Dental Abscess or Infection? Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Treated
Tooth pain can turn your whole day around. When that pain comes with swelling or a bad taste, it may be a dental abscess or infection. These problems need quick care; otherwise, the infection can spread beyond your tooth and gums and become a serious medical concern.
This guide explains what a dental abscess is, how to spot warning signs, and why treatment matters.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a small pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can settle inside the tooth, in the gum tissue, or even in the bone that supports the tooth.
Anyone can develop an abscess. Adults, teenagers, and young kids can all experience one, especially if a cavity, crack, or gum problem has gone untreated for a while.
Types of Dental Abscesses
There are a few different kinds of abscesses:
Periapical abscess: This one forms at the tip of the tooth root. It often happens after deep decay or an injury allows bacteria to reach the pulp (the soft center of the tooth).
Periodontal abscess: This type begins in the gums next to the tooth, usually in a deep pocket caused by gum disease.
Gingival abscess: This stays on the surface of the gum and often develops when food or debris gets trapped under the gum edge.
All three require professional care, but the treatment approach will depend on where the infection started and how far it’s spread.
What Causes a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess usually forms when bacteria reach parts of the tooth or gums that are normally protected. This often happens after a cavity, crack, gum infection, or another dental problem has gone untreated.
Once bacteria slip into deeper layers, whether through the tooth surface or into the gums, the body responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. The buildup of pus and pressure is what creates the abscess.
Untreated Tooth Decay or Cracks
Plaque weakens tooth surfaces over time. When decay progresses through the enamel and dentin, bacteria can reach the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. An infection here can spread quickly and develop into an abscess.
Cracks, chips, or worn fillings can create openings as well. Even a small break in the tooth structure can give bacteria a direct path inside.
Gum Disease and Poor Dental Hygiene
Periodontitis, a serious gum disease, causes deep pockets between teeth and gums. Those pockets trap bacteria and can form periodontal abscesses.
Plaque buildup, smoking, and inconsistent brushing or flossing all raise the risk.
Previous Dental Work or Injury
An abscess can also develop around older dental work. Decay may form underneath a crown or filling, or bacteria may enter the tooth after dental trauma, such as a blow to the mouth. When this damage goes unnoticed, an infection can build beneath the surface.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dental Abscess or Infection?
A dental abscess or infection often causes severe, throbbing pain, but symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious illness.
If you start to feel something wrong, watch for signs like:
Constant, throbbing tooth or gum pain.
Pain that spreads into the jaw, ear, or neck.
Swelling in the gums, jaw, cheek, or face.
A pimple‑like bump on the gums that may drain pus.
Bad taste or bad breath that doesn’t improve after brushing.
A sharp zing when eating something hot or cold, or pressure when chewing.
Difficulty fully opening your mouth.
You might also feel generally unwell or notice swollen lymph nodes under your jaw.
Emergency Warning Signs
Sometimes, a dental abscess becomes a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:
Trouble breathing or swallowing.
Swelling around the eye, under the tongue, or down the neck.
High fever, chills, confusion, or feeling very ill.
Uncontrollable bleeding or rapidly worsening swelling.
These signs can mean that the infection has spread beyond the mouth and requires immediate medical care.
What Is The Treatment For a Dental Abscess?
When treating an abscessed tooth, the goals are simple: relieve pain, remove the source of infection, and prevent further spread.
Treatment for an abscess will always require professional care. Home remedies may help ease discomfort, but they cannot cure a dental abscess.
Drainage and Root Canal
Main goal:
Remove the infection while keeping the natural tooth.
Pros:
Preserves the natural tooth
Maintains normal chewing function
Limitations:
Requires multiple visits
Costs more than an extraction
Drainage and Extraction
Main goal:
Remove the tooth and eliminate the source of infection.
Pros:
Quick resolution
No infected tooth remains
Limitations:
Leaves a gap in the smile
Requires a replacement option later (implant, bridge, etc.)
Antibiotics Without Drainage
Main goal:
Control the spread of infection only.
