Emergency Dental Care
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth or in the gums. Symptoms include severe throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever and tenderness when biting.
Treatment focuses on draining the infection, treating the cause with root canal treatment or extraction, and, where needed, antibiotics. Spreading swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing needs immediate medical attention.
Benefits
- Relieves pain and pressure
- Controls the spread of infection
- Treats the underlying cause
- Prompt care reduces complications
- Clear aftercare guidance
What to Expect
- Urgent examination and X-ray
- Diagnosis of the source of infection
- Drainage of the abscess if required
- Root canal treatment or extraction of the affected tooth
- Medication when appropriate
- Follow-up review
Frequently Asked Questions
An abscess does not usually resolve without treatment, and the infection can spread. Please see a dentist promptly.
Not always. Draining the infection and treating the source are the main steps, and antibiotics are used in selected situations.
Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling around the eye or neck need emergency care.
