What Is a Dental Abscess?
What is a dental abscess? Bacteria reach the tooth's pulp — usually through deep decay or a crack — kill the nerve, and pus builds at the root tip. It never heals on its own; antibiotics only calm it temporarily. Usually a root canal drains and removes the infection while saving the tooth. Seek urgent care for facial swelling or trouble breathing. 59 seconds.
Video Transcript
What is a dental abscess? Let's look at how it forms and what to do. Bacteria reach the tooth's pulp, usually through deep decay or a crack in the enamel. The infection kills the nerve. Pus builds at the root tip, creating intense pressure. Common symptoms include throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, a pimple-like bump on the gum, fever, and a tooth that's dark or tender. It never heals on its own. Antibiotics alone only calm the infection temporarily — the source remains. The source must be treated. Usually, a root canal drains and removes the infection while saving the natural tooth. Danger signs: seek same-day or ER care if you experience facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or fever combined with swelling. Silicon Valley Endodontics & Microsurgery. Expert, compassionate care in Sunnyvale, CA. svendodontics.com.