A tooth abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum next to it. The common signs are a severe, constant toothache, a pimple-like bump on the gum, a bad taste, and swelling. An abscess does not heal on its own. Call a dentist the same day. Go to the emergency room first if you have significant facial swelling, fever with dental pain, uncontrolled bleeding or an injury from an accident.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection inside or around a tooth. According to MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, it usually starts with tooth decay or with a tooth that is broken, chipped or injured. Openings in the enamel let bacteria reach the center of the tooth, where the nerve and blood supply live.
From there, the infection can spread out of the root tip and into the bone that holds the tooth. That is why an abscess is more than a bad toothache. It is an infection that is looking for a way to spread.
If you think you have one, our emergency dental care page explains how same-day visits work at New Street Dental.
What does a tooth abscess feel like?
The main sign is a severe toothache that does not let up. People describe it as gnawing, sharp, shooting or throbbing. MedlinePlus lists these other signs:
- A bitter taste in your mouth or bad breath that will not go away
- Pain when you chew
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A swollen bump on the gum over the tooth that looks like a pimple
- Swollen glands in your neck
- Fever, or a general feeling of being unwell
- Swelling of the upper or lower jaw, which MedlinePlus calls a very serious sign
You may have one of these signs or several. Some people notice the gum bump first and feel very little pain.
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No. The pain can fade, but the infection stays. Pain that fades does not mean the problem healed. If the bump on your gum breaks open and drains, you may feel better for a while, yet the source of the infection is still inside the tooth.
MedlinePlus warns that untreated abscesses may get worse and can lead to serious, even life-threatening, problems. These include tooth loss, infection of the jaw bone, and infection that spreads to other parts of the body. We wrote more about this in our post on why tooth pain that comes and goes can still mean a root canal.
What should you do until you can see a dentist?
Home care can ease the pain while you wait. It cannot cure the infection. Here is what helps:
- Rinse with warm salt water. MedlinePlus notes that warm saltwater rinses may ease pain.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs. It can help with both pain and fever.
- Never put aspirin on the tooth or gum. MedlinePlus advises against placing it directly on your tooth or gums.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to help with swelling.
- Do not squeeze or pop the bump. Leave draining to your dentist.
- Call the office. Tell us what you feel and how long it has been going on.
Is it urgent? A quick guide
Use this table to decide where to go first.
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Throbbing toothache that does not go away | Call your dentist the same day |
| Pimple-like bump on the gum, bad taste | Call your dentist the same day |
| Mild swelling in the gum near the tooth | Call your dentist right away |
| Significant facial swelling, or fever with dental pain | Go to the emergency room first, then call your dentist |
| Uncontrolled bleeding or injury from an accident | Go to the emergency room first, then call your dentist |
An emergency room can give you antibiotics and pain relief. It cannot fix the tooth itself, so you will still need a dentist afterward.
How does a dentist treat a tooth abscess?
The goals are to clear the infection, save the tooth when possible, and prevent problems later. MedlinePlus describes the usual options:
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the infection.
- A root canal cleans the infection out of the inside of the tooth so you can keep it. Learn more on our root canal treatment page.
- An extraction may be needed if the infection is severe or the tooth cannot be saved.
- Draining the abscess is sometimes needed in severe cases.
Antibiotics alone do not remove the source of the infection. That is why treating the tooth matters.
At your visit, Dr. Tunney examines the area and takes digital X-rays with the office’s Nomad 2 Pro unit, which shows what is happening around the root. Intraoral cameras and chairside screens let you see the problem for yourself. When the schedule permits, root canals and extractions can be done at the same visit. You also get a same-day insurance estimate before treatment starts, so you know your cost first.
When should you see a dentist?
See a dentist the same day you notice a constant toothache, a gum bump, a bad taste that will not leave, or any swelling. Prompt care gives you the most options, including the chance to keep the tooth when it can be saved.
New Street Dental keeps room in the schedule for same-day emergency appointments. Our emergency dentistry page covers what to expect, what emergency care costs, and how insurance works. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm. The office is closed Friday through Sunday.
If an abscess flares up when the office is closed, follow the rule above. Uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial swelling, fever with dental pain, or an injury from an accident means the emergency room first. For everything else, call us and take the earliest appointment we can offer.
FAQ
Can antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?
Antibiotics can help control the infection, but they do not remove its source inside the tooth. Most abscesses still need a root canal or an extraction. Your dentist will decide whether you need antibiotics as part of treatment.
Should I pop a gum abscess?
No. Leave draining to your dentist. Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress, and call your dentist.
Is a tooth abscess a dental emergency?
Yes. An abscess is an infection, and infections can spread. Call your dentist the same day. If you have significant facial swelling or a fever with dental pain, go to the emergency room first.
Does dental insurance cover emergency visits?
Many plans cover part of an emergency visit, and your estimate shows your cost first. New Street Dental accepts most major plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Dental, Cigna, Concordia, Delta Dental, Guardian and MetLife, and gives you a written estimate before treating anything. See our insurance page for details.
Get help for a tooth abscess
If your tooth is throbbing or your gum is swollen, do not wait for it to settle down. Call New Street Dental at (610) 867-7112, or contact our Bethlehem office at 920 N New Street. We will tell you what to do right now and find you the earliest appointment we can.