Dental abscess: symptoms, treatment and when to see a dentist

If you’ve ever felt sudden, throbbing tooth pain or swelling near your jaw, you might have wondered if it’s a dental abscess. It’s a common and painful problem — but one that needs quick attention.

At Avenue Dental Practice in Leamington Spa, we treat patients with abscesses almost every week. The good news is that modern dentistry makes treatment quicker, more comfortable, and more effective than ever.

This guide explains what a dental abscess is, how to recognise it early, what to do before you see a dentist, and what to expect during treatment.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. It can appear at the tip of the root (a periapical abscess) or in the gum next to the tooth (a periodontal abscess).

It’s your body’s way of fighting infection — but it’s also a warning sign that bacteria have reached deep inside the tooth or gums.

The NHS defines a dental abscess as an infection that needs urgent dental care, not antibiotics alone. Left untreated, it can spread to surrounding tissues or cause serious pain and swelling.

Symptoms vary from mild pressure to severe pain, but most people notice:

• Throbbing or sharp toothache
  
• Pain spreading to the ear, jaw or neck
  
• Swelling in the face or gum
  
• A small bump on the gum that may release pus
  
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
  
• Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
  
• Fever or general unwellness
  

If your symptoms match several of these, it’s likely you’re dealing with a dental abscess — and you should see a dentist as soon as possible. You can contact our emergency dentist in Leamington Spa for same-day care.

Most dental abscesses develop due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. But sometimes, even a small crack or previous dental work can allow bacteria to enter.

Here are the main causes:

• Deep cavities: When decay reaches the inner nerve tissue.
  
• Gum disease: Bacteria cause infection around tooth roots.
  
• Trauma: A chipped or cracked tooth lets bacteria in.
  
• Previous dental work: Occasionally, old fillings or crowns can loosen, creating gaps for bacteria.
  

A Mayo Clinic article notes that poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and dry mouth can all increase your risk.

If you suspect a dental abscess, don’t wait — contact a dentist right away. The infection won’t clear on its own, and delaying treatment can make it worse.

While waiting for your appointment:

• Don’t try to pop it – that can spread infection.
  
• Rinse gently with warm salty water to ease discomfort.
  
• Use pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen (if safe for you).
  
• Avoid very hot or cold foods if they make it worse.
  
• Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce pressure.
  

If pain or swelling becomes severe, you can reach our emergency dental team in Leamington Spa for urgent assessment.

The goal is to remove the infection, relieve pain, and prevent it from returning. Treatment depends on where the abscess is and how severe it is.

Here’s what usually happens:

Learn more about preventive care and gum health with our hygiene services.

In some cases, your dentist might recommend follow-up check-ups to ensure the infection hasn’t returned.

• Our dentists have treated hundreds of dental abscess cases, from early gum infections to complex root canal restorations.
• We use digital X-rays and advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint infection precisely and treat it efficiently.
• Our approach follows the evidence-based guidance published by the NHS and Cleveland Clinic.
• We explain every treatment option clearly, from drainage to prevention, and only recommend what’s genuinely needed for your long-term dental health.

Whether you’re looking for a dentist in Kenilworth, Warwick, or Stoneleigh, you’ll find the same calm, supportive care at Avenue Dental.

In rare cases, infection can spread beyond the tooth, leading to serious swelling or fever. Signs you should seek emergency dental or medical care include:

• Rapidly increasing facial swelling
  
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  
• Severe, spreading pain
  
• High temperature
  

These symptoms mean the infection could be spreading to nearby tissues. Our emergency dentist in Leamington Spa can provide urgent care, and if necessary, refer you for hospital management.

Absolutely. Prevention starts with everyday oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist and hygienist.

Simple steps that make a real difference:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily.
  
• Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks.
  
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups in Leamington Spa.
  
• Keep your hygienist appointments to remove plaque before it causes damage.
  

Most abscesses start small, so catching early decay or gum inflammation is key to avoiding bigger problems later.

After treatment, it’s normal to feel a little tender for a few days. Here’s how recovery usually progresses:

If something doesn’t feel right, reach out promptly — our Leamington Spa dental team is always here to help.

A dental abscess is something no one wants to deal with, but with fast, professional treatment, it’s manageable and curable. Don’t wait for pain to worsen — the sooner you act, the easier the recovery.

At Avenue Dental Practice, our gentle, experienced team offers same-day help for emergencies, alongside regular check-ups and hygiene care to prevent issues recurring.

If you’re worried about swelling, throbbing pain, or any signs of infection, contact our emergency dentist in Leamington Spa today for quick, effective relief.