Tooth Abscess Treatment in London

A tooth abscess is a serious dental infection that develops when bacteria enter the inside of the tooth or the surrounding gum tissues, leading to a painful build-up of pus. The most common type is a periapical abscess (at the tip of the root), while a periodontal abscess affects the gums around the root.

Without treatment, a dental abscess will not go away on its own and can lead to severe complications. At Thousand Smile, we provide urgent and effective treatment to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and protect your long-term oral health.

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Signs of a dental abscess can vary, but common symptoms include:

Severe, throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck
Swelling of the cheek, jaw, or face
Fever and general feeling of illness
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure when chewing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
A foul taste or sudden rush of fluid if the abscess bursts
Difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing (requires immediate care)
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck

If you have swelling, fever, or breathing difficulties, treat this as an emergency and contact a dentist or go to A&E immediately.

020 3773 2280

Causes of Tooth Abscess

A dental abscess develops when bacteria reach the tooth pulp (the inner part containing nerves and blood vessels). This can happen due to:

Untreated dental decay
Cracked or chipped teeth
Failed or loose dental work
Gum disease
Dental trauma or injury

Once bacteria enter, the pulp becomes inflamed or dies, spreading infection down into the root and surrounding tissues.

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop an abscess if you have:

Poor oral hygiene habits
A high-sugar diet that increases risk of decay
Dry mouth (caused by medication, ageing, or other conditions)
Weakened immune system

Potential Complications

A tooth abscess will not heal without treatment. If ignored, the infection can spread to the jaw, face, or even the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency.

Even if the abscess bursts and the pain subsides, the infection will remain and professional treatment is still required.

Diagnosis at Thousand Smile

At your appointment, our dentist will:

Examine your mouth and gums for signs of infection
Gently tap on the affected tooth to test sensitivity
Take an X-ray to identify the extent of the abscess
In advanced cases, recommend a CT scan to check if infection has spread beyond the mouth

Treatment Options for a Tooth Abscess

The right treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the condition of your tooth. Common treatments include:

1. Abscess Drainage

The dentist makes a small incision to release pus and reduce pressure. The area is cleaned thoroughly with saline solution.

2. Root Canal Treatment

If the tooth can be saved, the infected pulp is removed, the canals are disinfected, and the space is filled and sealed. A crown may be placed for protection.

3. Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is too damaged to restore, it will be removed, and the abscess site will be cleaned to stop further infection.

4. Antibiotics

In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to control infection, particularly if it has spread or if you have a weakened immune system.

Self-Care While Waiting for Your Appointment

While professional treatment is essential, you can relieve symptoms at home by:

Taking over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
Avoiding hot, cold, or sugary foods that trigger sensitivity
Keeping your head elevated to reduce pressure and swelling

Prevention Tips

You can reduce your risk of future abscesses by:

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily
Flossing or using interdental brushes every day
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
Drinking fluoridated water
Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning

Preparing for Your Tooth Abscess Treatment Appointment

Preparing for Your Appointment

To help us provide the best care, bring along:

A list of your current symptoms and when they started
Details of any medications or supplements you take
Notes on recent dental treatments or injuries
Questions you’d like to ask your dentist (for example, “Can this tooth be saved?” or “What treatment will prevent recurrence?”)

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact a dentist immediately or go to the emergency department if you experience:

High fever
Rapidly spreading swelling
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

These may indicate the infection has spread and requires urgent medical attention.

Book Tooth Abscess Treatment in London

If you suspect a tooth abscess, don’t delay – the sooner it’s treated, the better the outcome. Our team at Thousand Smile provides same-day and emergency appointments for patients in pain.