A dental abscess is an infection of the tooth socket. It often starts with a crack or cavity in the tooth. A pocket of pus forms between the tooth and the bone. The infection causes pain and swelling of the gum, cheek, or jaw. Pain may also be felt in the facial sinus or in the ear. The pain is often made worse by drinking hot or cold fluids or biting on hard foods. A severe infection can cause problems with swallowing and breathing.
Causes
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Cavities (tooth decay)
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Poor dental hygiene
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Injury (trauma)
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Past dental work, such as a failed dental root canal treatment
Symptoms
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Pain and swelling of the cheek, jaw, or gum around the affected tooth
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Redness
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Bad breath
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Bad taste in the mouth
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Fever
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Difficulty chewing
You'll be started on an antibiotic. But the final treatment requires draining the pus. This can be done by removing the tooth or getting a root canal. An oral surgeon typically removes diseased teeth. An endodontist does a root canal. This involves removing the tooth's crown and drilling an opening in the tooth to access the canals in the root. Once these are reached, the pus can be drained. Then the canals are cleaned and shaped before filling them with a special material called gutta-percha. After the infection has healed, a crown is placed over the tooth.
Home care
The following guidelines will help you care for your abscess while you recover at home:
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Don't have hot or cold foods and liquids. Your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes.
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Apply an ice pack over the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day until the pain and swelling improve. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on your skin.
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You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, unless you were given a different pain medicine to use. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or are taking blood-thinning medicines, talk with your health care provider before using these medicines.
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An antibiotic will be prescribed. Take it as directed until completed, even if you're feeling better before taking all the doses as instructed.
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Maintain good oral hygiene, as directed by your health care provider.
Follow-up care
Follow up with an endodontist or oral surgeon as advised. Your pain may improve with the treatment given today. Your dentist, endodontist, or oral surgeon will provide full treatment for this problem and also teach you how to maintain proper dental hygiene.
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If a culture was done, you'll be told if the treatment needs to be changed. You can call in as directed for the results.
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If X-rays were taken, they'll be reviewed by a specialist. You'll be given the results and told if they affect your treatment.
Call 911
Call
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Wheezing, shortness of breath, or any trouble breathing.
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Difficulty swallowing or pain when you swallow.
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Hoarse voice or trouble speaking.
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Confusion.
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Extreme drowsiness or trouble waking up.
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Fainting, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
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Feelings of a racing heart.
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Swelling or tenderness of the floor of the mouth.
When to get medical advice
Call your health care provider or seek medical care right away if any of these occur:
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You have a swollen or red face or eyelid.
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You have pain gets worse or spreads to the neck.
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You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher or as directed by your provider.
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You have abnormal drowsiness or weakness.
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You have a headache or stiff neck.
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Pus drains from the gum or tooth.
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You can't open your mouth wide.
