Emergencies

What is a dental abscess and is it an emergency?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth, usually from deep decay, gum disease or a cracked tooth. It needs prompt dental care, because it won't go away on its own. Swelling in your jaw or face, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency.

What causes it

According to the ADA, an abscess forms when decay, gum disease or a crack lets bacteria into the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth. Pus builds up at the root tip or in the gum.

Symptoms

MedlinePlus lists:

  • Severe, continuous toothache that can feel gnawing, sharp, shooting or throbbing
  • Pain when biting or closing your mouth tightly
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • A swollen gum over the tooth, which can look like a pimple
  • Swollen glands in the neck, or feeling generally unwell
  • Swelling of the upper or lower jaw, which MedlinePlus calls a very serious symptom

MedlinePlus notes that the pain may stop if pressure is relieved, but the infection stays active and keeps spreading. Untreated abscesses can lead to life-threatening complications.

How it's treated

The ADA describes treatments that depend on the cause and how severe the infection is. They include antibiotics, cleaning around the tooth when gum disease is the cause, a root canal, or removing the tooth. MedlinePlus says warm saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers may ease pain while you get care. They aren't a cure.

At Indy Smile Group

If you think you have an abscess, call your nearest office during office hours. All three of our offices do root canals and extractions in-house. See our emergency dentist pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Call your nearest office during office hours. If an office is closed and you have any warning sign below, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No. Pain may ease if the abscess drains, but MedlinePlus notes the infection stays active and keeps spreading. You need dental treatment.

Should I go to the ER for a tooth abscess?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have facial or jaw swelling that's spreading, a high fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your nearest office during office hours.

Will antibiotics fix an abscess?
Antibiotics can help control infection, but the source usually still needs treatment, such as a root canal, a gum cleaning or removing the tooth.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus – Tooth abscess
  2. ADA MouthHealthy – Abscess
  3. ADA MouthHealthy – Root Canals

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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