Tooth abscess

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.

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 ofOctober 3, 2018

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

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