Signs and symptoms
- Pain, especially when biting on the affected tooth
- Raised and prominent feeling in the bite
- Mobility of the tooth
- Erythematous (red), swollen, and painful oral mucosa
- Shiny surface due to stretching of the mucosa over the abscess

Causes
- Complication of advanced periodontal disease
- Periodontal pocket containing plaque, bacteria, and subgingival calculus
- Decreased local or systemic resistance of the host
- Obstruction of periodontal pocket opening
- Penetrating injury to the gingiva or trauma to the tissues

Diagnosis
- Difficulty in distinguishing from periapical abscesses
- Different management approach compared to periapical abscesses
- Root canal therapy is unnecessary for periodontal abscesses

Classification
- Gingival abscess involving soft gum tissue near the marginal gingiva or interdental papilla
- Periodontal abscess involving a greater dimension of gum tissue, extending apically and adjacent to a periodontal pocket
- Pericoronal abscess surrounding the crown of a partially or fully erupted tooth
- Combined periodontal/endodontic abscess

Treatment
- Extraction of the tooth if recurrent abscesses and compromised periodontal support
- Pain relief and infection control as initial management
- Drainage of pus through socket or periodontal pocket
- Antibiotics reserved for severe infections with facial swelling and systemic upset
- Oral antibiotics like amoxicillin, clindamycin, and/or metronidazole for anaerobic bacteria.