Seeing pus around the gums is never normal. It is a clear clinical sign of active infection within the gum tissue or around the root of a tooth. Pus may appear as a small pimple-like swelling, discharge suddenly with a bad taste, or be accompanied by increasing pain, pressure, and facial swelling.
A gum abscess is time-sensitive. Within emergency dentistry, the presence of pus signals that infection is no longer contained and requires prompt diagnostic assessment to prevent further spread into surrounding tissues. Early evaluation allows the infection to be stabilised safely, reduces the risk of complications, and helps limit damage to the tooth, bone, and supporting structures.
At Deepcar Dental, patients from Deepcar, Sheffield North, Stocksbridge, Oughtibridge, Wadsley, and Barnsley are treated by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, a GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced postgraduate training in restorative, periodontal, digital, and emergency dentistry.
A gum abscess may cause:
Gum abscesses develop when bacteria become trapped and are unable to drain properly. Common causes include:
Yes. A gum abscess is always a dental emergency.
Active infection can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Same-day assessment is required if pus, swelling, increasing pain, fever, or general unwellness is present.
Gum abscesses generally fall into two clinical categories:
Infection confined to the gum tissues and supporting bone.
Infection originating from inside the tooth and spreading outward.
Severity depends on the depth of infection, bone involvement, and whether drainage is possible.
Diagnosis follows a structured clinical process:
Clinical Examination
Assessment of swelling, pus discharge, gum tenderness, and tooth stability.
Digital X-Rays
Used to identify bone loss, hidden infection, decay, or root involvement.
Periodontal Probing
Measures gum pocket depth to determine periodontal disease involvement.
Vitality Testing
Determines whether the tooth nerve is alive or infected.
Treatment focuses on identifying the source of infection, controlling its spread, and removing the underlying cause to protect surrounding teeth, bone, and oral health.
The treatment plan is guided by a focused clinical assessment, including:
Immediate measures focus on controlling infection and pressure, including:
Definitive treatment depends on the source of infection and may include:
The goal is always to eliminate infection and preserve the natural tooth when clinically possible.
Delaying treatment may result in:
Do:
Avoid:
No. Antibiotics may limit spread but do not remove the source.
Recurring abscesses indicate unresolved gum disease, a cracked tooth, or persistent root infection.
Early diagnosis stops infection, protects bone, and improves the chance of saving the tooth. Calm, same-day emergency care is available across Deepcar and surrounding areas.