Dental Abscess
Treatment in London
Swelling, pain or a lump on your gum? Don't wait — a dental abscess requires urgent treatment. Same-day appointments at our South Kensington and City of London clinics.
Emergency Consultation
Only £30 £95for new patients
Understanding Dental Abscesses
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. It typically develops when untreated decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, or when gum disease creates deep pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
Abscesses are painful and will not resolve on their own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or in serious cases, the bloodstream. This makes dental abscess treatment one of the most urgent dental emergencies.
At Dental Clinic London, we provide same-day abscess drainage and treatment. Our dentists will relieve your pain, control the infection and plan definitive treatment to prevent it from returning.
Warning Signs — Seek Urgent Treatment
Severe, throbbing pain
Intense pain in the tooth, jaw or ear that doesn't subside
Facial swelling
Swelling in the cheek, jaw or under the eye
Swollen, red gum
A lump, boil or pimple on the gum near the affected tooth
Bad taste in mouth
A foul, salty taste from draining pus
Difficulty opening mouth
Trismus (limited jaw opening) from swelling
Fever or feeling unwell
High temperature, chills or general malaise indicate spreading infection
⚠ If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or severe facial swelling, go to A&E immediately.
Immediate Steps
What to Do If You Suspect an Abscess
Follow these steps and call us on 020 7183 0527 for an urgent appointment.
- 1Do not ignore a dental abscess — it will not heal on its own and can worsen rapidly.
- 2Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water) several times a day.
- 3Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed — ibuprofen is most effective as it also reduces inflammation.
- 4Do not apply heat to the swollen area — this can encourage the infection to spread.
- 5Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help with pain and swelling.
- 6Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks.
- 7If the abscess bursts (releases pus), rinse your mouth with salt water and still see a dentist.
- 8Call us immediately on 020 7183 0527 — urgent treatment is needed to prevent the infection from spreading.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Dental Abscesses
Treatment focuses on draining the infection, eliminating the source and preventing recurrence. Our GDC-registered dentists will explain every step.
Abscess Drainage
The dentist makes a small incision in the abscess to drain the pus, immediately relieving pressure and pain. The area is then cleaned and flushed with saline to remove bacteria.
Ideal for: Acute swelling with visible abscess
Root Canal Treatment
The definitive treatment for a tooth abscess. The infected nerve tissue is removed, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, then sealed to prevent reinfection. This saves the tooth.
Ideal for: Abscesses caused by deep decay or nerve infection
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside dental treatment to help control the infection, particularly if it is spreading. Antibiotics alone are not a cure — the source of infection must be treated.
Ideal for: Spreading infection or systemic symptoms
Emergency Extraction
If the tooth is too severely damaged or infected to be saved, safe extraction removes the source of infection and provides immediate relief. Replacement options are then discussed.
Ideal for: Teeth that cannot be restored
Dental Crown
After root canal treatment, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its strength and protect it from future fracture. Custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Ideal for: Teeth weakened by infection and root canal treatment
Follow-Up Care
After initial treatment, a follow-up appointment ensures the infection has fully resolved. X-rays confirm healing and your dentist will plan any further restorative work needed.
Ideal for: All abscess cases — monitoring is essential
Watch Our Clinic
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
See the care and comfort you can expect when you visit us for urgent abscess treatment.
Two Convenient Locations
Abscess Treatment Near You
South Kensington
Now Open20 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)
City of London
Opening May 20265 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
Transparent Pricing
Abscess Treatment Costs
We believe in clear, upfront pricing. Your dentist will always explain costs before any treatment begins.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Emergency ConsultationOnly £30 for new patients | £95 |
| Abscess Drainage | From £195 |
| Root Canal (Front Tooth) | From £450 |
| Root Canal (Back Tooth) | From £650 |
| Emergency ExtractionIf tooth cannot be saved | From £195 |
| Dental CrownPost root canal if needed | From £995 |
| X-Ray | £20 |
Prices are a guide and may vary depending on clinical complexity. Your dentist will confirm costs before treatment. 0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Common Questions
Dental Abscess FAQ
Experienced Dentists
Your Emergency Dental Team
All our dentists are GDC registered and experienced in treating dental infections including abscess drainage, root canal treatment and emergency extraction.
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
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
More Emergency Services
Other Dental Emergencies We Treat
Same-day emergency appointments for all dental emergencies at both our London locations.
Recommended Treatments
Treatments for a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess requires urgent treatment to drain the infection and address the underlying cause.
Registered · Regulated · Trusted
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
CQC Regulated
South Kensington clinic
GDC Registered
All clinicians
ASA / CAP Compliant
Advertising standards
CQC Provider: Medical and Dental Limited · Registration No. 1-20629579981
Dental Abscess? Call Now
A dental abscess will not heal on its own. The sooner you see a dentist, the better. Same-day emergency appointments available. New patient consultation only £30.