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Toothache and swelling

Dental abscess

Symptoms, treatment and dealing with an emergency

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes pus to collect around a tooth or in the gum. Throbbing pain, a swollen gum or swelling of the cheek may suggest an abscess, but only an

Dental abscess

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It may form around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissues that support it.

Pain, swelling or discharge can vary depending on the source and progression of the infection. Even if the pain subsides, the cause must be identified and treated following an examination by a dental surgeon.

Examination to identify the cause of a dental abscess

Possible symptoms

How to recognise a dental abscess

Toothache, sometimes described as severe dental pain, can have several causes. Certain signs may suggest an abscess:

severe, continuous, shooting or throbbing pain;
pain that worsens when chewing or when pressure is applied to the tooth;
sensitivity to hot or cold;
a red, painful or swollen gum;
an unpleasant taste in the mouth or discharge;
swelling of the cheek or face;
swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, feeling unwell or a fever;
difficulty opening the mouth, eating or swallowing.

The pain may spread to the ear, jaw or neck. It may also ease when the abscess drains, but this does not mean that the infection has cleared. An examination is still necessary. For a broader overview, read about the different types of dental infection.

Examination of pain and swelling that may suggest a dental abscess

What to do

Dental abscess: when should you seek help without delay?

Prompt dental consultation

Persistent or throbbing pain, a swollen gum, an unpleasant taste or pain when chewing are all reasons to contact a dental surgeon promptly. Do not wait for the abscess to burst or for the pain to go away on its own.

Urgent same-day assessment

Contact a dental surgeon without delay if you have a fever with facial swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, swelling that is increasing or spreading, or a deterioration in your general condition. Mention any medical condition that places you at increased risk when you first make contact.

Medical emergency: call 15 or 112

Call 15 or 112 immediately if you have difficulty breathing, significant or increasing difficulty swallowing, feel severely unwell, experience confusion, or develop rapid or extensive swelling of the face, beneath the jaw or in the neck.

Source of the abscess

The different types of oral abscess

The location of the infection helps determine the treatment. The distinction is based on a clinical examination, sometimes supplemented by an X-ray.

Examination of a tooth that may have an infection around its root

The infection usually develops at the tip of the root after the dental pulp has been damaged. It may be caused by untreated deep decay, a crack or trauma. Depending on the condition of the tooth, root canal treatment may be considered to address the cause and, where possible, preserve the tooth.

The infection develops in the tissues supporting the tooth, often within a periodontal pocket. The gum may be red, swollen and tender, and may discharge pus. Treatment may require drainage and appropriate local cleaning. However, gum pain or swelling can have other causes.

Examination of the area around a wisdom tooth

Inflammation or infection can also develop around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Its location, extent and treatment are determined after an examination.

Before your consultation

What to do while waiting for your appointment

These measures may ease discomfort, but they will not treat the infection:

choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side;
avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks;
brush gently with a soft toothbrush, without touching or manipulating the affected area;
a cold pack wrapped in a cloth can be placed against the cheek for no more than ten minutes;
before taking any medicine, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice and follow the patient information leaflet, taking account of any contraindications that apply to you.

What not to do: never pierce, squeeze or try to drain the abscess yourself. Do not use leftover antibiotics or take antibiotics without a prescription. Do not self-medicate with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the context of an infection. If you have already been prescribed such medication for long-term use, do not stop taking it without medical advice; speak to your doctor.

Practical precautions while waiting for a dental consultation

Diagnosis and treatment

Dental abscess treatment step by step

Management depends on the tooth involved, whether the infection originates in the gum or tooth, the extent of the infection, the patient's health and whether the tooth can be preserved.

Identify the cause

Diagnosis is based on the symptoms reported and the dental surgeon's examination. Depending on the circumstances, dental tests or an X-ray may also be used in the assessment.

Control the infection locally

Depending on the circumstances, the dental surgeon may drain the abscess or clean the infected area. This local procedure is intended to remove the collection of pus and relieve pressure while preparing for treatment of the underlying cause.

Treat the cause

If the infection originates in the tooth, cleaning the root canals and root canal treatment may be recommended. If it is periodontal in origin, cleaning the space between the tooth and gum may be appropriate. Extraction may be considered if the tooth cannot be preserved.

Monitor progress

Antibiotics are only indicated in certain situations, as an adjunct to drainage or treatment of the cause, never as a substitute. Recovery time depends on the cause and the treatment provided. A rapid reduction in pain does not mean that the infection has been eliminated.

Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine

Are you in pain or experiencing swelling?
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Describe your symptoms when making your request. The team can advise you about appointment availability, but this contact is not a substitute for emergency services. The practice cannot guarantee an immediate appointment.

