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Tooth abscess

Show Alternative Names
Periapical abscess
Dental abscess
Tooth infection
Abscess - tooth
Dentoalveolar abscess
Odontogenic abscess

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.

Causes

A tooth abscess may form if there is tooth decay. It may also occur when a tooth is broken, chipped, or injured in other ways. Openings in the tooth enamel allow bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp). Infection may spread from the root of the tooth to the bones supporting the tooth.

Infection results in a buildup of pus and tissue swelling within the tooth. This causes a toothache. The toothache may stop if pressure is relieved. But the infection will remain active and continue to spread. This will cause more pain and can destroy tissue.

Symptoms

The main symptom is a severe toothache. The pain is continuous. It does not stop. It can be described as gnawing, sharp, shooting, or throbbing.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Bitter taste in the mouth
  • Breath odor
  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill-feeling
  • Fever
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
  • Swelling of the gum over the infected tooth, which may look like a pimple
  • Swollen glands of the neck
  • Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw, which is a very serious symptom

Exams and Tests

Your dentist will closely look at your teeth, mouth, and gums. It may hurt when the dentist taps the tooth. Biting or closing your mouth tightly also increases the pain. Your gums may be swollen and red and may drain thick material.

Dental x-rays and other tests can help your dentist determine which tooth or teeth are causing the problem.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to cure the infection, save the tooth, and prevent complications.

Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Warm saltwater rinses may help ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may relieve your toothache and fever.

Do not place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums. This increases irritation of the tissues and can result in mouth ulcers.

A root canal may be recommended in an attempt to save the tooth.

If you have a severe infection, your tooth may need to be removed, or you may need surgery to drain the abscess. Some people may need to be admitted to the hospital.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Untreated abscesses may get worse and can lead to life-threatening complications.

Prompt treatment cures the infection in most cases. The tooth can often be saved.

Possible Complications

These complications can occur:

  • Loss of the tooth
  • Blood infection
  • Spread of infection to soft tissue
  • Spread of infection to the jaw bone
  • Spread of infection to other areas of the body, which can cause brain abscess, inflammation in the heart, pneumonia, or other complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your dentist if you have a throbbing toothache that does not go away, or if you notice a bubble (or pimple) on your gums.

Prevention

Prompt treatment of dental decay reduces the risk of developing a tooth abscess. Have your dentist examine any broken or chipped teeth right away.

Review Date: 1/24/2022

Reviewed By

Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Hewson I. Dental emergencies. In: Cameron P, Little M, Mitra B, Deasy C, eds. Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17.

Pedigo RA, Amsterdam JT. Oral medicine. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 60.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Tooth anatomy - Illustration Thumbnail

Tooth anatomy

The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.

Illustration

Tooth abscess - Illustration Thumbnail

Tooth abscess

A collection of infected material (pus) resulting from bacterial infection of the center (pulp) of a tooth.

Illustration

 
 
Tooth anatomy - Illustration Thumbnail

Tooth anatomy

The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.

Illustration

Tooth abscess - Illustration Thumbnail

Tooth abscess

A collection of infected material (pus) resulting from bacterial infection of the center (pulp) of a tooth.

Illustration

 
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