Is a dental abscess a dental emergency?

A dental abscess should be assessed promptly by a dentist. While many abscesses can be managed with routine urgent care, spreading infection, significant facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever are signs that require immediate medical attention. Our emergency dental service is available to assess and manage suspected abscesses.

Will a dental abscess go away on its own?

A dental abscess will not resolve without professional treatment. Even if the pain temporarily eases — sometimes when the abscess drains or bursts — the underlying infection typically persists and can continue to progress. Professional assessment is essential to address the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading.

What should I do if I think I have an abscess?

Contact a dentist for an urgent appointment. In the meantime, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you), avoid very hot or cold foods, and maintain gentle oral hygiene. Avoid applying heat directly to the face, and do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself.

Can antibiotics alone treat a dental abscess?

Antibiotics may be prescribed in certain situations — for example, where there is spreading infection or systemic involvement — but they do not treat the underlying cause. Definitive management typically requires dental treatment such as drainage, root canal treatment or, in some cases, tooth removal. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate approach following assessment.

How much does treatment for a dental abscess cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment required, which can range from drainage to root canal treatment or extraction. At Dental Clinic London, a new patient examination is available for £30 (introductory offer, usually £95). Your dentist will explain all options and associated costs following assessment, before any treatment begins.

Can a dental abscess come back after treatment?

With appropriate treatment and good oral hygiene, most dental abscesses are effectively managed. However, an abscess can recur if the underlying cause — such as untreated decay, a persistent gum problem or a failing previous treatment — is not fully addressed. Regular dental check-ups help identify and manage any early signs of recurrence.

Dental abscess and tooth infection treatment at Dental Clinic London

Conditions

Dental Abscess
Causes & Treatment

A dental abscess is a build-up of infection within or around a tooth or gum caused by bacteria entering the inner structures. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to more noticeable swelling or pain. Prompt professional assessment is essential to identify the source and determine appropriate management.

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Understanding the Condition

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess — also known as a tooth abscess — is a localised collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It develops when bacteria penetrate the protective layers of the tooth or gums and the body responds with inflammation and pus formation in an attempt to contain the infection.

There are two main types. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the tooth root, typically as a result of infection within the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). A periodontal abscess develops in the supporting gum and bone tissues, often associated with gum disease. Identifying which type is present is important, as treatment differs accordingly.

Symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and may range from mild discomfort to significant pain and swelling. Whatever the presentation, a professional dental assessment is essential — usually including clinical examination and X-rays — to identify the source, determine the type and extent of infection, and plan appropriate management.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

Persistent or throbbing tooth pain

A continuous or pulsating ache that may worsen at night or when lying down, and may radiate to the jaw, ear or neck

Sensitivity to hot or cold

Pronounced or lingering sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet items, often affecting a specific tooth

Swelling in gums, face or jaw

Visible or palpable swelling in the area of the affected tooth, which may extend to the cheek, jawline or under the eye in more advanced cases

Bad taste or unpleasant odour

A foul taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath, sometimes caused by pus draining from the abscess into the mouth

Pain when biting or chewing

Discomfort or sharp pain when pressure is applied to the tooth, such as during eating or closing the mouth firmly

Redness or tenderness

The gum around the affected tooth may appear red, shiny or tender, and a small pimple-like spot (sinus) may occasionally be visible

Fever or general malaise

In more advanced cases, the infection may cause a raised temperature, swollen lymph nodes or a general feeling of being unwell

If you experience facial swelling affecting your eye, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever, seek urgent medical attention without delay.

Contributing Factors

Common Causes of a Tooth Abscess

A dental abscess is caused by bacteria entering the inner structures of a tooth or gum. Several factors may allow this to happen, and multiple factors may contribute in any given case.