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Your questions

Our answers to your questions about dental abscesses

How can I recognise a dental abscess?

Throbbing pain, pain when chewing, a swollen gum, an unpleasant taste or swelling of the cheek may suggest an abscess. These symptoms are not enough to make a diagnosis: only an examination can confirm the cause.

Can a dental abscess go away on its own?

No. The pain may subside if pus drains from the abscess, but the cause of the infection remains until it is treated. A dental consultation is still necessary.

Can I burst a dental abscess myself?

No. Never pierce, squeeze or manipulate an abscess. When drainage is indicated, it must be performed by a professional.

Are antibiotics enough to treat a dental abscess?

No. Antibiotics are not prescribed routinely and do not replace local treatment of the cause. When indicated, they are used alongside drainage or dental treatment decided after an examination.

What should I do if the abscess bursts on its own?

Do not try to drain it any further. Even if the pressure and pain subside, consult a dental surgeon promptly: drainage does not mean that the infection has cleared.

When does a dental abscess become a medical emergency?

Call 15 or 112 immediately if you have difficulty breathing, significant or increasing difficulty swallowing, rapid or extensive swelling of the face or neck, feel severely unwell or experience confusion.

Can a tooth with an abscess be preserved?

This depends on the cause, the condition of the tooth and supporting tissues, and the extent of the infection. Root canal or periodontal treatment may make it possible to preserve the tooth in some situations; extraction may be necessary in others.

Can a dental abscess cause very little pain?

Yes. The severity of the pain does not always reflect the extent of the problem, particularly when drainage reduces the pressure. Swelling, an unpleasant taste or a fistula warrants an examination even if the pain is mild.

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Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine

Your dental surgeons in Paris for Dental abscess

Diplôme de la Faculté de Chirurgie-Dentaire de Paris 5 Descartes
DU d'Implantologie Chirurgicale et Prothétique Université Paris 7 Diderot
Certificat d’implantologie de l’AIIO
Formation aligneurs Invisalign

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Dr. Alexa Elmaleh

Micro-chirurgie Endodontique

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Diplôme d'État de docteur en chirurgie dentaire - Faculté d'odontologie de Montpellier
Ancienne assistante hospitalo-universitaire - service endodontie
Master 2 de recherche en science de l'éducation - Université Paul Valéry - Montpellier
Certificat d'études européen de dentisterie laser assistée - Faculté d'odontologie de Garancière - Paris 7
Certificat d'études supérieures en prothèse fixée - Faculté d'odontologie de Montpellier
Certificat d'études supérieures de prothèse maxillo-faciale - Faculté d'odontologie de Montpellier
Diplôme universitaire d'odontologie légale - Faculté d'odontologie de Montpellier

Endodontie Exclusive

Dr. Sofia Dubois

Micro-chirurgie Endodontique

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The solutions we offer

Our treatments for Dental abscess

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Diagnose and treat conditions affecting the inside of the tooth.

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8 Boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris

MMadeleine (lignes 8, 14 et 12) et Opéra (ligne 3)
BUSMadeleine – Vignon (lignes 42 et 52)
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PMadeleine-Tronchet (21 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris)

PEdouard 7 (16 Rue Bruno Coquatrix, 75009 Paris)

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Dental abscess

What is a dental abscess?

How to recognise a dental abscess

Dental abscess: when should you seek help without delay?

Prompt dental consultation

Urgent same-day assessment

Medical emergency: call 15 or 112

The different types of oral abscess

Periapical abscess: around the root

Periodontal abscess: in the gum

An infection around a wisdom tooth

What to do while waiting for your appointment

Dental abscess treatment step by step

Identify the cause

Control the infection locally

Treat the cause

Monitor progress

Are you in pain or experiencing swelling? Contact us

Our answers to your questions about dental abscesses

How can I recognise a dental abscess?

Can a dental abscess go away on its own?

Can I burst a dental abscess myself?

Are antibiotics enough to treat a dental abscess?

What should I do if the abscess bursts on its own?

When does a dental abscess become a medical emergency?

Can a tooth with an abscess be preserved?

Can a dental abscess cause very little pain?

What is your situation?

Treat dental pain

Dental infection

Treat dental pain

Dental infection

Your dental surgeons in Paris for Dental abscess

Dr. Alexa Elmaleh

Dr. Sofia Dubois

Our treatments for Dental abscess

Endodontics

Restorative endodontic treatment

Dental infection

Conservative dental care

Cavity treatment

Endodontics

Restorative endodontic treatment

Dental infection

Conservative dental care

Cavity treatment

Contact our dental practice in Paris Madeleine

Are you in pain or experiencing swelling?
Contact us

Contact our dental practice
in Paris Madeleine