Dental Abscess
A pocket of infection in a tooth, gum or bone. Needs prompt care — do not wait.
What it means
Understanding dental abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection, which can form at the tip of a tooth's root or in the gum beside it. It is one of the situations where prompt professional care genuinely matters, because an untreated abscess will not clear on its own and the infection can spread to surrounding tissues.
Abscesses often develop where bacteria have reached the inner part of a tooth through deep decay, a crack or a failing filling, or where advanced gum disease has created a pocket that traps infection. The result is frequently intense, throbbing pain — although, confusingly, the pain can sometimes ease for a while if the abscess bursts, even though the infection remains.
If you think you have an abscess, please do not wait. A GDC-registered dentist at our CQC-regulated practice can assess the area, help relieve your symptoms and treat the source of the infection safely.
Common causes of dental abscess
Several factors can contribute to dental abscess. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Untreated tooth decay reaching the nerve and root
- A cracked or broken tooth allowing bacteria inside
- Deep or failing fillings that let infection track in
- Advanced gum disease (periodontal abscess)
- Trauma to a tooth that damages the nerve
- A partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Severe, throbbing pain that may spread to the jaw, ear or neck
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- Tenderness, redness or a visible pimple-like spot on the gum
- A bad taste or discharge of pus in the mouth
- Pain when biting or when the tooth is touched
- Fever, feeling generally unwell, or swollen glands
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about dental abscess, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
Treatment focuses on removing the source of infection and helping it drain, rather than simply prescribing painkillers. After examining the area and taking X-rays where needed, your dentist will explain the most appropriate option for your situation. This may involve draining the abscess, root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, treatment of a gum pocket, or — where a tooth cannot be saved — extraction.
Antibiotics are sometimes used to support treatment, but current professional guidance is that they are not a substitute for dealing with the underlying cause; the infection needs to be physically removed or drained by a clinician.
Because an abscess can worsen quickly, we treat it as an urgent priority and will aim to see you the same day where possible. If you develop facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, seek urgent medical help immediately.
The treatment we most often use
Emergency Dentist
Same-day appointments where possible for toothache, swelling, broken teeth and other urgent dental problems — call before 11am.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Treat tooth decay and cracks early before bacteria reach the nerve
- Maintain excellent daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth
- Attend regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Address gum disease promptly with professional care
- Protect your teeth from injury and avoid biting very hard objects
- Do not ignore ongoing toothache or a persistent gum spot
When to see a dentist
This can be a sign of something that needs prompt attention. If you're in pain, notice swelling, or a tooth becomes loose or broken, please contact us as soon as possible — call 020 7183 0692 and we'll prioritise a same-day emergency appointment wherever we can. If you have spreading facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, seek urgent medical care without delay.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
It should be treated urgently. An abscess will not resolve on its own, and the infection can spread. Please contact us as soon as possible; if you have spreading facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical care without delay.
Antibiotics may help control a spreading infection, but on their own they do not treat the cause. Professional guidance is clear that the source of infection needs to be removed or drained by a dentist for the problem to be resolved.
Often, yes — many teeth with an abscess can be saved with root canal treatment, depending on how much healthy structure remains. Your dentist will assess the tooth and discuss whether saving it or replacing it is the more predictable option in your case.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
Related concerns in pain & dental emergencies
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians