Tooth Infection

GINGIVAL ABSCESS

An abscess is often called a pimple, bubble, or boil.  It indicates that a bacterial infection is present.  On your skin, this is called a pimple.  On your gingiva (gum tissue), it is called an abscess.

An abscess is formed by bacteria and generally contains pus and blood.

While an abscess is located on the gum tissue, the source of the problem is bacteria located inside a tooth.   The bacteria are protected within the tooth and oral medications like antibiotics can not access their location.  As a result, treatment with antibiotics can temporarily improve the situation by killing bacteria outside of the tooth, but the abscess will recur with time as the bacteria inside the tooth are unaffected.  To permanently fix this situation, dental treatment is needed.  An evaluation with an endodontist is recommended to discuss your options.