Dental Abscess: A Dental Emergency Never to Be Ignored

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is a painful bacterial infection that forms around the tooth or in the gum. It appears as a collection of pus caused by the body’s inflammatory response.
If left untreated, the abscess can lead to serious local or systemic complications.

Common causes of a dental abscess

• Untreated cavity reaching the dental pulp

• Gum infection (periodontitis)

• Tooth fracture exposed to bacteria

• Poor oral hygiene

• Partially erupted wisdom teeth

Main types of abscesses

🔹 Periapical abscess: at the root of an infected tooth
🔹 Gingival abscess: localized on the gum
🔹 Periodontal abscess: linked to infection of the tooth-supporting tissues

Symptoms of a dental abscess

• Intense, throbbing pain

• Swelling of the gum, cheek, or face

• Redness and localized warmth

• Bad taste in the mouth (pus drainage)

• Possible fever

• Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing

⚠️ A dental abscess is an emergency: it will not go away on its own!

What to do in case of an abscess?

• See a dentist promptly

• Take antibiotics if the infection has spread

• Drain the pus through incision or root canal treatment

• Extraction of the tooth if it is irreparable in some cases

• Painkillers to relieve discomfort

Can a dental abscess be prevented?

✅ Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times daily
✅ Use dental floss or interdental brushes
✅ Visit the dentist every 6 months
✅ Treat cavities and infections promptly
✅ Avoid self-medication or self-draining!

Conclusion

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious condition. The sooner you consult, the simpler and more effective the treatment. At Dentiste Djerba, we respond quickly to dental emergencies to protect your oral health.