Dental Abscesses

Heather Martinson • July 26, 2024

About 3.5 million people worldwide have oral disease. Anything from a cavity to an abscessed tooth can affect your oral health. Unfortunately, neglecting your oral health can compromise your overallhealth.

What exactly are dental abscesses, and how can you start preventing tooth abscesses at home? Read on to find out. Protect your health with these dental care tips today.

What Are Dental Abscesses?

A tooth can become infected in or around the root, causing a pocket of pus to form, causing a dental abscess. Anyone who neglects their oral health can develop an abscess.

A dental abscess won't get better on its own. You'll need to visit a dentist or endodontist (they specialize in dental pulp and nerve diseases).

Without treatment, the infection could spread beyond your jaw. You could develop serious, life-threatening complications. You'll likely experience moderate to severe pain that radiates to the ears or neck.

Types

There are three common types of dental abscesses, which vary based on location:

Periapical abscesses
Periodontal abscesses
Gingival abscesses

Periapical abscesses develop on the tip of a tooth's root. Bacteria can enter the innermost part of a tooth through a chip, crack, or deep cavity. They often occur if you have an untreated dental cavity.

An injury or prior dental work can also cause this type of abscess. The resulting infection can cause swelling or irritation at the tip of the root.

Periodontal abscesses form on the gum next to a tooth's root. The latter can spread to surrounding bone or tissue. These abscesses are usually the result of gum disease.

Gingival abscesses develop on the gums. They don't often affect nearby teeth or supporting structures.

Signs of a Dental Infection

The main signs of a dental infection include pain and inflammation. You may experience throbbing pain near a tooth or in the gums, which can worsen over time.

Other symptoms include:

Discolored teeth
Loose teeth
Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or ears
A foul taste in your mouth
Tender or swollen lymph nodes
Bad breath
Tooth sensitivity
Swollen and/or red gums
Facial swelling and redness
Pain when eating
Pain that worsens when lying down
Discomfort with hot or cold temperatures
Fever

The abscess could rupture, leading to immediate pain relief. You'll notice a bad taste in your mouth as the pus drains.

Preventing a Tooth Abscess

The primary risk factors for developing a tooth abscess include:

Dry mouth
A diet high in sugar
Poor dental habits and care
Smoking
Having a weakened immune system

Some diseases can lower your immune system. This will make it harder for your body to fight off germs, increasing your risk.

Talk to your dentist to discuss the oral health issues you've experienced in the past. They'll determine if you're at risk of developing an abscess. Their dental care tips can help prevent tooth abscesses.

Start by developing an at-home oral health care regimen. Brush your teeth twice a day to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Floss daily to reduce your risk of dental health problems.

A diet that's high in sugar can increase your risk of developing cavities. Remember, an untreated cavity can increase your risk of a periapical abscess. About 25.9% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities.

A dry mouth can increase your risk of decay. It could be caused by aging, certain medications, or an underlying issue. Talk to your dentist to determine the root of the problem.

Other prevention tips include:

Drinking water that contains fluoride
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups
Professional dental cleanings
Replacing your toothbrush every three months
Eating a healthy diet
Limiting sugary items
Using antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash

Visit an emergency dentist right away if you have a damaged tooth, gum disease, or cavity. These dental health issues can create an opening for bacteria. If the bacteria affect your tooth, you could develop an abscess.

Dental Abscess Treatment

Visit your emergency dentist immediately if you notice signs of a dental infection. They'll examine your teeth and gums. To identify the abscess, your dentist may request X-rays or a CT scan.

Dental abscess treatment can remove the infection.

Your dentist may open (incise) and drain the abscess by cutting into it. Then, wash the area with saline (salt water) or place a small rubber drain while the swelling goes down.

When treating a periodontal abscess, your dentist will drain the abscess and clear the periodontal pocket. Scaling and planing will polish the surface of the tooth's root.

For a periapical abscess, a root canal can remove the infection and save your tooth. During this procedure, the dentist will drill into your tooth. They'll remove the diseased pulp (tissue) before draining the abscess.

Afterward, they'll fill and seal your tooth's pulp chamber and tooth canals. They may cap your tooth with a crown to restore its functionality. With care, your tooth could last a lifetime.

Some dentists recommend pulling affected teeth if they can't be saved. They'll drain the abscess to remove the infection.

Your emergency dentist may recommend antibiotics if the infection has spread to your jaw, nearby teeth, or other areas. This will keep it from spreading further.

The prognosis for a dental abscess is poor when left untreated. The mortality rate increases to 40% when patients develop mediastinitis from a descending infection.

Your airway could become compromised. In rare cases, it could travel to your brain, causing bacterial meningitis. Alternatively, the infection could travel to your heart, causing endocarditis.

Seek Treatment for Dental Abscesses

Don't leave yourself at risk of developing dental abscesses. Instead, improve your oral health and visit your dentist twice a year. Routine visits and professional cleanings can lower your risk and help you maintain a healthy smile.

If you develop a dental abscess, make sure to visit our team at Heather Martinson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our friendly staff is dedicated to creating a positive experience for every patient. We offer comfort-focused care using the latest technology and comprehensive services.

Discover why Arlington, TX, families have trusted our expert care for over 25 years. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.