What Is a Dental Abscess?

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is often described as a pimple inside your mouth — and that’s actually a good way to understand it.

An abscess forms when bacteria from a tooth infection travel down into the surrounding tissue. Your body does what it’s supposed to do: it tries to fight the infection and drain it, which is why you may notice a small bump, swelling, or “pimple” on your gums.

That bump is not the problem itself — it’s your body’s response to something deeper going on.

Why Does a Dental Abscess Form?

A dental abscess usually means there is an infection at the root of the tooth. Common causes include:

• A deep cavity that reached the nerve 

• A cracked or fractured tooth root 

• A failed or old root canal 

• Trauma to the tooth 

When bacteria reach the nerve, the tooth becomes infected. Pressure builds, and the infection looks for a way out — often breaking through the soft tissue of the gums.

That’s when the “pimple” appears.

Why Draining an Abscess Isn’t the Final Treatment

Sometimes a dentist will open and drain the abscess to relieve pressure, swelling, and pain. This can be extremely important, especially if there is active infection.

However, draining the abscess does not fix the cause.

The infection is still inside the tooth.

Without proper treatment, the abscess will almost always come back — even if it temporarily goes away on its own.

Will a Dental Abscess Go Away on Its Own?

Even if the bump disappears or drains on its own, the infection remains inside the tooth or root. That’s why abscesses often:

• Come back repeatedly 

• Get larger over time 

• Cause increasing pain 

• Lead to facial swelling 

• Spread to surrounding tissue or bone 

A dental abscess must be assessed and properly treated, not ignored.

How Is a Dental Abscess Treated?

Treatment depends on what’s causing the infection. Common options include:

• Root canal therapy to remove the infected nerve 

• Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved 

• Antibiotics (used alongside treatment, not as a replacement) 

The goal is always to remove the source of infection, not just relieve the symptoms.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you notice:

• A pimple-like bump on your gums 

• Persistent tooth pain 

• Swelling in the face or jaw 

• Bad taste or drainage in your mouth 

• Sensitivity to pressure or biting 

Early treatment can prevent serious complications and help save the tooth.

Professional Guidance Can Help

Our dental office is located at 27871 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, where preventive care and personalized guidance are part of routine dental visits.