Repairing your teeth
Dental Abscesses: Symptoms, Treatment and When to Seek Emergency Help
A dental abscess is an infection with a collection of pus. It can cause pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever or difficulty opening the mouth.
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A suspected abscess needs urgent dental care
A dental abscess is an infection with a collection of pus. It can cause pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever or difficulty opening the mouth. It will not reliably resolve by waiting for it to burst or by masking the pain. Contact a dentist urgently; NHS 111 can help you find urgent dental care if needed. [1]
Treat the cause, not only the symptoms
Treatment commonly involves drainage and addressing the source. Depending on the findings, this may include root canal treatment or removal of a tooth. Antibiotics are not a substitute for necessary local treatment, and the clinician must decide whether there is spreading infection or systemic involvement. [2]
Know when a hospital emergency pathway is needed
Call 999 or go to A&E for difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, major swelling inside the mouth, or eye swelling, pain or sudden visual problems. Severe difficulty opening the mouth in this context is also an NHS emergency warning. Do not wait for an online dental enquiry to be answered. [1]
Follow the actual prescription and review plan
When antibiotics are prescribed, the clinician should explain the reason, review arrangements and what to do if symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Do not use leftover antibiotics, invent a combination or change the course yourself. SDCEP recommends reassessment and adjustment according to the clinical response. [2]
Why dental abscesses need an assessment
A dental abscess is an infection, not just a toothache. The source needs to be assessed and treated: depending on the findings, that can involve drainage, root-canal treatment or removal of a tooth that cannot be retained. Pain relief or antibiotics alone do not reliably address an infected tooth.
Arrange urgent dental help if you suspect an abscess. If swelling makes breathing, swallowing or speaking difficult, or you develop severe systemic symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait for a routine consultation when symptoms are rapidly worsening.
At the appointment, explain when the pain or swelling started, whether it is getting worse and which medicines or medical conditions may affect care. Once the immediate problem is managed, ask how the dentist will reduce the risk of a recurrence and whether any permanent restorative treatment is required.
Guidance: nhs.uk · sdcepdentalprescribing.nhs.scot
Research and guidance
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If you need prompt dental advice or an emergency appointment, contact your preferred practice. The team can explain availability and the assessment fee.