Dental Abscess Symptoms: When a Toothache Becomes an Emergency

Quick Answer

Seek immediate care if you have:

• Severe, throbbing toothache that won't stop
• Pimple-like bump on your gum
• Facial swelling
• Fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing (go to ER)

A dental abscess is a serious infection that won't heal on its own. Call your dentist immediately for same-day treatment.

A toothache is more than just a nuisance; it's your body's alarm system. And when that alarm is a deep, throbbing, persistent pain, it might be signaling a serious problem: a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth due to a bacterial infection. It's not just a simple toothache—it's a sign that the infection has become advanced, and it's a problem that will not go away on its own.

As a dentist in Mobile, AL, the words "abscess" and "infection" always get my immediate attention. I've seen firsthand how quickly a seemingly minor toothache can escalate into a serious health issue. My goal is to help you understand the signs of a dental abscess so you can know when to stop toughing it out and make that crucial call for help. Let's talk about the dental abscess symptoms to watch for and when a toothache crosses the line into a true dental emergency.

What is a Dental Abscess, Really?

Imagine a splinter in your finger. If you don't remove it, your body will try to wall off the infection, creating a pocket of pus. A dental abscess is the same idea, but it's happening at the root of your tooth. It usually starts with a crack, a deep cavity, or gum disease that allows bacteria to get into the pulp—the soft inner tissue of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are. As the bacteria multiply, the infection grows, and your body forms a pocket of pus to contain it. The pressure from this growing pocket of pus is what causes the intense pain.

There are two main types of dental abscesses:

Periapical Abscess: This occurs at the tip of the tooth's root.

Periodontal Abscess: This occurs in the gums next to the root of a tooth.

Both are serious and require immediate dental attention.

Key Dental Abscess Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

How can you tell the difference between a regular toothache and an abscess? Look for these tell-tale signs:

Severe, Persistent, Throbbing Pain: This is the hallmark symptom. An abscessed tooth often causes a constant, intense ache that can be difficult to ignore. The pain might seem to radiate to your jaw, neck, or ear.

A Pimple-Like Bump on Your Gum: This is the abscess itself, trying to drain. It might look like a small, red, swollen pimple. If you press on it, pus may come out.

Swelling in Your Face or Cheek: As the infection spreads, it can cause noticeable swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw. This is a major red flag.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: An abscessed tooth can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes.

Pain When Chewing or Biting: The pressure of biting down can be excruciating.

A Bad Taste or Smell in Your Mouth: If the abscess begins to drain, you might notice a foul taste or smell.

One of the trickiest things about an abscess is that the pain can sometimes suddenly disappear. This does not mean the infection is gone. It often means the abscess has ruptured, which temporarily relieves the pressure. The infection is still there, and it will get worse if left untreated.

📞 Need Help Now?

Experiencing severe tooth pain or signs of infection? Call Rabbit Creek Dental immediately at (251) 308-0584 for same-day emergency care in Mobile, AL. We serve Tillman's Corner, West Mobile, and surrounding areas with urgent dental treatment.

When is a Tooth Abscess an Emergency? When to Call Us vs. Go to the ER

Any abscess is a dental emergency that requires a visit to our office. However, there are certain signs that indicate the infection may be spreading and becoming life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with your toothache, you should go to the nearest emergency room in Mobile immediately:

High Fever

Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing

Swelling in your neck or under your jaw that makes it hard to open your mouth

Confusion or feeling generally unwell

A widespread infection, known as sepsis, can be fatal. While the ER doctors can't treat the tooth itself, they can administer antibiotics and manage the systemic infection to keep you safe. Once the immediate danger is controlled, you should follow up with us to treat the source of the problem.

For all other abscess symptoms, call Rabbit Creek Dental right away. We will get you in for a same-day emergency appointment.

How We Treat a Dental Abscess

Our goals when treating an abscess are to eliminate the infection, relieve your pain, and save the tooth if possible.

Draining the Abscess: The first step is to drain the pus. I will make a small incision in the gum to allow the pus to escape, which provides immediate pain relief.

Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is often the best treatment. This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent reinfection.

Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, we may need to extract it. This will allow the infection to drain and prevent it from spreading further. (Related: Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction: What's the Difference?)

Antibiotics: I will likely prescribe antibiotics to help your body fight off the infection, especially if it shows signs of spreading.

FAQ: Your Abscess Questions Answered

Can I just take antibiotics to get rid of an abscess?

No. While antibiotics will help control the infection, they cannot get to the source of the problem, which is the bacteria trapped inside the tooth or in the pocket around it. The only way to cure the abscess is to physically drain it and treat the underlying cause with a root canal or extraction.

Can I pop the pimple on my gum myself?

Please don't. Trying to drain the abscess yourself can spread the infection and make things worse. It's a job that needs to be done in a sterile environment by a professional.

What can I do for the pain until I can see the dentist?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. But these are only temporary measures. The only real solution is to see a dentist.

How long can a tooth abscess go untreated?

Never let an abscess go untreated. The infection can spread to your jaw, neck, and even your bloodstream within days to weeks. In rare cases, untreated dental abscesses can be life-threatening.

Don't Let a Toothache Turn into a Crisis

Your health is too important to ignore. An abscess is a serious infection that can have major consequences if left untreated. As a dentist who has served in demanding situations overseas, I've learned to take every sign of infection seriously. At Rabbit Creek Dental, we are equipped to handle your dental emergencies with skill and compassion.

If you're in the Mobile area and are experiencing any of the symptoms of a dental abscess, please call us immediately. Let's get you out of pain and protect your overall health. Contact Rabbit Creek Dental today for an emergency appointment with me, Dr. G.

Related Articles:

• Do Emergency Dentists Take Walk-Ins? Your Guide to Same-Day Dental Care
• What to Do When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out: A Step-by-Step Guide

About the Author

Dr. Gegzna (Dr. G) is a general dentist serving Mobile, AL and surrounding communities. After earning his degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2014, he served as a dentist at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and on military bases in Iraq. He brings precision, care, and a patient-first approach to every procedure at Rabbit Creek Dental in Tillman's Corner.

Rabbit Creek Dental

5000 Rangeline Xing Drive S, Suite D

Mobile, AL 36619

Phone: (251) 308-0584

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office.