The periodontal abscess is a purulent matter located in the periodontal supporting tissues. The aim of the current study is to report the clinical case of a patient with chronic periodontitis who sought emergency treatment. The clinical examination identified pain, mobility, gingival swelling, fistula and suppuration in the region of tooth 21. We verified the absence of malaise, fever and lymphadenopathy by assessing the systemic condition. The option was made for the abscess drainage and subgingival scaling treatment modality without antibiotic therapy. The emergency treatment succeeded in resolving the inflammatory process and in reducing the probing depth. However, after 28 days, the tooth presented extrusion and secondary occlusal trauma, thus requiring subsequent occlusal adjustment.