A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, either at the tip of a tooth’s root or in the gum beside it. It usually causes severe, throbbing pain and swelling. An abscess will not go away on its own and needs dental treatment to remove the source of infection. If you have facial swelling with fever or difficulty swallowing, seek urgent care.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache
- Pain spreading to the ear, jaw or neck
- Pain when biting or touching the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling in the face, cheek or gum
- A pimple-like bump on the gum that may release foul-tasting fluid
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Tender, swollen glands under the jaw
If the abscess bursts, pain may suddenly ease. The infection is still there and still needs treatment.
When a tooth abscess is an emergency
Go to an emergency room immediately if you have:
- Swelling spreading to your eye, neck or under your tongue
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth
- High fever or feeling very unwell
These can be signs the infection is spreading, which can be dangerous.
What causes an abscess?
Most abscesses come from untreated tooth decay, a cracked tooth or old dental work that lets bacteria reach the nerve. Gum abscesses usually come from advanced gum disease.
How a tooth abscess is treated
At Melrose Advanced Dentistry, treatment aims to drain the infection and remove its source:
- Drainage to relieve pressure and pain.
- Root canal treatment to clean out the infection and save the tooth.
- Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
- Antibiotics in some cases, such as when infection is spreading. Antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess.
What you can do while you wait
Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label, and avoid very hot or cold food. Never try to pop an abscess yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own? No. Even if pain stops, the infection remains and can spread.
How quickly should I see a dentist? Within 24 hours, or immediately if you have the emergency signs above.
Can I just take antibiotics? Antibiotics can control spreading infection but will not fix the tooth. The source must be treated.
Suspect an abscess? Call Melrose Advanced Dentistry in Melrose, Johannesburg on 072 200 1774 for an urgent appointment.