Dental abscess: what to do and when to see a dentist?
A sudden, intense toothache that seems to throb with your heartbeat — and sometimes a swollen cheek. No detective skills are needed to suspect a dental abscess. It’s an infection that can be very painful and that requires prompt management. The good news: with the right measures and appropriate treatment, it can usually be brought under control effectively.
Here’s what you need to know — and what to do if it happens to you.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that leads to a build-up of pus around a tooth or the gum.
It can occur in two main situations:
1. At the root of the tooth
Often due to a deep cavity or an infection of the tooth’s nerve.
2. In the gum
When bacteria accumulate in a periodontal pocket around the tooth.
In both cases, the pressure created by the infection causes pain and inflammation.
Warning signs to watch for
A dental abscess usually doesn’t go unnoticed. Symptoms can appear quickly.
The most common signs are:
intense, throbbing pain
tenderness when chewing
swollen or red gum
swelling of the cheek
bad taste in the mouth
pus discharge
sometimes fever or fatigue
Sometimes the pain decreases if the abscess drains on its own. This may give the impression that things are getting better. In reality, the infection is still present and must be treated.
What to do immediately
While you wait for your appointment, a few simple steps can help.
1. Contact your dentist promptly
An abscess does not go away on its own. A consultation is necessary to treat the infection and its cause.
2. Don’t try to pop the abscess
Manipulating the area or trying to pierce it can worsen the infection and promote its spread.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth gently and keep the area clean.
4. Relieve the pain
Painkillers can help control the pain while you wait, following medical advice.
5. Apply cold to the outside of the cheek
Cold can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
How a dentist treats an abscess
The treatment depends on the origin of the infection.
The dentist may:
drain the abscess to evacuate the pus
perform a root canal treatment to eliminate the infection inside the tooth
carry out gum (periodontal) treatment if the source is periodontal
prescribe antibiotics when necessary
in some cases, proceed with tooth extraction
The goal is always the same: eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth whenever possible.
Why you shouldn’t wait
An untreated dental abscess can progress and lead to complications:
spread of the infection to nearby tissues
sinus involvement
jaw infection
in rare cases, a more generalized spread of the infection
Seeing a dentist quickly often allows for simpler, faster and more comfortable treatment.
Prevention
The best prevention is based on simple habits:
regular and effective brushing
use of dental floss or interdental brushes
regular dental check-ups
prompt treatment of cavities or gum problems
Routine check-ups often make it possible to detect problems before they become painful.
In summary
A dental abscess is an infection that requires a prompt consultation with a dentist.
Even if the pain subsides, the infection does not disappear without treatment.
If you experience intense pain, swelling or any sign of infection, it’s important to seek care quickly to protect your oral health.