Dental Abscess Symptoms: When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection in or around a tooth. It may begin with toothache or gum tenderness and can progress to swelling, fever or feeling unwell. A suspected abscess requires prompt professional assessment because the infection can sometimes spread beyond the tooth and jaw.

Franklin Bright Smiles provides information about the assessment and treatment of dental abscesses. The treatment recommended for an individual depends on the source and severity of the infection.

Common dental abscess symptoms

Symptoms vary. Possible signs include:

• sharp, throbbing or persistent tooth pain, which may be worse when biting or chewing
• sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
• a red, warm or swollen area of gum near a tooth
• swelling of the face or cheek
• a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath or drainage near the tooth
• fever, feeling unwell, or a tooth that feels loose or raised

Pain can sometimes lessen if pressure is released or the nerve inside the tooth stops responding. That change does not confirm that the infection has cleared.

When is urgent medical care needed?

Go to an emergency department urgently if swelling is spreading into the neck or around the eye, you have significant difficulty swallowing, or you are becoming very unwell. Severe or rapidly increasing facial swelling also needs urgent evaluation.

For significant dental pain, localised swelling or suspected infection without life-threatening symptoms, request a prompt dental appointment. See the clinic’s emergency dental information.

What causes a tooth abscess?

Bacteria may reach the inside of a tooth through tooth decay, a crack, an injury or a deep restoration. Infection may also develop around the supporting gum and bone. Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can be associated with infection in surrounding tissues.

How is a dental abscess assessed?

A dental practitioner will ask about the symptoms and medical history and examine the mouth, face and neck. They may test the tooth and recommend dental X-rays when clinically indicated. Further medical assessment or tests may be required if there are signs the infection has spread.

What treatment may be discussed?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options may include draining the collection of pus, cleaning around the tooth and gum, root canal treatment, or removing a tooth that cannot be managed another way. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some circumstances, but antibiotics alone do not remove the dental source of an abscess.

While waiting for professional advice

• Do not squeeze or attempt to drain a swollen area yourself.
• Keep the mouth as clean as you comfortably can and avoid chewing on the painful area.
• Ask a pharmacist, doctor or dentist which pain-relief medicines are suitable for you.
• Monitor swelling and general symptoms and seek a higher level of care if they worsen.

General information only: This article is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dental practitioner who has assessed you. Treatment needs, benefits, risks, alternatives and likely outcomes vary between people.