A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection in a tooth or gum. It does not normally resolve without dental treatment. Prompt assessment matters because infection can spread beyond the original tooth.
Quick answer: Dental symptoms cannot be diagnosed reliably online. If pain, swelling or damage is significant, call a dentist for individual advice.
Symptoms to look out for
Possible signs include intense toothache or gum pain, a bad taste, redness, tenderness when biting, sensitivity to temperature, facial or jaw swelling, swollen neck glands, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth. Symptoms vary, so absence of severe pain does not rule out infection.
What treatment may involve
A dentist identifies the source and relieves pressure by draining the infection where appropriate. Depending on the tooth, treatment may include root canal treatment, gum treatment or extraction. Local anaesthetic is normally used. Antibiotics may be prescribed when there are signs of spreading infection or systemic illness, but they do not remove the dental cause.
What to do while waiting
Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief and follow the label. Choose soft food, avoid extremes of temperature and clean gently with a soft toothbrush. Do not exceed recommended doses and do not try to burst or drain a swelling yourself.
When it becomes an emergency
Call 999 or go to A&E if you are finding it hard to breathe, speak or swallow, have a large amount of swelling, swelling near the eye or changes to vision, or cannot open your mouth properly. Otherwise, contact a dentist urgently or use NHS 111 if you cannot access urgent dental care.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dental abscess go away with antibiotics alone?
Antibiotics may help selected cases, but the source usually needs dental treatment. Symptoms can return if the tooth or gum problem is not addressed.
Should I see a GP?
A GP cannot provide dental treatment. Contact a dentist; use NHS 111 when urgent care is unavailable.
Appointments at The Grove Dental Care
The Grove Dental Care is at 45 The Grove, Palmers Green, London N13 5LD. We welcome new private patients. Book a private appointment online or call 020 8882 8887.
We are accepting a limited number of new NHS patients at the time of writing. NHS appointments cannot be booked online; please call the practice to ask about current NHS availability.
This article provides general information and is not a diagnosis. Advice may change, so use the linked official guidance and contact a dental professional about your circumstances.
Source: NHS dental abscess guidance.