Dental abscess!
What is a dental abscess?
Also known as a tooth abscess, an abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside the tooth, in the gums (a periodontal abscess), or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. An abscess at the end of the tooth root is known as a periapical abscess.
Abscesses are caused by a bacterial infection and will not go away on their own. They can sometimes spread.
Symptoms of a dental abscess
- Intense, throbbing pain that can come on suddenly and gradually get worse.
- Pain that spreads from the tooth to your jaw, neck or ear.
- Pain that is worse when lying down and can disturb sleep.
- Redness and swelling of the face.
- Tender, discoloured or loose teeth.
- Shiny, red, swollen gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
How to relieve your symptoms
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you), following the instructions on the pack.
- Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass, about 250ml, of warm water).
What to do if you have an abscess or suspect you have one
If you have or suspect you have an abscess, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. Call us on 01922 624900 for an urgent appointment. Alternatively, call NHS 111 for advice on what to do until you can see a dentist, or for details of local services. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to A&E immediately.
Treatment options for an abscess
- Draining the abscess to release the pus.
- Root canal treatment of the affected tooth.
- Extraction of the affected tooth.
- Antibiotics, only if the infection is spreading or you are unwell — they don't replace treatment of the tooth.
Worried you have a dental abscess?
A dental abscess will not clear up on its own and can spread. If you have facial swelling, a raised temperature, or pain that is keeping you awake, please contact us straight away — we aim to see urgent cases the same day where possible.
Call 01922 624900, book online, or read more about emergency dental appointments. If you are struggling to breathe or swallow, attend A&E immediately.
What our patients say
(Persian)
تجربه بسیار خوبی در این کلینیک دندانپزشکی داشتم. محیط زیبا و تمیز، پرسنل خوش‌برخورد و مهربان، و دکتر بسیار حرفه‌ای که کارم را به بهترین شکل انجام داد. از خدمات عالی شما سپاسگزارم و حتماً به دیگران توصیه می‌کنم.
(English)
I had a great experience at this dental clinic. The environment is beautiful and clean, the staff…Read full review
(Persian)
تجربه بسیار خوبی در این کلینیک دندانپزشکی داشتم. محیط زیبا و تمیز، پرسنل خوش‌برخورد و مهربان، و دکتر بسیار حرفه‌ای که کارم را به بهترین شکل انجام داد. از خدمات عالی شما سپاسگزارم و حتماً به دیگران توصیه می‌کنم.
(English)
I had a great experience at this dental clinic. The environment is beautiful and clean, the staff is kind and welcoming, and the doctor is highly professional and did an excellent job. Thank you for your outstanding service! I highly recommend this place.
Bu diş kliniğinde harika bir deneyim yaşadım. Ortam güzel ve temiz, personel güler yüzlü ve nazik, doktor ise son derece profesyonel ve işini mükemmel yaptı. Mükemmel hizmetiniz için teşekkür ederim! Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.
We had a dental home visit for my invalid partner who needed the root of a broken tooth removed. Given her age and condition, I was very anxious. In fact, everything went completely smoothly. The dentist (& team) were good listeners, gave good clear answers with time to think. I said at the time how reassuring they had been from…
Read full review
We had a dental home visit for my invalid partner who needed the root of a broken tooth removed. Given her age and condition, I was very anxious. In fact, everything went completely smoothly. The dentist (& team) were good listeners, gave good clear answers with time to think. I said at the time how reassuring they had been from the very start - the risks were explained but in perspective. My partner was quite calm and cooperative - I had been worried that she might suffer from shock but she has been fine. Phew! What a relief!
So grateful I was recommended to The Dentist.
I have my smile back
They listened to me and guided me on all options and was not pushy, if anything they scaled my thinking back to towards achieving realistic results.
I found we built trust in a very small window which is mainly down to their adherence on delivering patient care.
…Read full review
So grateful I was recommended to The Dentist.
I have my smile back
They listened to me and guided me on all options and was not pushy, if anything they scaled my thinking back to towards achieving realistic results.
I found we built trust in a very small window which is mainly down to their adherence on delivering patient care.
Treatments I have had is teeth whitening and two front crowns- since having the treatment my confidence has blossomed and my smile is back on point.
I struggle with anxiety and become extremely panicked when in confined zones. The reassurance and care offered/delivered was extremely helpful and I felt safe in the care of The Dentist
Thank you
Ready to talk it through?
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Send us a message
Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you. For urgent pain or swelling, please call 01922 624900.