Tooth Abscess — Infection That Needs a Dentist
A dental abscess does not drain itself safely. Swelling that affects breathing is a hospital emergency.
What is happening?
An abscess is a pocket of infection. It can start from untreated decay that reached the nerve, a failing root canal, a deep gum pocket, trauma that killed the nerve, or something trapped under the gum.
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Common symptoms
- Throbbing pain
- A swollen gum or a pimple-like bump
- A bad taste when pus drains
- Facial swelling
- Fever or tender nodes under the jaw
Is it urgent?
Swelling moving toward the eye, or trouble breathing or swallowing — hospital ER first. Fever above 38.5°C with facial swelling — hospital ER, not the clinic. A gum bump with throbbing pain and no airway problem — call us now.
Call (416) 483-0000 →If you suspect an abscess
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An abscess does not resolve because you waited. If breathing and swallowing are fine, call the clinic.
Rinse and cool
Warm salt water. A cold compress on the outside of the face. Pain relief by mouth, as the label directs.
Do not pop it
Do not lance the bump and do not put heat on the face. Trouble breathing, swelling toward the eye, or a high fever means the hospital ER first.
Common causes
Untreated decay that reached the nerve · A failed or aging root canal · A deep gum pocket (periodontal abscess) · Trauma that killed the nerve · Food or a foreign body trapped under the gum
How we diagnose it
We look for where the swelling starts, test the tooth, and take an x-ray to see whether the infection is at the root or in the gum. Airway swelling and high fever are routed to a hospital, not treated as a routine dental visit.
How we treat it
Drain and treat the source
A dental abscess needs the infection addressed — drainage, a root canal, gum treatment, or removal of the tooth. Antibiotics alone do not replace that.
Written plan
If the tooth can be saved, we explain the steps and the estimate before elective work. Spreading swelling is not elective.
Sedation for this kind of treatment
Drainage is done with local anesthetic. If you want sedation for a longer procedure after the swelling is controlled, we book it. Deeper sedation is not a same-visit add-on when you have not fasted.
Sedation optionsRelated pages
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Our team is happy to help over the phone.
(416) 483-0000Should I see a dentist if my face is swollen?
If you can breathe and swallow normally, call us the same day. If swelling is closing your eye or affecting breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department first.
Can antibiotics replace the dental visit?
No. Medicine may be part of care. The infection still needs a dentist to find and treat the source.
Is a gum pimple always an abscess?
A draining bump is a warning, not a diagnosis you should make at home. We examine it. Do not pop it.
Read this as education
These are common patterns, not a diagnosis of your tooth. Your dentist determines the cause during an examination.