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Dental Abscess

Localized collection of pus arising from bacterial infection of the dental pulp (periapical abscess), gingiva (periodontal abscess), or pericoronal tissue around erupting tooth (pericoronitis).

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by bacterial infection within the tooth or surrounding tissues. Three main types exist: periapical abscess (originating from infected pulp through root apex), periodontal abscess (originating from periodontal pocket), and pericoronal abscess (around partially erupted tooth, especially third molars).

Pathogenesis involves polymicrobial bacterial infection (Streptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, anaerobes) producing pus that creates a fluctuant, painful swelling. Without treatment, infection can spread to facial spaces causing cellulitis, Ludwig angina, cavernous sinus thrombosis, or mediastinitis.

Treatment principles include early drainage (incision and drainage or through tooth), elimination of source (root canal treatment or extraction), antibiotics in selected cases (facial swelling, fever, immunocompromised, lymphadenopathy), and pain management. Severe cases require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

Symptoms

Severe persistent throbbing toothache
Pain on biting, chewing, or pressure on tooth
Localized gum swelling or fluctuant abscess
Pus drainage from sinus tract on gum
Fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy
Facial swelling, trismus (limited mouth opening)
Bad taste in mouth, halitosis

Risk Factors

Untreated dental caries reaching pulp
Periodontal disease with deep pockets
Partially erupted third molar (pericoronitis)
Dental trauma with pulp necrosis
Failed root canal treatment
Immunocompromised state (diabetes, HIV, steroid use)
Poor oral hygiene and lack of dental care

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe persistent toothache
  • Visible facial or gum swelling
  • Fever, chills, or systemic symptoms
  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening mouth
  • Pus discharge from gum or tooth
  • Pain not relieved by analgesics
  • Trauma to tooth followed by pain and swelling

Treatment Methods

01
Urgent dental evaluation and imaging (periapical, panoramic, CBCT)
02
Incision and drainage of fluctuant abscess
03
Source elimination: root canal treatment or tooth extraction
04
Antibiotics for systemic infection or facial spread (amoxicillin/clavulanate, clindamycin if penicillin allergic)
05
Pain management with NSAIDs and acetaminophen
06
Warm saline rinses and good oral hygiene
07
Hospital admission with IV antibiotics for severe cases (Ludwig angina, sepsis)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Diş Çürüğü

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Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

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Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

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An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

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A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

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Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

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Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

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Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

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Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.