Tooth abscess

Swollen gums and  abscessed tooth, with detail of an abscessed tooth and a healthy tooth

An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has a pocket of pus in the tissue next to it. This often occurs because the inside (pulp) of a tooth is infected and the bacteria spread to the tissue underneath the tooth. An abscess usually causes throbbing pain in the tooth and red, swollen gums.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerArden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

Current as ofMay 7, 2017

Current as of: May 7, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry