A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside a tooth or its surrounding structures. The abscess itself is one of the later stages of tooth decay, and typically occurs before tooth loss.

The primary treatment for a tooth abscess is always surgical: drainage, root canal, or extraction. Antibiotics alone cannot cure an abscess because they can’t remove the source of the infection.

Abscessed Tooth: Types, Causes, Stages, Symptoms and Treatment: By Shreoshree Chakrabarty An abscessed tooth is a painful condition caused by a bacterial infection that results in a pocket of pus at ...

Founded in 1921, Society for Science & the Public's mission is to advance public understanding and appreciation of scienceamong people of all ages through publications and educational programs. A ...

A healthy 45-year-old man experienced respiratory failure due to a giant life-threatening lung abscess caused by oral bacteria stemming from a wisdom tooth extraction. The case report was published in ...

A gum abscess is a pocket of infection in the gums or the space between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria may reach the area due to a dental abscess or another oral hygiene issue, such as periodontitis ...

Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, ...