I Have a Tooth Abscess — What Are the Symptoms? | Merchant's Walk Dental East Cobb

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form inside the tooth (periapical abscess), in the gum tissue (periodontal abscess), or between the tooth and gum. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, and beyond.

• Severe, persistent, throbbing tooth pain
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or ear
• Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers
• Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth
• Bad taste or odor in the mouth (from draining pus)
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection:

• Root canal therapy — removes the infected tissue inside the tooth and seals it; the tooth is saved
• Antibiotics — may be prescribed to help control the spread of infection, but do not eliminate the source
• Drainage — the abscess may need to be drained to relieve pressure and remove pus
• Extraction — if the tooth cannot be saved, removal followed by a replacement option

Merchant's Walk Dental provides same-day emergency care for dental infections throughout East Cobb, Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock, and Alpharetta. Call (770) 691-5051 immediately if you suspect an abscess.