What are the symptoms and treatment of a dental abscess?

Dental abscess: symptoms

A dental abscess is a localised infection that can occur in different parts of the tooth or the surrounding tissues. Don’t delay: call Elation Dental in Croydon South today if you have a toothache! Common symptoms include:

Severe toothache: the pain is often intense, throbbing and persistent. It may spread to the jaw, neck or ear.
Swelling: the area becomes swollen as pus builds up. Swelling can occur in the face, cheek or neck.
Temperature sensitivity: discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drinks. The tooth may be very sensitive.
Fever and feeling unwell: a raised body temperature due to the infection, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Tender lymph nodes: lymph nodes near the affected area may become swollen and painful.
Bad breath: pus and infection can cause foul-smelling breath.

Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. Here’s how dental abscesses are managed:

Drainage: our gentle dentists at Elation Dental will give you some local anaesthetic, then drain the abscess. This relieves pain and removes the pus. It’s a bit like popping a pimple!
Antibiotics and pain relief: antibiotics are sometimes needed, particularly for a bad infection. We can also prescribe pain relief for a bad toothache.
Root canal treatment: if the tooth can be saved, we can discuss root canal treatment. The infected pulp is removed, and the root canal is cleaned and sealed. This means you get to keep your tooth!
Tooth extraction: in severe cases, or if the tooth can’t be saved, extraction is necessary.