An abscess on the side of a tooth may be an alveolar abscess or a periodontal abscess, which requires incision and drainage followed by root canal or periodontal treatment. 1. Alveolar abscess. Alveolar abscess is caused by apical periodontitis, inflammation in the apical area through the periosteum to reach the submucosa, the inflammatory fluid collects and finally forms an abscess, which requires timely surgical incision and drainage to establish a drainage channel to eliminate the inflammation, followed by root canal treatment. 2. Periodontal abscess. Periodontal abscess is due to long-term chronic periodontitis, caused by swelling of the gums appeared abscess, after touching the fluctuating feeling, surgical incision and drainage, at the same time for periodontal treatment to remove tartar plaque, periodontal pockets using minocycline hydrochloride on the medicine. An abscess on the side of the tooth, it is recommended that timely medical examination and treatment, to avoid aggravation of inflammation affecting chewing.