Dental Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, And Effective Treatments
                     Understanding and 
Treating Dental Abscesses
A Critical Guide to Oral Health and Timely Intervention
Dental issues are often overlooked until they become painful. A 
dental abscess is a serious condition requiring timely treatment, 
not just a simple toothache.
What is a Dental Abscess?
Definition
A pocket of pus caused by infection in the tooth, gums, or 
surrounding bone. The body's natural defense against harmful 
bacteria.
Why It Hurts
Pressure from pus leads to severe pain and swelling. Unlike cavities, 
infection has spread deeper.
Common Causes
• Untreated cavities reaching tooth pulp
• Cracks or breaks providing bacterial entry
• Advanced gum disease damaging tissues
• Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
Types of Dental Abscesses
1 2
Periapical Abscess Periodontal Abscess
Location: Forms at the root tip of the tooth Location: Develops in gums near tooth root
Cause: Deep cavities or trauma allowing bacteria into pulp Cause: Advanced gum disease
Treatment: Root canal therapy or extraction in severe cases Treatment: Drainage, deep cleaning, and antibiotics
Gingival Abscess & Key Symptoms
Warning Signs
• Intense, persistent toothache
Gingival Abscess • Swelling in jaw, face, or gums
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes
Location: Gum surface
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Cause: Trapped food particles or foreign objects • Bad breath or unpleasant taste
Treatment: Remove object, drain pus, clean area
Serious Health Risks
Infection Spread
Bacteria travel through soft tissue to cheeks, neck, or behind eyes. Can reach deeper head and throat areas.
Bone Loss & Damage
Weakens jawbone holding teeth in place. Results in loose teeth and structural problems requiring surgery.
Tooth Loss
Badly damaged teeth cannot be saved. Impacts bite, chewing, speech, and overall teeth alignment.
A dental abscess can lead to serious health complications if ignored. The infection spreads and affects jaw, 
face, and vital organs.
Life-Threatening Complications
Sepsis Risk Breathing Difficulties
Bacteria enter bloodstream, Severe swelling may obstruct 
triggering severe body-wide airway, making swallowing and 
infection response. Life- breathing difficult. Medical 
threatening condition requiring emergency requiring urgent 
immediate hospitalization. intervention.
Jawbone Infection
Bacteria invade jawbone causing intense pain, swelling, fever. Requires 
long-term antibiotics or surgery.
Emergency Warning: If you experience swelling, fever, or difficulty 
swallowing – contact a dentist immediately. Abscesses do not heal on their 
own.
Treatment Options
The main goal is to remove infection, relieve pain, and save the tooth if possible.
01
Drainage
Small incision to release pus, reducing pressure and pain. Area cleaned thoroughly to prevent 
reinfection.
02
Antibiotics
Prescribed when infection spreads. Help stop bacterial spread but don't replace primary treatment.
03
Root Canal Treatment
Removes infected pulp, disinfects root canals, seals tooth. Can last lifetime with proper care.
04
Extraction
When tooth severely damaged. Replacement options include implants or bridges to restore function.
Key Differences & Final Thoughts
Feature Dental Cyst Dental Abscess
Pain Level Usually painless Painful and throbbing
Urgency Usually elective Requires urgent care
Treatment Monitored or surgically removed Drainage, antibiotics, RCT
Don't Wait Life-Threatening
Abscesses don't heal on their own. Professional An abscess can be life-threatening if left untreated. 
treatment is the only solution. Early care saves teeth Consult an experienced dentist immediately for 
and protects health. expert care.
Contact Us
Dr. Beena George Dentistry (Britannia Mississauga Dental)
📞 Phone: (905) 542-9999
📞 Email: [email protected]
📞 Website: https://drbeenageorge.com/