What is a dental abscess?
A collection of pus caused by an infection around a tooth or the gums.
← All explanationsDental abscess
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection around a tooth, the gums or surrounding tissue. It requires urgent dental treatment, even if symptoms temporarily ease.
For dental trainees & teams
AI-generated
Choose a view
Pus collects in the tissue
An infection of a tooth or the gums can lead to a collection of pus. Symptoms may include pain, swelling or an unpleasant taste.
The cause needs treatment
Treatment allows pus to drain and addresses the cause. Different steps may be needed depending on the findings. Antibiotics alone are not a substitute.
Do not wait if an abscess is suspected
Seek urgent dental assessment if you suspect an abscess; use the emergency dental service outside opening hours. For difficulty breathing or significant difficulty swallowing, call 112 immediately.
At a glance
Why does it need treatment?
The source of infection must be eliminated and pus allowed to drain where necessary.
What matters now?
Seek urgent dental assessment; call 112 immediately for difficulty breathing or significant difficulty swallowing.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.
Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above
Often confused
Pulpitis or abscess?
Pulpitis is inflammation of the pulp. An abscess is a collection of pus. Not every toothache is an abscess.
Quick answers
Will an abscess go away on its own?
No. Even if pus drains or symptoms ease, the source of the infection still needs dental treatment.
Are antibiotics always necessary?
No. Local treatment of the cause is essential. Antibiotics may also be needed if the infection spreads or causes general symptoms, for example; the treating clinician decides.
When is immediate medical help needed?
Difficulty breathing, significant difficulty swallowing or rapidly spreading swelling requires immediate medical help. Call 112 for difficulty breathing or other threatening symptoms.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Where is the source of the infection, and what treatment is needed now?
The examination assesses the findings and necessary next steps; this glossary entry does not replace urgent care.
If you suspect an abscess, contact a dentist urgently. Do not wait for a routine appointment if acute warning signs occur.
Call for urgent assessmentFor acute symptoms, call for prompt assessmentLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Abscess
- A localised collection of pus resulting from an infection.
- Drainage
- A procedure performed by the treating clinician to allow a collection of pus to drain.
- Systemic involvement
- Signs that an infection is affecting more than the local area, such as fever or feeling very unwell.
Know the difference
Local treatment of the cause and antibiotics are not interchangeable. The findings determine whether medication is also needed.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.