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.