Tooth Abscess: Symptoms and Treatment

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of a tooth's root or in the gum beside a tooth, and it doesn't go away on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jaw, surrounding tissues and — rarely — elsewhere in the body.

Here's how to recognize an abscess, why it can appear even after a filling or root canal, and how dentists treat it.

Types of dental abscess

• Periapical abscess — at the tip of the root, usually from decay or a crack that let bacteria reach the pulp.
• Periodontal (gum) abscess — in the gum and bone beside a tooth, usually linked to gum disease or trapped debris.
• Gingival abscess — on the surface of the gum, often from a foreign object such as a popcorn hull.

Common tooth abscess symptoms

• Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that may spread to the jaw, neck or ear
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling in the gum, face or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on the gum that may release pus
• A bad taste or bad breath that doesn't go away
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Sometimes the pain suddenly stops. That can mean the abscess has drained or the nerve has died — but the infection is still there and still needs treatment. Read more about throbbing tooth pain.

Can you get an abscess after a filling?

Yes. An abscess after a filling usually means bacteria reached the pulp before or after the tooth was treated — for example when a cavity was very deep, decay remained under the filling, or the filling later cracked or leaked. Signs include pain that gets worse instead of better, throbbing, swelling or a bad taste near the filled tooth. Learn more: can a tooth get infected after a filling?

Gum abscess after a root canal

An abscess after a root canal is uncommon, but it can happen if bacteria remain in a hidden canal, the tooth has a crack, the final crown was delayed and the seal leaked, or a new infection develops. Swelling, a gum boil or pain when biting after a root canal should be checked. Options include retreatment, a minor surgical procedure or, if necessary, extraction. See signs of infection after a root canal.

How dentists treat a tooth abscess

Treatment aims to remove the infection and, whenever possible, save the tooth:

1. Examination and X-rays to find the source and extent of the infection.
2. Draining the abscess to relieve pressure and pain.
3. Root canal treatment to remove infected pulp, clean and seal the canals, followed by a crown.
4. Gum treatment for a periodontal abscess — cleaning the pocket and treating the gum disease.
5. Extraction if the tooth can't be saved, with a plan to replace it.
6. Antibiotics when infection is spreading or you have fever or a weakened immune system. Antibiotics alone don't cure an abscess — the source must be treated.

Home care while you wait

• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.
• Don't squeeze or pop a gum bump, and don't apply heat to facial swelling.

When an abscess is an emergency

Call a dentist the same day for facial swelling, fever or severe pain. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, a high fever or confusion.

Abscess treatment in Burbank

Magnolia Dentistry treats dental abscesses with same-day emergency appointments when possible. Our Burbank office is open daily from 6 AM to 12 AM (midnight), and Dr. Massaband is on call for emergencies — get emergency dental care.

Questions patients often ask

What does a tooth abscess look like?

Often a red, swollen area of gum or a small pimple-like bump near the tooth that may leak pus. There may also be swelling of the cheek or jaw.

Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?

No. The pain may ease if it drains, but the infection remains until the source is treated by a dentist.

Can you get an abscess after a filling?

Yes, if bacteria reached the pulp, decay remained under the filling or the filling leaked. Worsening pain, swelling or a bad taste near a filled tooth should be checked.

Is a gum abscess after a root canal normal?

No. Mild tenderness is normal, but swelling or a gum boil suggests remaining or new infection. Treatment may include retreatment or a minor procedure.

Will antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?

Antibiotics can control spreading infection, but they don't remove its source. Drainage, a root canal or extraction is needed.

This article is general patient education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person dental examination.