Emergency Tooth Abscess Symptoms & Treatment

Tooth abscesses are bacterial infections that take place in the gums, teeth or bones that surround the infected area.

Often very painful, a dental abscess will need to be treated immediately by an experienced dental professional.

Unfortunately, dental abscesses do not disappear on their own and the intervention of a specialist dentist will be needed to prevent further damage.

Dental abscesses can severely infect gums and cause damage to the bone.

Call 020 8224 7562 to book an emergency appointment.

Is a tooth abscess an emergency?

Certainly. A tooth abscess is a serious dental emergency that will require seeking treatment immediately.

If left untreated the abscess can lead to a serious infection that can spread through the body, which can in the most serious circumstances have life-threatening effects.

The sooner this issue is treated, the better.

Here at the Gentle Dental, we know how painful a dental abscess can be. This is why we offer same-day appointments so we can quickly restore comfort and return your oral health back to a healthy state.

Symptoms & signs

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you are probably suffering from a dental abscess:

• Noticeable gum swelling and redness
• Pulsating pain that comes suddenly and reaches your ears, neck, and jaw
• High sensitivity to hot and cold beverages
• Further swelling and redness in the face
• Unpleasant weird taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Treatments for tooth abscesses

• Root canals: If the dental abscess is located in the root of an infected tooth the recommended treatment is often a root canal. Using an anaesthetic to numb the surrounding area, Dr Ali Rifai will remove a section of the tooth enamel to gain access to the roots in order to begin treatment.
• Extraction: If the infected tooth has become too damaged, the dentist may suggest a tooth extraction. Removing the tooth will help the pus in the dental abscess be released offering the patient immediate relief.
• Drainage: Carried out by a specialist, with years of experience in delivering emergency dental treatments. This can be one of the quickest ways to ease the pain and remove the pus. Draining an abscess involves a minimum incision to the gum. Sedation is always used in this treatment.

Should I drain an abscess on my own at home?

It is very important that you do not try to drain the abscess yourself. Do not squeeze or press on it.

By doing this, it can result in the infected material to seep deeper into tissues in the mouth.

Do not use needles or any other sharp instruments to drain the abscess. This can also cause the infection to spread and damage blood vessels.

Call 020 8224 7562 to book an emergency appointment.

What happens if an abscess pops inside your mouth?

When left untreated, abscesses can burst, leading to further dental and oral complications

Emergency appointments

Due to the talent and precision of our dental staff, we have earned a reputation in Surrey for being one of the best clinics in the local area.

Our notable treatments and credible work have meant we have become the go-to clinic for restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic dentistry.

Highly recommend. Knocked out old front tooth composite and given the difficulties of Covid-19 they were excellent – saw me as soon as was possible, really friendly team and the new composite looks great. –  James P – Sutton

Call 020 8224 7562 to book an emergency appointment.