A tooth abscess is a pocket of infection caused by bacteria, and the single most important thing to know is that it will not clear up on its own. Painkillers may ease the throbbing for a while and antibiotics can slow the infection, but neither removes the source. An abscess needs a dentist to drain it and treat the underlying cause, usually with root canal treatment or removing the tooth. Most of the time you have hours to a day or two to be seen, but certain warning signs mean you should seek urgent medical care straight away.
Here is what an abscess is, what to do now, and the red flags that change the timeline.
Key takeaways
- A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that does not resolve without dental treatment.
- Antibiotics may control it temporarily but do not cure it; the source must be treated.
- Typical signs are throbbing pain, swelling, sensitivity to pressure and a bad taste.
- Spreading facial or neck swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing are emergencies.
- Treatment is usually draining the abscess plus root canal treatment or extraction.
What a dental abscess is
An abscess forms when bacteria infect the pulp inside a tooth or the gum beside it, and pus collects. It usually starts from deep decay, a cracked tooth or advanced gum disease that lets bacteria reach the nerve or the space around the root. The body walls the infection off into a pocket, which is why the pressure builds and the pain throbs. Our guide to the difference between a gum abscess and a tooth abscess explains the two main types.
Signs you may have an abscess
| Common sign | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Throbbing pain | Constant ache, sometimes spreading to the jaw or ear |
| Swelling | A swollen gum, cheek or face near the tooth |
| Pressure sensitivity | Pain on biting or touching the tooth |
| Bad taste or smell | Salty or foul discharge if the abscess drains |
| General unwellness | Fever or feeling run down as the body fights infection |
Sometimes the pain suddenly eases when an abscess bursts and drains. That is not a cure. The infection is still there and still needs treating, so do not take pain relief as a sign it has resolved.
What to do right now
While you arrange to be seen, a few things can help you manage. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day, and keep the area clean. Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods that set off the pain, and do not put an aspirin directly on the gum, as it burns the tissue. Do not try to pop or squeeze the swelling. Contact a dentist promptly to have the cause treated, because the relief from home measures is temporary.
When it becomes an emergency
Most abscesses can wait a short time for a dental appointment, but a spreading infection is dangerous and needs urgent care. Go to a hospital emergency department or call for urgent help if you have any of the following.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Swelling spreading to the eye, cheek or neck | The infection is moving beyond the tooth |
| Difficulty breathing or swallowing | Swelling may be threatening the airway |
| Difficulty opening the mouth | Sign of a deeper spreading infection |
| High fever, chills or feeling very unwell | The infection may be spreading through the body |
| Rapid heartbeat or confusion | Possible signs of a serious, body-wide infection |
These situations are uncommon but serious, because an untreated spreading dental infection can affect the airway or the bloodstream. When in doubt, get seen urgently rather than waiting.
How an abscess is treated
The dentist first relieves the pressure by draining the pus, which usually eases the pain quickly, then treats the cause. If the tooth can be saved, that generally means root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth, often followed by a crown. If the tooth cannot be saved, it is removed. Antibiotics are sometimes used alongside this, especially if the infection has spread, but they are an addition to treating the source, not a substitute. Our guide to root canal versus extraction explains how that decision is made.
Frequently asked questions
Will a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No. An abscess is a walled-off infection that needs a dentist to drain it and treat the cause. Home measures only ease symptoms temporarily.
Can antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?
Antibiotics can slow the infection and help if it is spreading, but they do not remove the source. The tooth still needs root canal treatment or extraction.
The pain suddenly stopped, does that mean it healed?
Not usually. Pain often eases when an abscess drains, but the infection remains and still needs treating. Do not delay seeing a dentist.
When should I go to hospital for a tooth abscess?
Seek urgent care for spreading facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, trouble opening your mouth, a high fever, or feeling very unwell.
What happens if an abscess is left untreated?
The infection can spread to nearby tissues, the jaw and occasionally the bloodstream or airway, which can become serious. Prompt treatment avoids this.
The takeaway
A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that will not clear without treatment, so pain relief and antibiotics are only holding measures. Arrange to see a dentist promptly to have the cause treated with root canal or extraction, and seek urgent medical care if you have spreading swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. For prompt help, see our current offers or read our guide to dental emergencies.
This article is general information and not a substitute for individual dental or medical advice. If you have signs of a spreading infection, seek urgent care.
