Dental Abscess Treatment | From £30 Emergency Care London

Facial swelling, fever, and unbearable throbbing pain can be signs of a dental abscess, which is a serious infection. This is more than simple toothache. Untreated dental abscesses can spread to the jaw, neck or even the bloodstream and in some cases become life-threatening. If you're experiencing facial swelling or difficulty swallowing, you need emergency treatment as soon as possible.

This is a serious medical condition. An abscess will not go away on its own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone, the floor of the mouth, the neck, and even the bloodstream (sepsis). In severe cases, swelling can obstruct the airway, which is life-threatening.

Signs You Have an Abscess

Severe, Throbbing Pain

Pain that doesn't go away and may radiate to the ear, jaw, or neck.

Swelling

Visible swelling on the gum (looks like a boil or pimple) or external swelling of the face and cheek.

Temperature Sensitivity

Extreme pain with hot or cold fluids.

Pain on Biting

You cannot close your teeth together without sharp pain.

Fever and Malaise

Feeling generally unwell, hot, or shivering.

Bad Taste/Smell

If the abscess bursts, you may get a sudden foul taste of salty fluid (pus) in your mouth.

Types of Abscesses

Periapical Abscess

Occurs at the tip of the tooth root. Usually caused by a cavity or crack allowing bacteria to enter the nerve. Requires root canal or extraction.

Periodontal Abscess

Occurs in the gum next to a tooth root. Caused by gum disease or food (like a popcorn husk) getting stuck deep in the gum. Requires drainage and deep cleaning.

Our Emergency Treatment

Painkillers alone are not enough. To cure an abscess, we follow the medical principle: "Where there is pus, let it out."

1. Incision and Drainage

If there is a visible swelling, we numb the area and make a small incision to drain the pus. This relieves the pressure and pain almost instantly. We wash the area with sterile saline.

2. Root Canal Treatment

To save the tooth, we must remove the source of infection. We drill into the tooth, remove the dead nerve and bacteria, and disinfect the canals. This stops the abscess from refilling.

3. Extraction

If the tooth is too damaged or bone support is lost, extraction is necessary. Removing the tooth creates a large pathway for the infection to drain and heal.

4. Antibiotics

We prescribe antibiotics ONLY if the infection is spreading (facial swelling, fever). Antibiotics do not cure the abscess; they only hold back the spread. Physical treatment is always required.

When to go to A&E

If you experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling closing your eye, or a very high fever with confusion, go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department immediately. These are signs of a spreading infection that can block your airway.