Pros:
May provide short-term relief in select cases
Limitations:
Does not remove the source of infection
Higher risk of recurrence and complications
Draining The Abscess
We usually start by releasing the built-up pressure. That means draining the pus so the infection can begin to settle down. Depending on where the abscess sits, we may open the gum, the tooth, or sometimes both.
After the area is drained, we clean it carefully. In some cases, we place a small drain so any remaining fluid can keep flowing out over the next day or two. This helps reduce swelling and gives the tissue a chance to heal.
Never try to drain an abscess at home. Pressing or poking at it can force bacteria deeper or allow the infection to spread into the bloodstream.
Root Canal Treatment
If the tooth is strong enough to save, we often recommend a root canal. This allows us to remove the infection while keeping your natural tooth in place.
During a root canal, we:
Open the tooth and remove the infected pulp.
Clean and shape the root canals so no bacteria remain.
Fill the canals with a safe, biocompatible material.
Seal the tooth and, in most cases, place a crown later to protect it.
This approach removes the source of the infection and helps the tooth function comfortably again.
When Is Tooth Extraction the Best Option?
Unfortunately, there are times when a tooth is simply too damaged for us to save. Severe decay, deep cracks, or significant bone loss can make extraction the safer choice for your health.
If we determine that removal is the best path, we focus on keeping the procedure comfortable and the area clean. Many patients notice their pain eases quite quickly once the affected tooth is gone.
After the site has healed, we can walk you through replacement options that fit your needs, such as bridges or dental implants.
Pain Management and Antibiotics
Managing pain is important, but it works best when paired with proper dental treatment. We often recommend over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if they’re safe for you. These help reduce discomfort while we address the source of the infection.
There are times when we prescribe antibiotics, such as when:
The infection is spreading into nearby tissues.
You have a fever or feel generally unwell.
Swelling is significant or you have medical conditions that increase risk.
Even so, antibiotics alone cannot cure a dental abscess. They may calm symptoms for a short time, but they don’t remove the infection.
Without drainage or treatment of the tooth, the problem usually returns and can become more serious.
Why You Should See A Dentist Right Away For Tooth Infections
A dental abscess or infection rarely gets better without treatment. When care is delayed, bacteria can move beyond the tooth and spread into places they don’t belong. This can affect the jawbone, the tissues around the eyes, or even the spaces in the neck and chest that help you breathe.
In the most serious cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis. Although this level of complication is uncommon, it is possible.
Seeing a dentist immediately reduces those risks. Early treatment usually leads to:
Faster, more predictable pain relief.
A much lower chance of serious complications.
A better opportunity to save the tooth.
Most people start to feel noticeably better within a few days once the abscess is drained and the infection is treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Tooth Abscess Go Away by Itself?
No. A tooth abscess does not heal on its own. The infection may seem to calm down if the abscess drains, but bacteria remain. Without treatment, it can return or spread.
Is a Tooth Abscess the Same as an Infection?
A tooth abscess is a type of infection.
All abscesses involve infection, but not every tooth infection has formed an abscess yet. For example, early pulp inflammation can hurt before a pus pocket develops.
How Do I Know if I Have an Abscess or Infection?
You can’t always tell on your own. Signs like intense pain, swelling, a gum bump, or bad taste in your mouth strongly suggest infection. A dentist uses an exam and imaging to confirm whether an abscess is present and where it started.
How Soon After Tooth Abscess Treatment Will I Feel Better?
Many people notice pain relief within 24 to 48 hours after proper drainage and treatment. Swelling and tenderness often continue to improve over several days. Following home‑care instructions and finishing any prescribed medication helps to support your healing.
How Long Can a Dental Abscess Go Untreated?
There is no safe length of time. Infections can worsen within days, and serious complications sometimes develop quickly. If you suspect an abscess, contact a dentist as soon as possible!
Conclusion
A dental abscess or infection is more than a painful inconvenience. It signals that bacteria have moved into deeper tissues and need timely attention. Understanding the early signs, knowing your treatment options, and recognizing when to seek urgent care can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.
If you live in or around Cherry Hill and suspect a dental abscess, Omega Dental Arts can evaluate your tooth, explain your options clearly, and provide the prompt care you need to get your oral health back on track.
