FAQ
Pain & SymptomsHow Do I Know If I Have a Tooth Abscess?
Quick Answer
Signs of a tooth abscess include severe throbbing pain, swelling, fever, bad taste in the mouth, and a pimple-like bump on the gum. This is a dental emergency — see a dentist immediately.
Detailed Explanation
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gum tissue (periodontal abscess). Symptoms include severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck; swelling of the face or cheek; fever; sensitivity to hot and cold; a foul taste or smell; and a pimple-like bump (fistula) on the gum. A dental abscess is a serious infection that will not resolve without treatment. Left untreated, it can spread to the jaw, neck, and brain — potentially life-threatening. Treatment involves draining the abscess, antibiotics, and either root canal treatment or extraction.
Key Points
What You Need to Know
Severe throbbing pain is the hallmark symptom
Facial swelling indicates the infection is spreading
Fever means the infection has entered the bloodstream
A fistula (pimple on the gum) drains pus from the abscess
This is a dental emergency — do not wait for an appointment
Untreated abscesses can spread to the jaw, neck, and brain
Related Questions
People Also Ask
No. A dental abscess requires professional treatment. It may temporarily drain and reduce pain, but the infection remains and will worsen without treatment.
Learn More →Root canal treatment costs PHP 5,000–15,000 per tooth in Manila, depending on the tooth type and clinic.
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