An abscess commonly arises from a bacterial infection. The expanding
infection is what causes dental pain to pressure and sometimes heat. While antibiotics can often provide temporary relief of these symptoms, they cannot eliminate it until the source of the infection is addressed by procedures such as root canal, gum surgery, or extraction of the tooth in extreme situations. If left untreated, the infection will come back and may even pose serious health concerns if it spreads to other parts of the body such as the head and neck.