Tooth abscess

Swollen gums and abscessed tooth, with detail of an abscessed tooth and a healthy tooth

An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has a pocket of pus in the tissue next to it. This often occurs because the inside (pulp) of a tooth is infected and the bacteria spread to the tissue underneath the tooth. An abscess usually causes throbbing pain in the tooth and red, swollen gums.

Current as of: March 25, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

Current as of: March 25, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

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