A dental abscess can cause significant toothache, swelling and discomfort, and it is something that should not be ignored.
If you have developed a painful or swollen area around a tooth, you may be wondering whether you have a dental abscess, what has caused it and what you should do next.
At Knightsfield Dental Practice in Welwyn Garden City, our dental team can assess dental pain, swelling and suspected dental abscesses and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can develop inside a tooth, around the root of a tooth or within the gum.
There are two common types of dental abscess:
A periapical abscess develops at the tip of a tooth’s root. It can occur when bacteria enter the inner part of the tooth, usually as a result of tooth decay, a crack or damage to the tooth.
A periodontal abscess develops in the gum and supporting tissues around a tooth. It can be associated with gum disease or bacteria becoming trapped around the tooth.
Both types of abscess require dental assessment.
The symptoms can vary depending on where the infection has developed, but common signs can include:
Sometimes an abscess can drain into the mouth, causing a sudden unpleasant or salty taste. Although the pain may temporarily improve after this happens, it does not necessarily mean that the infection has gone away.
A dental abscess can develop when bacteria enter the tooth or surrounding tissues.
Common causes include:
Untreated tooth decay can progress deeper into the tooth. If bacteria reach the dental pulp — the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — an infection can develop.
A crack or fracture can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth and potentially cause an infection.
Advanced gum disease can damage the tissues supporting the teeth and create spaces where bacteria can accumulate.
An injury to a tooth can sometimes damage the pulp. In some cases, the tooth may become infected later, even if the original injury happened some time ago.
A dental abscess should be assessed by a dentist and should not be left untreated.
Dental infections can sometimes spread beyond the tooth and surrounding tissues. If you have significant swelling, severe pain or other symptoms of infection, you should seek urgent dental advice.
If you have severe swelling of your mouth, lips, throat or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is affecting your ability to open your mouth, seek emergency medical attention immediately. https://www.knightsfielddental.com/emergency/
A dental abscess generally requires dental treatment to address the underlying cause.
Even if the pain disappears, this does not necessarily mean that the infection has resolved. An abscess can sometimes drain and temporarily reduce pressure and discomfort, while the underlying infection remains.
This is why it is important to arrange a dental assessment rather than simply waiting for the symptoms to disappear.
Antibiotics are not always required for a dental abscess.
Where possible, dental treatment is usually needed to deal with the source of the infection. Depending on the circumstances, this could include treatment such as draining the abscess, root canal treatment or removing a tooth that cannot be saved.
Antibiotics may be considered when there are signs that the infection is spreading or when there are systemic symptoms, such as fever or feeling generally unwell.
Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances and advise you on the appropriate treatment.
The treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the infection, as well as the condition of the affected tooth.
Treatment may include:
If appropriate, the dentist may drain the collection of pus to help relieve pressure and treat the infection.
If the tooth can be saved, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove infected tissue from inside the tooth and allow it to be restored.
If a tooth is severely damaged or cannot be successfully restored, extraction may be recommended.
At Knightsfield Dental Practice, patients who require a more complex extraction may also benefit from assessment and treatment by our oral surgery dentist, Dr Baljinder Kaur Narwal.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental abscess, arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible.
While waiting to be seen, you can:
Painkillers can help manage discomfort, but they do not treat the underlying dental infection.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations can help reduce your risk of developing the problems that can lead to an abscess.
Helpful habits include:
A dental abscess can be painful and worrying, but getting the right dental advice promptly can help prevent the problem from becoming more serious.
At Knightsfield Dental Practice in Welwyn Garden City, our team can assess toothache, swelling and suspected dental abscesses and explain the treatment options available.
If you are experiencing persistent toothache, swelling around a tooth or other symptoms that could indicate a dental abscess, contact Knightsfield Dental Practice on 01707 329 634 to arrange an assessment, or access our online booking system at https://booking.uk.hsone.app/soe/new/%20?pid=UKCYM01
Don’t ignore dental pain — getting it checked can help identify the cause and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
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I recently had some dental issues with broken teeth and saw Maya for a check-up. Maya gave me options to get my teeth repaired, and I now have 2 lovely new white fillings. I had also misplaced my denture, and Maya made me a new one, which fits so well and is so comfortable. The treatment from start to finish was explained in detail, and I’m really happy with the final results. I highly recommend this dental practice and am pleased to have found such a friendly, helpful team.
