Tooth Abscess Treatment

A tooth abscess starts inside the tooth after the nerve becomes infected and forms at the tip of the root. A gum abscess forms in the gum beside the tooth, often with gum disease, and is cleaned out below the gumline. Both are treated in-house; see gum disease treatment.

Yes. Pus draining from an abscess leaves a foul taste and odor. It’s a sign of active infection and a reason to call today.

Yes. Dental pain spreads to nearby areas, and the glands in your neck can swell and feel tender as your body fights the infection.

You may notice a sudden salty or foul taste and less pressure. Rinse gently with warm salt water and still come in: the source of the infection is untreated.

Bacteria reaching the nerve or the gum: deep decay, a cracked or broken tooth, a leaking filling or crown, gum disease, or a partly erupted wisdom tooth. The body walls the infection off and pus collects at the root or in the gum.

A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root after the nerve becomes infected. A periodontal abscess forms in the gum and bone beside the root, usually with gum disease. A gingival abscess stays in the gum, often from something lodged there. Each is treated at its source.

Anyone with untreated decay, a cracked tooth or gum disease, and people with a dry mouth, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Smoking and a sugary diet raise the risk too.

Swelling that spreads, a fever, feeling unwell, trouble opening your mouth, or trouble swallowing or breathing. Breathing or swallowing trouble means the ER now.

Draining releases the pus and the pressure, which brings relief. It isn’t the whole treatment: the source still needs a root canal or an extraction.

Yes. Treatment is typically done with local anesthesia, and for patients who prefer it, nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation are available, given by Dr. Godko himself.

It can happen when a crown leaks, a crack develops or a canal wasn’t fully cleaned. The tooth is checked with x-rays and retreated or removed. See emergency root canals.

Dr. Godko removes it himself and plans the replacement at the same visit, such as a single tooth implant, starting at $3,199 with the implant, the abutment and the crown included, or a bridge.

Pressure and pain start to ease once the infection is drained and the source is treated. You leave with aftercare instructions, and a follow-up visit is scheduled.

If swelling grows instead of shrinking, you develop a fever, or the pain gets worse after the first few days. Both offices are ready to immediately assist with any concerns: (609) 400-1393 or (609) 303-2005.

Not when the source is fully treated: the infected nerve cleaned out with a root canal and sealed under a crown, or the tooth removed. Keeping your checkups lets a new problem be caught early.

Where it hurts, when it started and anything you’ve noticed, such as swelling, a bad taste or a fever. Dr. Godko reviews your health with you before treatment and coordinates with your physician when necessary.

It can. Diabetes that isn’t well controlled, and conditions or medications that weaken the immune system, make infections harder to fight, so treat an abscess as urgent.

Get it treated first. Travel delays care, and cabin pressure changes can make dental pain worse.

Yes. A wisdom tooth that has only partly come through traps food and bacteria under the gum flap, which can become infected and swell. See wisdom tooth pain.

It can. Saliva washes away bacteria and food, so a dry mouth lets decay and gum disease, the usual starting points of an abscess, progress faster. It’s one more reason to keep your checkups.

Brush twice a day and floss daily, cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, wear a mouthguard for sports and a night guard if you grind, and keep your checkups so cavities and cracks are fixed before they reach the nerve.

Yes: book online anytime at www.deluxedentistry.com/schedule-appointment. You can also call (609) 400-1393 or (609) 303-2005 during office hours.