A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It’s caused by a bacterial infection.
An abscess at the end of a tooth is called a periapical abscess. An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful but aren’t always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist.
It’s important to get help as soon as possible because abscesses don’t go away on their own. They can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and make you ill.