- Medical License No.: 144189
- 021-8805 0794
Dr. Zahra Sadat Shamekhi
General Dentist
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that develops as a result of a bacterial infection.
Dental abscesses are generally classified into two main types:
Periapical abscess: Develops at the tip of the tooth root.
Periodontal abscess: Develops in the gum tissue alongside the tooth root.
In many cases, a deep cavity allows bacteria to reach the dental pulp, eventually causing an infection around the root.
Several factors can contribute to the development of a dental abscess.
When tooth decay is left untreated, bacteria can reach the pulp—the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. If the infection continues, an abscess may develop around the root.
A crack or fracture can allow bacteria to enter the inner parts of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection.
Advanced gum disease can cause infection around the tooth root and may result in a periodontal abscess.
Inadequate brushing, failure to floss, and frequent consumption of sugary foods can increase the risk of tooth decay and bacterial infections.
A dental abscess can cause several symptoms, including:
Severe, throbbing toothache
Pain when chewing or biting
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
Swollen or inflamed gums
Swelling of the face or cheek
Bad breath
A foul or salty taste in the mouth
Fever
Swollen or tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
In some cases, an abscess may rupture and release pus into the mouth. The pain may suddenly decrease, but this does not mean the infection has been cured. Dental treatment is still necessary.
Yes. An untreated dental abscess can become a serious condition.
The infection may spread from the tooth to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. In severe cases, it can spread to other areas of the head and neck.
Facial or neck swelling accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing requires urgent medical attention.
The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and save the natural tooth whenever possible. The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of the tooth and how far the infection has spread.
The dentist may make a small incision to drain the pus and clean the infected area.
If the infection originates inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
During the procedure, the infected tissue is removed, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the canals are then filled and sealed. A dental crown may also be recommended to strengthen the tooth.
If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary to remove the source of infection.
Antibiotics are not required for every dental abscess. A dentist may prescribe them when the infection has spread or when there are specific medical indications.
Do not take antibiotics without professional advice.
No.
Even if an abscess ruptures and the pain temporarily improves, the underlying infection may still be present.
Therefore, a decrease in pain should not be considered a sign that the infection has disappeared. A dental examination is still necessary.
If you experience symptoms such as severe tooth pain, gum swelling, pus, tooth sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
To diagnose the problem, the dentist may examine the tooth, check its sensitivity, and take a dental X-ray if necessary to determine the location and extent of the infection.
Preventing tooth decay and gum disease can significantly reduce the risk of developing a dental abscess.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day with dental floss or an appropriate interdental cleaner.
Limit sugary foods and drinks.
Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
Have regular dental checkups.
Treat cavities before they become deep.
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a collection of pus around a tooth or in the gum tissue. Severe tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold, fever, bad breath, and pain while chewing are among the most common symptoms.
Treatment may include draining the abscess, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, and, in certain cases, antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading and may allow the natural tooth to be saved.
