- A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus near a tooth root or in the gums.
- It will not go away on its own — it requires dental treatment.
- Key symptoms: severe throbbing toothache, swelling, fever, sensitivity to hot/cold, swollen lymph nodes.
- If you have a high fever, facial swelling that affects swallowing or breathing, or feel very ill — go to the ER immediately.
- Otherwise, call us at (251) 308-0584 for a same-day emergency appointment.
A toothache that won't go away is bad enough. But when that toothache comes with swelling, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth, you may be dealing with something more serious: a dental abscess.
I've seen patients wait days — sometimes a week or more — hoping a dental abscess would resolve on its own. It won't. The infection can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream. What starts as a manageable dental problem can become a emergency dental care if left untreated.
What is a Dental Abscess?
An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. In dentistry, there are two common types:
- Periapical abscess: Infection at the tip of the tooth root, usually caused by untreated tooth decay or a cracked tooth that allowed bacteria to reach the pulp (the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth).
- Periodontal abscess: Infection in the gum tissue beside the tooth root, often related to gum disease.
Both are serious. Both require professional treatment.
Key Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
- Severe, persistent throbbing toothache — often described as the worst toothache you've ever had
- Pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Sensitivity to biting or chewing pressure
- Facial or cheek swelling
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (called a fistula or dental sinus) that may ooze
- A sudden foul taste or smell in your mouth — this can mean the abscess has ruptured (call us immediately even if the pain eases)
When to Call Us vs. When to Go to the ER
Call Rabbit Creek Dental at (251) 308-0584 for a same-day emergency appointment if you have signs of an abscess. We will see you as quickly as possible.
- High fever (102°F / 38.9°C or higher)
- Significant facial or neck swelling
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling faint, severely ill, or confused
These signs may indicate the infection has spread. This is a life-threatening emergency — do not wait for a dental appointment.
How We Treat a Dental Abscess
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the abscess, but our goal is always to eliminate the infection and save the tooth if possible:
- Root canal treatment: For a periapical abscess, a root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals the tooth — saving the tooth while eliminating the source of infection.
- Incision and drainage: We may make a small incision to drain the abscess and relieve pressure. This provides immediate pain relief.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed when the infection has spread or there is a risk of it spreading — but antibiotics alone will not cure an abscess. The source of infection must be treated dentally.
- Extraction: When the tooth cannot be saved, extraction removes the source of infection entirely. We'll discuss tooth replacement options after healing.
Learn more about how we handle dental emergencies on our emergency dentistry page.
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FAQ: Dental Abscess Questions
No. An abscess will not heal without treatment. Even if the pain suddenly stops, it does not mean the infection is gone — it may mean the abscess has ruptured, temporarily releasing pressure. The infection is still present and still spreading. See a dentist right away.
Antibiotics may reduce the spread of infection and help you feel better temporarily, but they do not eliminate the source of the abscess. Without treating the underlying dental cause — through root canal, drainage, or extraction — the infection will return. Antibiotics are a bridge, not a solution.
Abscesses develop when bacteria enter the inner tooth or gum tissue — most commonly through untreated cavities, cracked teeth, failed dental work, or advanced gum disease. Regular check-ups and cleanings are the best prevention because we catch small problems before they become abscesses.
The emergency appointment — drainage and/or starting root canal treatment — typically takes one to two hours. Root canal treatment may require a follow-up visit to complete. Pain usually improves significantly within 24–48 hours of the infection being drained or treated.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.