A dental abscess is a painful infection that occurs in the tooth, gums, or bone that supports the tooth. It is usually caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a cavity, crack, or chip. The symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling of the gums, and fever.
The treatment of a dental abscess depends on the severity of the infection. In some cases, the abscess can be drained by making a small incision in the gum. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the infection. In more severe cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be saved. It is important to seek treatment for a dental abscess as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.