Dental Abscess & Tooth Infection:
Symptoms, Treatment & What To Do
A dental abscess is a serious infection that won't resolve on its own. At Epsom Smiles Dental we offer same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain. If you suspect a tooth infection, don't wait.
⚠ Medical Emergency: If swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing — go to A&E immediately. For all other symptoms call us now: 01372 679192 — same-day appointments available.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form inside a tooth (periapical abscess), in the gum tissue (periodontal abscess), or in the surrounding bone. Abscesses are one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care — and one of the most important to treat promptly.
Unlike a standard toothache, an abscess is an active infection. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or — in rare cases — become life-threatening. The infection will not go away without professional dental treatment.
Abscesses do not resolve on their own. The infection will worsen without treatment. If you're in pain, please call us on 01372 679192 — same-day appointments are available.
Signs You Might Have a Dental Abscess
Not all abscesses cause severe pain — some present as a dull ache or intermittent discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent, throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck
- Severe sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw — often warm to the touch
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- A raised pimple-like bump on the gum (may indicate a draining abscess)
- Bad taste or bad breath caused by pus draining from the site
- Fever and feeling generally unwell — the infection may be spreading
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth — go to A&E immediately. This is a medical emergency.
What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
Dental abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the tooth or gum tissue, usually due to one of the following:
- Untreated tooth decay — bacteria reach the inner pulp of the tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth — creating a pathway for bacteria
- Severe gum disease (periodontitis) — bacteria build up in deep gum pockets
- A failed or damaged filling — if bacteria get underneath
- Trauma to the tooth — even old injuries can lead to delayed infection
Anyone can develop a dental abscess, but the risk increases when dental treatment is delayed. Regular check-ups are the most effective prevention — our new patient check-up is currently 50% off.
What To Do If You Think You Have a Dental Abscess
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. While you wait for your appointment:
Do This
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe the area and reduce bacteria
- Take over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen or paracetamol) as directed
- Call your dentist — same-day appointments available at Epsom Smiles
- Go to A&E immediately if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing
- Rest and stay hydrated while waiting for your appointment
Avoid This
- Don't try to burst or drain the abscess yourself — this can spread infection
- Don't ignore the pain hoping it will resolve on its own
- Don't rely on antibiotics alone — they cannot cure an abscess
- Don't apply heat to the swelling — this encourages the infection to spread
- Don't delay — abscesses worsen quickly and become more complex to treat
Important: Antibiotics alone will not cure a dental abscess. They may temporarily reduce symptoms, but the source of infection must be treated by a dentist. Always seek dental treatment alongside any prescribed antibiotics.
How Is a Dental Abscess Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection. At Epsom Smiles we'll assess you promptly and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
Root Canal Treatment
If the abscess has developed inside the tooth, root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth. This saves the tooth and eliminates the infection at its source. Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling.
Drainage
For a gum abscess or where there is significant pus build-up, your dentist may make a small incision to drain the infection. This provides rapid relief from pressure and pain and is often the first step in treatment.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the best option to remove the infection completely. We will always discuss replacement options — such as a dental implant or bridge — if appropriate for your situation.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside treatment if the infection is spreading or to prevent complications — but they are a support, not a cure. Dental treatment is always required to address the source of infection.
Why Choose Epsom Smiles Dental?
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Same-Day & Next-Day Emergency Appointments
We keep emergency slots available every day. Call us first thing and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
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Calm, Reassuring Approach
Dental anxiety is common, especially with emergency visits. Our team is experienced at putting nervous patients at ease.
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Convenient Epsom Town Centre Location
Easy to reach with parking nearby and a short walk from Epsom Station — no complicated journey when you're in pain.
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Transparent Pricing — Explained Before We Begin
We'll provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins. No surprises, no hidden fees.
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New & Non-Registered Patients Welcome
You don't need to be an existing patient to be seen for a dental emergency. Contact us and we'll arrange an appointment.
"Today I had a hygienist appointment with Matta Erica and her lovely assistant at Epsom Smiles. Not something to look forward to but the treatment was gently and kindly done! Both ladies were charming. If you’re thinking of or needing a hygienist visit I would definitely vouch for this clinic."Katie Coventry — Google Review
Dental Abscess FAQs
Common signs include a persistent throbbing toothache, facial swelling, fever, sensitivity to pressure and a bad taste in your mouth. You may also notice a raised bump on your gum. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible — same-day appointments are available at Epsom Smiles.
No. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that requires professional treatment. While symptoms may appear to ease if the abscess drains on its own, the underlying infection remains and will return — often worse. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding teeth, the jaw, and in serious cases, beyond.
Antibiotics can help control the spread of infection, but they cannot cure a dental abscess. The source of infection — inside the tooth or gum — must be treated by a dentist. Antibiotics are usually prescribed alongside dental treatment, not instead of it.
Yes. A dental abscess should be treated urgently. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding teeth, bone, and in serious cases to the neck or jaw. If swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to A&E immediately. For all other symptoms, call your dentist as soon as possible.
The infection will not clear up on its own and can worsen significantly. Risks include the spread of infection to the jaw and neck (Ludwig's angina), sepsis in severe cases, and tooth loss. Early treatment is always simpler, less invasive, and less costly than treating advanced infection.
Yes — we welcome new patients and those not currently registered with us for emergency appointments. Contact us directly and we'll do our best to see you as soon as possible. You don't need to be an existing patient to receive emergency dental care at Epsom Smiles.
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Dental Abscess in Epsom?
We Can See You Today.
A dental abscess is an emergency. The sooner it's treated, the simpler the treatment. Call us now or book online — same-day appointments are available and new patients are always welcome.
Or email us at enquiries@epsomsmilesdental.co.uk