Dental Abscess in the Mouth: What Causes It and How Do We Treat It?

A dental abscess is a pus-filled inflammation of a tooth, or the result of such inflammation. Known as periapical abscess when it forms at the root tip of a decayed or damaged tooth, and as periodontal abscess when it originates from the supporting tissues. If not medically addressed, it can have serious consequences.

What Causes a Dental Abscess?

Dental abscesses can be caused by:

• Untreated dental decay

• Injury, cracking, or breaking of a tooth

• Loosening of a dental filling

• Development of gum disease

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess results from an inflammatory tooth disease. It can occur due to damage when a piece breaks off a tooth or when a filled tooth loosens. Infection proliferates within the tooth from bacteria, spreading to the root, causing root inflammation. Pus forms from white blood cells aiming to destroy the bacteria, dead bacteria, and tissue debris. Essentially, an abscess is a pus collection at the tooth root, but this condition can also appear in other areas of the oral cavity, such as a gum abscess.

Dental Abscess in the Mouth: What Causes It?

Causes of an Abscessed Tooth:

• Dental Decay (not treated in time): The plaque on teeth surfaces, filled with bacteria, promotes decay, as do sugary, plaque-forming mushy foods and sweet, carbonated drinks which can lead to dental abscesses.

• Injury, Cracking, or Breaking of a Tooth: Bacteria can enter through these damages into the teeth or gums.

• Loosening of Dental Filling: Requires immediate medical attention as it can cause inflammation and further decay.

• Development of Gum Disease: Caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Poor oral hygiene can trigger an inflammatory process.

Symptoms and Treatment of a Dental Abscess

If you experience the following symptoms, immediate treatment of the abscessed tooth is necessary:

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth:

• Tooth sensitivity

• Severe, throbbing pain

• Tension sensation in the gums

• Pus pocket (a hard lump noticeable on the gums)

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Slight fever or high temperature

• General malaise, lethargy

• Unpleasant breath, bad taste in the mouth

• Facial swelling

Treatment of a Dental Abscess

Treatment begins with addressing the root problem to cure the inflamed, diseased tooth, which can be done through:

• Root canal treatment

• Root filling replacement

• Apicoectomy (cutting off the tooth's root tip)

• Periodontal treatment

• Tooth extraction in extreme cases

If the abscess condition is severe and acute with fluctuating swelling, surgical intervention is necessary. The first step in eliminating the abscess for treatment is anesthesia, followed by a small incision by the oral surgeon on the abscess. Once the pus drains out of the abscess pocket, a disinfectant strip is placed in the wound. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics and use anti-inflammatory treatments.

Unfortunately, the supporting tissues may die off to such an extent that they can no longer hold the tooth, making extraction the only viable solution.

The Bursting of a Dental Abscess

Sometimes, the pus finds its way out of the swelling on the gums. In thin teeth, this can also occur with a root-surrounding abscess. The pus can penetrate the bone and soft tissues, finding its way into the oral cavity. The opening formed by the abscess is called a fistula or sinus tract.

The bursting of an abscess, while temporarily relieving, is just a temporary state. Symptoms will recur until the abscess is medically treated.

Gum Blister

White, pus-filled blisters, sores, and spots that appear intermittently on the gums can cause varying degrees of pain. There are numerous reasons for the whitening of the gums, the formation of bumps and blisters, which can be benign but may also indicate a serious problem. It's likely that a pus-filled focus above a dead tooth has broken through the surface. As the inflammation produces pus, it pressures until it drains through the blister. If the tooth is still salvageable, then treatment, if unsalvageable, then removal should be promptly carried out.

What Could Cause a Blister on the Gums?

• Aphthous ulcers

• Oral thrush

• Oral lichen planus

• Leukoplakia

• Injuries and irritations

• Chemical irritation

If pus-filled blisters, ulcers, or sores appear on your gums, try warm salt water rinses to reduce irritation and destroy the bacteria causing the problem. If it's an aphthous ulcer, the issue will likely resolve on its own; however, for other complaints, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Healing Time for a Dental Abscess

How long does it take for an abscessed gum to heal? If everything is in order after the problem is treated, healing takes just a few days.

Possible Complications of a Dental Abscess:

• Loss of the tooth

• Loss of multiple teeth (if the pus-caused tissue destruction also affects the surrounding teeth)

• Bone destruction around the tooth or where the teeth were lost

• Deep tissue inflammation

• Development of focal infections.

Infections around the tooth can act as a focal point causing diseases in various parts of the body, including kidney problems, heart diseases, joint pains, etc. It is clear that a tooth or gum abscess is among those diseases that require immediate medical attention.

How Can a Dental Abscess Be Prevented?

One fundamental element of prevention is establishing and maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily, use dental floss for cleaning between the teeth.

Additionally, have your teeth checked at least every six months. This is crucial even if you have no complaints, and if you do have any symptoms, visit your dentist at the first sign.

Eliminating Pus-Filled Gums

Since our establishment in 1997, we have aimed to provide your family with the highest standard of comprehensive dental care, from toddlers to great-grandparents. Our specialists cover every area of dentistry, allowing us to manage complex treatments requiring multiple dental surgeons on-site. Our team operates professionally and cohesively throughout the entire care process—from specialist consultations to administrative tasks.

Our dental practice represents high standards in both design and technical equipment. Our three-story clinic houses three modern treatment rooms and a diagnostic imaging area (panoramic x-ray, teleradiography, CBCT, intraoral). A spacious elevator connects the floors, accommodating those with mobility restrictions and families with strollers.

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