Dental Abscess: Signs, Treatment & When to Go to A&E

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. Unlike general toothache, an abscess involves active infection that can spread beyond the tooth if left untreated.

There are two main types:

• Periapical abscess — infection at the tip of the tooth root, typically from decay reaching the nerve
• Periodontal abscess — infection in the gum tissue surrounding the root

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Signs of a Dental Abscess

Symptom

What it indicates

|---|---|

Severe throbbing pain	Pressure building inside an enclosed space
Swelling of face or jaw	Infection extending beyond the tooth
Bad taste in the mouth	Abscess may be draining
Feeling generally unwell	Systemic spread of infection
Fever	Active immune response
Difficulty swallowing	Infection spreading into deep tissues

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Will a Dental Abscess Resolve on Its Own?

No. Antibiotics alone may temporarily reduce symptoms but do not address the source. Without treating the tooth itself, the abscess will almost always return.

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Treatment

Stage 1 — manage the acute infection: drainage of the abscess, antibiotics where clinically indicated, and pain relief.

Stage 2 — treat the tooth: root canal treatment (removes the infected nerve tissue and saves the tooth) or extraction where the tooth cannot be saved.

Stage 3 — replace if extracted: dental implant, bridge or denture where appropriate.

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When to Go to A&E

Go immediately if:

• Facial swelling is affecting breathing or swallowing
• Swelling is spreading into the neck or near the eye rapidly
• You have a very high fever with significant swelling
• You cannot open your mouth at all

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Self-Care While Waiting

• Rinse gently with warm salt water (1 tsp per 250ml)
• Take pain relief as directed
• Avoid applying heat to the face
• Do not try to burst the swelling yourself

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