Tooth Abscess

Picture of tooth abscess

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.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSteven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
Last RevisedJune 14, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 14, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry

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