Dentoalveolar Abscess vs. Periapical Abscess: Is There a Difference?

If you’ve recently been to the dentist because of a toothache (or if you’re suffering from pain right now) and the word “abscess” was mentioned, this article might quite literally save your life.

Do not ignore a dental abscess! 

Okay, so now we know that a dental abscess means an infection causing a pocket of pus. But what about dentoalveolar abscess and periapical abscess?

Let’s break them down into super simple terms.

Periapical Abscess (Infection Inside the Tooth)

  • This happens inside the tooth, right at the tip of the root.
  • It’s usually caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma.
  • The infection starts inside the tooth’s nerve (the pulp), then spreads down into the bone.

🦷 Think of it this way:

Imagine your tooth is like a house, and bacteria have sneaked in through the front door (a cavity). They go all the way down to the basement (the root tip) and start causing trouble there. That’s a periapical abscess—an infection trapped deep inside the tooth, spreading from the root.

Signs of a periapical abscess:


✅ Severe, throbbing toothache

✅ Swollen face or gums near the infected tooth
✅ Sensitivity to hot and cold

✅ A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth (pus might come out of it)

How is it treated?

  • Root canal treatment: Cleans out the infection inside the tooth and seals it.
  • Tooth extraction: If the tooth is too damaged, it may need to be removed.

Dentoalveolar Abscess (Infection Spreading Beyond the Tooth)

A dentoalveolar abscess is a broader term for any abscess that affects both the tooth and the surrounding bone and tissues.

It usually starts as a periapical abscess but can spread beyond the root into the jawbone or gums.

🦷 Think of it this way:

If a periapical abscess is an infection trapped inside the basement (tooth root), a dentoalveolar abscess is when the infection spreads beyond the house (the tooth) and starts affecting the yard (bone and soft tissue).

Signs of a dentoalveolar abscess:

✅ Swelling in the jaw, cheek, or neck
✅ Severe pain that spreads beyond the tooth
✅ Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases)
✅ High fever and feeling unwell

How is it treated?

  • Draining the abscess – The dentist may need to make a small cut to release the pus.
  • Antibiotics – If the infection is spreading, a course of antibiotics will help stop it.
  • Root canal or extraction – The infected tooth may still need treatment or removal.

🚨 IMPORTANT: If the swelling spreads to your neck or makes it hard to breathe, this is a medical emergency, and you should seek help immediately.

Potential Complications of a Dental Abscess

Ignoring a dental abscess isn’t just painful – it can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications if left untreated. The infection can spread beyond the tooth, affecting other parts of the body and causing severe health risks. Here’s what could happen if an abscess is left untreated:

1. Spread of Infection (Cellulitis & Ludwig’s Angina)

  • The bacteria from the abscess can spread into the soft tissues of your face, jaw, and neck.
  • This can cause cellulitis, a painful skin infection that leads to swelling, redness, and fever.
  • In severe cases, the infection can travel deep into the neck and throat, leading to Ludwig’s angina – a dangerous condition that can block the airway and make breathing difficult.

🚨 Warning Sign: If you have rapid swelling in your jaw or neck, trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing, seek emergency medical help immediately.

2. Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis)

  • If the infection spreads deeper, it can reach the jawbone, causing a condition called osteomyelitis.
  • This can lead to persistent pain, swelling, and weakness in the affected bone.
  • Treatment typically requires strong antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgery to remove infected bone tissue.

3. Dental Cysts & Tooth Loss

  • Long-term untreated abscesses can lead to the formation of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) around the infected tooth.
  • These cysts can damage nearby teeth, weaken the jawbone, and increase the risk of fractures.
  • In many cases, tooth extraction is the only option to prevent further damage.

4. Blood Infection & Sepsis (A Life-Threatening Emergency)

  • In rare but serious cases, bacteria from the abscess can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis—a life-threatening immune response.
  • Sepsis can cause fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, extreme fatigue, and organ failure if not treated quickly.

🚨 Warning Sign: If you experience high fever, dizziness, chills, rapid breathing, or extreme weakness, get to a hospital immediately—sepsis requires urgent medical attention.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore an Abscess!

A dental abscess is not just a tooth problem – it can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t wait!
At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we provide fast, effective abscess treatment, including:


✔ Immediate relief for pain and swelling
✔ In-house CT scans for a precise diagnosis
✔ Root canal, drainage, or extractions if necessary
✔ Antibiotics when needed to stop the infection


Got symptoms of an abscess? Call us now – we’re open 24/7 to make sure you get the urgent care you need before things get worse.