Dental Abscess vs. Gum Boil
Both produce a swollen bump on the gum, but a periapical abscess starts inside the tooth (pulp) while a periodontal abscess (gum boil) starts in the gum pocket — and each needs a different treatment.
Key Facts
- A periapical abscess originates in the tooth pulp
- A periodontal abscess (gum boil) originates in a periodontal pocket
- Both can drain through a sinus tract that looks like a pimple on the gum
- Both can spread to deep neck spaces if untreated — emergencies
Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess forms when bacteria invade the pulp through a deep cavity, crack, or trauma. The tooth is usually non-vital and exquisitely tender to percussion. Treatment is root canal or extraction plus drainage.
Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess (gum boil) forms in an existing periodontal pocket when drainage is blocked. The tooth is typically vital. Treatment is debridement, drainage, and periodontal therapy.
When It's an Emergency
Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or trismus mean the infection is spreading. Go to urgent care or the ER.