A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in a tooth or the surrounding gum. It causes severe, throbbing pain and often swelling of the gum, cheek or jaw. An abscess will not clear up on its own and needs urgent dental treatment. Our emergency dentist in Daventry can assess you quickly and get you out of pain, with same-day appointments where clinically appropriate.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
Warning signs of a dental abscess
- Intense, throbbing pain that may spread to the ear, jaw or neck
- Swelling of the gum, cheek or side of the face
- A tooth that is tender to touch or painful to bite on
- A bad taste in the mouth, or salty fluid discharging from the gum
- A small pimple or “gum boil” beside the tooth
- Feeling generally unwell, with a raised temperature
When facial swelling becomes a medical emergency
Most abscesses can be dealt with by an emergency dentist. However, you should call 999 or go straight to A&E if you have any of the following, as the infection may be spreading:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling spreading to your eye or down your neck
- A high fever, shivering, or feeling confused and very unwell
- Difficulty opening your mouth more than a couple of centimetres
How a dental abscess is treated
Treatment starts with a full assessment and, usually, an X-ray to confirm the source of the infection. The dentist will then drain the abscess to release the pressure, which normally brings immediate relief from the pain. Depending on whether the tooth can be saved, the underlying problem is then treated with either root canal treatment or an extraction. Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside treatment if the infection has spread, but they are never a substitute for treating the tooth itself.
Why you should not wait it out
Some people find the pain of an abscess suddenly disappears. This is rarely good news — it usually means the nerve inside the tooth has died, while the infection continues silently in the bone beneath. Left untreated, dental infections can spread into the jaw, the sinuses and the soft tissues of the face and neck. Prompt assessment is always the safer option.
We help patients across Daventry, Long Buckby, Crick, Braunston, Weedon Bec, Kilsby, Norton, Badby, Staverton and the wider NN11 area.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dental abscess an emergency?
Yes. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that will not clear on its own and can spread. It should be assessed by a dentist urgently, and the same day if you have facial swelling, fever or difficulty opening your mouth.
Will antibiotics cure a dental abscess?
No. Antibiotics can slow an infection down and reduce swelling, but they do not remove the source. The abscess will usually return unless the dentist drains it and treats the tooth with root canal treatment or an extraction.
What should I do while I wait for my appointment?
Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packet, rinse gently with warm salty water, keep your head elevated when sleeping and avoid very hot or very cold food and drink. Do not apply heat to the outside of your face.
When is facial swelling a 999 emergency?
Call 999 or go to A&E if swelling is closing your eye, spreading down your neck, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or you feel confused or very unwell. These are signs the infection is spreading and need immediate hospital care.
How much does emergency abscess treatment cost in Daventry?
The emergency appointment starts from £65. This covers assessment, X-rays where needed and immediate pain relief. Any further treatment is quoted clearly before it begins.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
