Concerned about a dental abscess? Book an urgent assessment.
Dental Abscess (Tooth Abscess)
South Kensington, London
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside a tooth, in the gum, or in the bone that holds the tooth in place. It is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to significant pain, swelling, and general discomfort. While a tooth abscess may develop gradually, symptoms can escalate and professional assessment should be sought promptly. At our South Kensington dental practice our dentists provide thorough clinical examination, digital imaging where appropriate, and a clear discussion of treatment options for patients presenting with signs of a dental infection.
Explore the full range of dental conditions we treat or read on to learn more about tooth abscess symptoms and treatment.
Suspect a Dental Abscess?
Prompt assessment helps protect your tooth and health
- Urgent clinical examination
- Digital X-rays where indicated
- Assessment of swelling & infection
- Clear explanation of findings
- Discussion of treatment options
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a localised collection of pus resulting from a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the tooth root (a periapical abscess), typically caused by untreated decay or trauma that allows bacteria to reach the inner pulp. Alternatively, it may develop in the gum tissue alongside the tooth root (a periodontal abscess), often associated with advanced gum disease.
As infection progresses, pus accumulates and pressure builds within the confined space around the tooth. This pressure is responsible for the characteristic throbbing pain many patients experience. In some cases, the abscess may drain spontaneously through a small opening in the gum (a sinus tract), providing temporary relief — though the underlying infection remains.
Regardless of the type, a tooth infection requires professional dental care. Over-the-counter pain relief may manage discomfort temporarily, but it does not address the bacterial source of the problem.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
Dental abscess symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. You may experience one or several of the following:
The presence of these symptoms does not confirm an abscess on its own — a clinical examination is required for accurate diagnosis.
What Causes a Dental Abscess?
An abscessed tooth typically develops when bacteria gain access to the inner structures of the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue.
Untreated Tooth Decay
When dental decay is left untreated, bacteria can penetrate through the enamel and dentine into the pulp chamber. Once the nerve and blood supply become infected, pus may accumulate at the root tip, forming a periapical abscess.
Cracked or Damaged Tooth
A crack or fracture in a tooth can allow bacteria to reach the inner pulp, even when the tooth appears outwardly intact. Trauma from an accident, biting on a hard object, or a weakened restoration may all contribute.
Advanced Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can cause the gum to separate from the tooth, creating deep pockets where bacteria thrive. A periodontal abscess may develop within these pockets, affecting the supporting bone and soft tissue.
Failed Dental Work
A previously treated tooth — for example, one with a large filling or an old crown — may develop secondary infection if the restoration deteriorates or bacteria re-enter the tooth structure over time.
When Is a Dental Abscess Urgent?
Most dental abscesses benefit from prompt professional assessment. Certain signs may indicate a more pressing need for care:
Rapid facial swelling
Swelling that increases noticeably over hours may indicate a spreading infection that requires prompt clinical evaluation.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If swelling affects your ability to swallow or breathe, attend A&E or call 999 immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Increasing or unmanageable pain
Pain that worsens steadily and does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief warrants an urgent dental assessment.
Fever with facial swelling
A raised temperature alongside swelling may suggest the infection is affecting the wider body and should be assessed without delay.
Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or rapidly spreading facial swelling, please attend your nearest A&E department or call 999 immediately. These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
Concerned About a Possible Dental Abscess?
If you are experiencing facial swelling or severe dental pain, our dentists in South Kensington can provide an urgent clinical assessment.
How We Assess a Dental Abscess
When you attend our South Kensington clinic with symptoms suggestive of a tooth infection, our dentists follow a structured assessment process:
Thorough clinical examination of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues
Digital X-rays where clinically indicated to assess the extent of infection
Assessment of any facial or intraoral swelling
Review of your medical history and any current medications
Clear discussion of findings and appropriate treatment options
Treatment may begin at the same appointment or be scheduled as a follow-up depending on the clinical findings and the treatment required.
Treatment Options for Dental Abscess
The appropriate treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of the infection.
Drainage of Abscess
Where clinically appropriate, the dentist may make a small incision to drain the accumulated pus. This can help relieve pressure and discomfort. The area is cleaned thoroughly, and in some cases a small drain may be placed temporarily. Drainage addresses the immediate collection of infection but is usually combined with further definitive treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment aims to save the affected tooth by removing the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the space to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then typically restored with a crown for long-term protection.
This is often the preferred approach where the tooth structure is sufficient to support a restoration, as it allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is too severely damaged to be saved, extraction may be necessary to remove the source of infection. Our approach always prioritises preservation of natural teeth wherever clinically possible. When extraction is required, we will discuss tooth replacement options with you at the appropriate time.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed when clinically indicated — for example, where the infection has spread beyond the immediate area of the tooth, or if you are systemically unwell. They are used to support the body in managing the infection while definitive dental treatment is arranged.
Important: Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment. They may help control the spread of infection, but the source of the abscess must be addressed through appropriate clinical intervention.
Can a Dental Abscess Heal on Its Own?
A dental abscess is an active bacterial infection, and in most cases it will not resolve without professional treatment. The infection may fluctuate — symptoms can temporarily improve if the abscess drains spontaneously through the gum — but this does not mean the underlying problem has been resolved.
Without definitive treatment, the infection is likely to return, potentially worsening over time. The bacteria remain within the tooth or surrounding tissue, and further episodes of pain and swelling are common.
Professional evaluation is recommended even if symptoms have subsided temporarily. Addressing the source of the infection sooner generally allows for more conservative and predictable treatment outcomes.
Preventing Future Dental Infections
While not every abscess can be prevented, maintaining good oral health significantly reduces your risk:
Attend regular dental check-ups
Routine examinations allow your dentist to identify early decay, failing restorations, and gum problems before they progress to infection.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth with interdental brushes or floss helps control the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease.
Seek early treatment for decay
A small cavity treated early with a filling is far simpler than managing a tooth infection that has reached the nerve.
Address gum disease promptly
Periodontal infections are a common cause of dental abscesses. Learn more about our general dentistry services, including gum disease assessment and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
About dental abscesses and treatment
Book an Urgent Dental Assessment in South Kensington
If you are concerned about a possible dental abscess, our experienced dental team can provide a thorough examination and discuss suitable treatment options.
Open Monday–Saturday • 2 mins from South Kensington tube
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
