An abscess does not go away without treatment. Even if the pain fades, the infection may still be there. In rare cases, it can spread to the jaw, face, neck, or other parts of the body.
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An abscessed tooth has a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection, often at the tip of the root. Signs include a strong, throbbing toothache, swelling and fever. Swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs 911 or an emergency room. An abscess does not go away on its own; a dentist needs to treat it.
02Get help right away
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of these signs along with a tooth problem:
- Swelling in your face that spreads toward your eye or down your neck.
- A fever.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
These signs can mean the infection is spreading. Do not wait for a dental visit.
03Signs and causes
Common signs of an abscessed tooth include:
- A strong, throbbing toothache that may spread to your ear, jaw, or neck.
- Pain when you bite or chew.
- Swelling in your gums, cheek, or jaw.
- A bump on the gum, like a pimple, that may leak a salty, bad-tasting fluid.
- Swollen, tender glands under your jaw.
- A tooth that has turned darker than the teeth beside it.
If the bump on your gum bursts, the pain may ease. This does not mean the infection is gone. Do not try to pop or drain an abscess at home. Doing so can spread the infection.
04What happens
The dentist will look at the tooth, tap on it, and take X-rays to find the infection. The goal is to clear the infection and save the tooth when possible. Treatment depends on the tooth and how much damage there is.
- Root canal. The dentist removes the infected pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth. Then the inside is cleaned and sealed. A root canal often lets you keep the tooth.
- Draining the abscess. In some cases, the dentist makes a small opening so the pus can drain.
- Removing the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be pulled.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread or you have a health problem that raises your risk. Take them only as prescribed, and finish them unless the dentist or doctor tells you otherwise. Antibiotics alone do not fix the source of the infection. After a root canal, many back teeth need a dental crown to protect them.
05Cost factors
What you pay depends on:
- Which tooth is infected, since back teeth often have more roots to treat.
- The treatment you need, such as a root canal, draining, or removing the tooth.
- Whether the tooth needs a crown or other work afterward.
- Your dental insurance plan and what it covers. Call the office to check your plan.
- Whether you choose to use CareCredit, a healthcare financing option the office accepts.
06How to prevent it
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day.
- Get cavities and cracked teeth treated early.
- Keep up with regular checkups, so problems are found while they are small.
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.
If you have a toothache, swelling, or a bump on your gum, call the office at (407) 850-0133. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. For the warning signs above, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have a painful or swollen tooth? See our root canal page.
07Questions people ask
Can an abscessed tooth go away on its own?
No. The pain may ease if the abscess drains or the nerve inside the tooth dies, but the infection usually stays. Without treatment, it can spread. See a dentist even if the pain stops.
Can I drain a tooth abscess at home?
No. Do not pop, poke, or cut a bump on your gum. That can spread the infection or hurt your gums. Rinsing with warm salt water may ease soreness for a short time, but you still need a dentist to treat the cause.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not always. Many abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection, such as with a root canal. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread. Take them only as prescribed, and never use leftover or borrowed pills.
When is a tooth abscess an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if swelling in your face spreads toward your eye or neck. Do the same if you have a fever or trouble breathing or swallowing. These signs can mean a serious, spreading infection.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]