A pocket of pus in a tooth is known as a tooth abscess. Tooth abscesses are caused by bacterial infections, and can occur at different areas near the tooth for different reasons. There are two main types of tooth abscesses: periapical abscesses, which occur at the tip of the root, and periodontal abscesses, which occur in the gums at the side of a tooth root.1 An abscessed tooth requires treatment and won’t get better on its own. Treatment often includes draining the abscess and treating the infection with antibiotics if necessary.23
What causes a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is usually caused by an infection in the teeth or gums. Bacteria can enter your mouth through tiny cuts or gaps in your teeth, which may be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth while asleep. Other causes include: – Injuries to the mouth, such as a cracked tooth or bite.
– Gum disease, which causes inflammation and swelling in your gums.
– Root canal treatment on an infected tooth.
– A deep cavity that goes all the way through your tooth. – A tooth that has been knocked out of its socket. – A broken or cracked tooth. – A tooth that has been badly damaged by decay or trauma. – Tooth abscesses can also be caused by: – A tooth abscess that started as a dental cavity, which may have gone untreated for too long or was filled with an incorrect material. – Gum disease, which causes inflammation and swelling in your gums.