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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that's caused by a bacterial infection in the inner part of your tooth.
A tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, or a crack or chip in your tooth that allows bacteria into the inner tooth.
Treatment for a tooth abscess involves draining the abscess and ridding the area of the infection. The tooth itself may be saved with a root canal treatment, but in some instances it may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.
You can prevent a tooth abscess by taking proper care of your teeth, eating a healthy diet and getting regular dental checkups.
- Robertson D, et al. The microbiology of the acute dental abscess. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2009;58:155.
- Chow AW. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Chow AW. Complications, diagnosis, and treatment of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3072.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Nguyen DH, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2890.aspx?currentTab=1#. Accessed May 23, 2010.
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