Untreated tooth decay

Decay that progresses through enamel and dentine into the pulp can allow bacteria to reach the inner tissues of the tooth, leading to infection and abscess formation

Cracks or fractures

A cracked or fractured tooth provides a pathway for bacteria to penetrate protective layers and infect the pulp or surrounding tissues, even when damage is not visible

Previous dental work requiring review

An ageing filling, a crown with a compromised margin or a previously root-treated tooth can sometimes allow bacteria to re-enter the tooth and cause infection

Gum disease

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can create deep pockets around the teeth where bacteria accumulate, leading to periodontal abscesses in the supporting tissues

Trauma or injury

A blow to the tooth can damage the pulp tissue, even without visible fracture. Over time, the affected pulp may die and become infected, forming an abscess

Poor oral hygiene

When plaque and bacteria are not effectively removed through regular brushing and flossing, the risk of decay, gum disease and subsequent infection is increased

Why It Matters

Potential Risks if Not Addressed

A dental abscess represents an active infection, and without appropriate treatment it typically does not resolve on its own. Even if pain temporarily improves — for example, when an abscess drains spontaneously — the underlying infection usually persists and can continue to progress.

If left unmanaged, infection can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to increased swelling, pain and discomfort. The tooth and its supporting structures may be progressively damaged, and bone around the affected area can become involved. In some cases, spreading infection may affect adjacent teeth, sinuses or soft tissues of the face and neck.

Dental infections can also have implications for general health. Although serious complications are uncommon with timely treatment, advanced or untreated infections may, in rare cases, spread further and become a medical concern. This is why prompt emergency dental assessment is recommended whenever an abscess is suspected, even if symptoms initially seem manageable.

Your Options

Treatment Options for a Dental Abscess

Treatment depends on the type of abscess, its underlying cause and the extent of infection. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate approach following a thorough clinical assessment.

Abscess Drainage

Draining the collection of pus helps relieve pressure and pain and allows the infected area to begin healing. It is often carried out alongside treatment of the underlying cause.

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Root Canal Treatment

Where the infection originates within the tooth, root canal treatment removes the infected pulp tissue, cleans the internal canals and seals the tooth to help preserve it.

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Emergency Root Canal

When significant pain or swelling is present, emergency root canal treatment can provide prompt relief and address the source of the infection.

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Tooth Removal

In cases where the tooth cannot be reliably preserved, extraction may be recommended to resolve the infection, with replacement options discussed separately.

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Treatment of Gum Disease

When a periodontal abscess is involved, targeted cleaning of the affected gum pocket and management of the underlying gum disease form an essential part of treatment.

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Emergency Dental Care

Prompt examination and pain relief are available through our emergency dental service, ensuring suspected abscesses are assessed and managed without delay.

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Your First Step

Importance of Professional Dental Assessment

Dental abscesses vary considerably in their type, location and severity, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. Because symptoms can sometimes be misleading — with pain occasionally subsiding even when infection persists — professional evaluation is the only reliable way to establish what is happening.

During your assessment, your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of the affected area, review your symptoms and medical history, and use investigations such as X-rays where appropriate to identify the source and extent of the infection. Tests of tooth vitality may also be used to determine whether the pulp remains healthy.

Based on the findings, a personalised treatment plan will be developed. This may involve drainage, emergency root canal treatment, extraction, or management of underlying gum disease. Your dentist will explain all recommended options, expected outcomes and associated costs before any treatment begins, and arrange appropriate follow-up to monitor healing.

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What to Expect

1Review of symptoms, medical history and any recent dental events
2Clinical examination of the affected tooth, gum and surrounding tissues
3X-rays where appropriate to identify the source and extent of infection
4Tooth vitality testing to assess the status of the pulp
5Clear explanation of all treatment options and associated costs
6Personalised management plan with appropriate follow-up

Two Convenient Locations

Visit Us in Central London

Assessment and treatment planning for dental abscess and other dental concerns are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can help determine appropriate care options.

South Kensington

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20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL

Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm

Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm

Fri: 9 am – 5 pm

Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm

1 min from South Kensington tube (District, Circle & Piccadilly)

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City of London

Opening May 2026

5 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ

Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm

Sat & Sun: Closed

3 min from St Paul's tube (Central line) · 5 min from Blackfriars

Common Questions

Dental Abscess FAQ

Your Dental Team

Experienced Dentists

All our dentists are GDC registered and experienced in managing dental abscesses and urgent dental infections, providing prompt and personalised care for each patient.

Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi

Principal Dentist & Clinical Director

GDC: 195843

Dr. Reza Davari

Dentist

GDC: 302422

Dr. Kamran Yazdi

Dentist

GDC: 197926

Dr. Andreia Phipps

Dentist

GDC: 229601

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