Swollen Gums / Abscess
Expert emergency dental care in London. Same-day appointments available at our South Kensington & City of London clinics.
Dental swelling is a red flag that should never be ignored. It almost always indicates a dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Unlike a regular toothache, an abscess signifies that the infection has broken out of the tooth and is spreading into the surrounding gum, bone, and soft tissues of the face.
At Emergency Dentist London, we treat facial swellings as high-priority emergencies. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the neck, airway, or bloodstream (sepsis), becoming life-threatening.
Identifying a Dental Abscess
Symptoms of an abscess can escalate quickly over 12-24 hours. Look out for:
DANGER SIGNS: Go to A&E Immediately
If you experience any of the following, do not wait for a dentist. Go straight to the nearest hospital Emergency Department:
Types of Dental Abscesses
1. Periapical Abscess
Forms at the tip of the tooth root. This is usually the result of untreated tooth decay or a dying nerve. The infection builds pressure inside the bone until it breaks through to the gum.
2. Periodontal Abscess
Forms in the gum pocket next to the tooth root. This is often caused by trapped food, tartar buildup, or advanced gum disease. The tooth might feel loose and the gum will be red and shiny.
Treatment: "Pus Must Be Drained"
There is a medical saying: "Ubi pus, ibi evacua" (Where there is pus, let it out). Antibiotics alone are often not enough to cure a dental abscess because drugs cannot penetrate the abscess cavity effectively. Physical intervention is required:
Incision and Drainage
We numb the area and make a small incision in the gum swelling. This allows the pus to drain out, usually providing significant relief from the pressure and pain. We then wash the area with sterile saline.
Root Canal Treatment
To stop the abscess coming back, we must remove the source. A root canal cleans the bacteria from inside the tooth that is feeding the abscess.
Extraction
If the tooth is fractured or the bone support is destroyed, removing the tooth acts as the ultimate drainage, allowing the infection to clear up rapidly.
The Role of Antibiotics
We may prescribe antibiotics (like Amoxicillin or Metronidazole) alongside treatment if there is evidence of spreading infection (fever, facial swelling).
However, they are not a substitute for dental treatment. Without fixing the tooth, the infection will simply return once the pills run out.
Recovery
Once drained, relief is often immediate. The swelling may take 3-5 days to fully subside.
Warm salt water rinses are crucial during healing to keep the drainage site open and clean.
Don't Suffer in Silence
Dental pain worsens with time. Immediate treatment prevents infection spread and saves teeth.
Same-day appointments available now.
Real Patient Results
Examples of our emergency restorative work.
Don't Delay Your Treatment
We have emergency slots available today. Our aim is complete pain relief.
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* Prices are indicative. Full plan provided after assessment.
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Available at Both Our London Clinics
Same expert care, same transparent pricing at both locations. Call 020 3137 6356 to book.
Related Emergency Treatments
Meet Our Emergency Dentists
Experienced professionals dedicated to your care.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist and Clinical Director
Experienced Principal Dentist focused on prevention and complex surgical treatments.
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Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
Highly experienced in conservative dentistry and patient-centred care.
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Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
Passionate about cosmetic and minimally invasive dentistry.
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Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
Has a passion for comfortable, long-lasting prosthodontics with a gentle approach.
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Dr. Narges Ameri
Dentist
Expert in prosthetics, cosmetic dentistry, and implant-supported restorations.
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Dr. Ayman Mukhtar
Dentist
Provides expert, comprehensive dental care with a background in hospital-based oral surgery. Excels in surgical extractions and restorative dentistry including fillings, crowns, and bridges.
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Dr. Niknaz Rostam Yazdi
Dentist
Gentle general and emergency dentist with a special interest in nervous patients and children's dentistry. Joining our Marylebone clinic from 1 December 2026.
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Jack Button
Dental Hygienist and Therapist
Clinical Director committed to first-class hygiene therapy.
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Laila Alhussein
Dental Hygienist
Dedicated to promoting oral health and patient comfort in a warm environment.
Book Your VisitWhat Patients Say About Our Emergency Dentists
Our Emergency Dental Clinics in Central London
Two clinics open now in South Kensington and the City of London — plus our new Marylebone clinic at 22 Wimpole Street, opening 1 December 2026. Choose the clinic nearest to you.
South Kensington Clinic
Open 7 days a week
Address
20 Old Brompton RoadSouth Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Phone
Opening Hours
How to get here
South Kensington Station (District, Circle & Piccadilly) — 2-minute walk
Bus routes 14, 74, 414, C1
Street parking on Thurloe Place & Exhibition Road
City of London Clinic
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–2pm
Address
5 Ave Maria LaneCity of London
London, EC4M 7AQ
Phone
Opening Hours
How to get here
St Paul's Station (Central line) — 3-minute walk
City Thameslink — 4-minute walk
Blackfriars Station (District, Circle & Thameslink) — 5-minute walk
Bus routes 4, 11, 15, 17, 26