Dental Articles - London
Periodontal Abscess Treatment in London, ON
Posted by MEK Dental on Fri, 5 Sep 2025
Suffering from a painful gum abscess in London, ON? Learn what a periodontal abscess is, its causes, and what to expect from treatment at MEK Dental. Don't wait—get the care you need to protect your smile.
A periodontal abscess may start with a sore spot near the gums or a painful toothache. But what’s happening below the surface can be more serious. This type of infection can cause swelling, pus, and if left untreated, even bone or tooth loss.
The good news: with prompt care, a periodontal abscess is treatable.
This guide explains what a periodontal abscess is, what causes it, common signs to look out for, and the treatment options available.
What is a Periodontal Abscess?
A periodontal abscess—sometimes called a gum abscess—is a pocket of pus that forms in the gums. It usually starts with a bacterial infection from gum disease or an injury that lets bacteria enter the space between the tooth and gum.
The infection causes swelling, pain, and a buildup of pus. If not treated, it can damage nearby bone and tissue, and in some cases, the infection may spread further.
Getting treatment early helps protect your teeth, gums, and overall health.
What Causes a Periodontal Abscess?
The most common cause is untreated gum disease (periodontitis). As gum disease progresses, it creates pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can collect.
Other factors can also raise your risk:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) that stresses the gumline
- Injury, such as a cracked tooth or cut in the gums
- Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Health conditions like diabetes that slow healing
- Food or debris trapped near dental work such as fillings or crowns
Even if it starts small, a gum abscess can worsen quickly without care.
Signs and Symptoms
You may have a periodontal abscess if you notice:
- Toothache or sharp pain – often worse when chewing or biting
- Swelling or redness near the gums
- A bump or blister on the gums, sometimes with pus
- Bad taste in the mouth from draining pus
- Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or jaw
- Fever or fatigue if the infection spreads
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait—early treatment makes a big difference.
How a Periodontal Abscess is Diagnosed
A dental exam helps confirm if you have a gum abscess. This may include:
- A visual exam to check for swelling and pus
- Probing around the teeth to measure pocket depth
- X-rays to see if bone loss or other issues are present
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Common approaches include:
- Drainage of the abscess – to remove pus and relieve pressure
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) – to remove plaque and bacteria from under the gums
- Antibiotics – to control infection if needed
- Gum surgery – for advanced cases to clean and reshape gum tissue
- Root canal – if the infection spreads inside the tooth
- Tooth extraction – if the tooth cannot be saved, with options for replacement like implants or bridges
FAQs About Periodontal Abscesses
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid tobacco products
- Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet
- Treat early signs of gum disease
- Visit for cleanings and exams twice a year
Relief From Gum Abscess Pain
A periodontal abscess can be painful and disruptive, but it’s treatable. With proper care, you can protect your teeth, gums, and overall health.
If you have symptoms such as throbbing pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today.
Dentist London