Tooth Abscess

[Mel]

I have noticed that I have a lump come up next to one of my top teeth. My friend says that this lump is probably a tooth abscess and needs antibiotics.

The lump is causing me no pain but I am worried that the poison might damage my jaw. Do I need to take antibiotics to get rid of this abscess?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your post.

A gum lump next to the tooth could be a sinus tract drainig pus from an infected tooth. This could be caused by a non-vital tooth or a failed root canal.

You need to see a dentist to investigate this lump to see what the cause of it is and the underlying cause treated. Antibiotics will not be enough for this problem and you will need to have the underlying cause identified and treated.