Gum abscess

A gum or periodontal abscess usually is caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. Bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease can cause  a pocket or space to form between  the tooth, gum and bone. Bacterial and other debris get  into the pocket and an abscess can form. The infection  may occur after food gets trapped between the gum  and tooth. In people  with severe periodontal  disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

Dentists usually treat this kind of abscess by first draining the infection, then thoroughly  cleaning the area. Then the root surfaces  of the tooth  are smoothed out to promote healing and help keep  the infection from recurring. Before doing this procedure, your dentist may inject an anaesthetic to numb the gum and tooth.

Your dentist may recommend gum surgery if warranted to help heal an abscess between the gum and a tooth. This surgery, often performed by a periodontist, involves surgically reshaping of the gum tissue to make  a shallow area that is easier to keep clean and free from infection.