Today I had the ‘pleasure’ of a shiny new filling by Nishma, who has become a bit of a household name around here! The kids love her, and now, I have to pretend to be “Dentist Daddy” when brushing their teeth (inspired by Nishma)!
Zero pain.
100% friendliness.
On time.
In and out in 30 minutes.
As always, a lovely experience. Well, aside from the bill, I guess, but thanks to the UK Govt, we have to pay for dental treatment these days, and Nishma’s expertise comes at a fair and appropriate cost. Thanks, Nishma (and your lovely colleague) for a smooth experience (and smooth filling too)!
So grateful for the care and attention given at this practice every time I attend. Most recently to Maya, Ishira and Sarah for their patience, care in getting me seen and treated as quickly as possible. The phone call to check on me the next day is such a lovely touch; I have never had that at any other dental practice before. Highly recommend this practice!
Very professional team. Always on time. Very clean premises. Friendly staff. They seem up-to-date with new techniques and equipment. They take pride in their work. I have had several dentists at this practice over the years, but they are all very good at their job. Can recommend.
Recently changed my dentist to a local one and I have found all the staff here very friendly, caring and most importantly, understanding in terms of my ongoing oral health care. Treatment has been exceptional, easy and importantly pain pain-free and appropriate. Thank you, Anita, Maya and the team.
Excellent friendly practice, treatment was very good and painless, everything was explained, and great care was taken to ensure my comfort. Good ambience in the waiting room, the appointment was on time. Recommended.
Totally recommend this Dental Surgery! Maya and her team were very professional and kind. I cannot express how grateful I am to have new crowns and a bridge so that I can smile with confidence. They talked me through every stage, and the final result was brilliant.
Always delighted with the results of any treatment I receive. Face may crumble with age, but my smile shows the benefit of long years of care from Knightsfield Dental Practice.
Since Anita has been taking care of my teeth, I have been highly satisfied with Knightsfield Dental Practice. She is always bright, positive, caring and very clear about treatment options, which she executes professionally and well. Love my visits now.
I had an old filing replaced. The procedure was delivered very well, and in a nice, calm atmosphere. The anaesthetic took quite a long time to ease off – more like 4 hours before I could feel my bottom lip and cheek, but I’d rather that than feel the procedure (which I didn’t).
Highly recommend the service at the dentist. Thoroughly professional in the explanation and treatment of my teeth. A great experience, thank you!
I had an old filling that had to be replaced, and I had the treatment today. I can honestly say it was the most relaxing treatment; I didn’t feel a thing, and the dentist and her dental nurse were brilliant.
My treatment was concisely explained from start to finish, including aftercare. I was reminded of each appointment both by phone and email. The professionalism and diligence of Maya, Sarah and all staff were faultless.
I had to go to this practice as an emergency, being a very nervous patient, I can not tell you how nice they were. The dentist informed me of what treatment should be done, and the dental nurse was lovely and held my hand throughout the tooth extraction; they even gave me a coping strategy to use. Cannot recommend them enough, all staff were lovely and friendly.
I recently had some dental issues with broken teeth and saw Maya for a check-up. Maya gave me options to get my teeth repaired, and I now have 2 lovely new white fillings. I had also misplaced my denture, and Maya made me a new one, which fits so well and is so comfortable. The treatment from start to finish was explained in detail, and I’m really happy with the final results. I highly recommend this dental practice and am pleased to have found such a friendly, helpful team.
Today I had the ‘pleasure’ of a shiny new filling by Nishma, who has become a bit of a household name around here! The kids love her, and now, I have to pretend to be “Dentist Daddy” when brushing their teeth (inspired by Nishma)!
Zero pain.
100% friendliness.
On time.
In and out in 30 minutes.
As always, a lovely experience. Well, aside from the bill, I guess, but thanks to the UK Govt, we have to pay for dental treatment these days, and Nishma’s expertise comes at a fair and appropriate cost. Thanks, Nishma (and your lovely colleague) for a smooth experience (and smooth filling too)!
So grateful for the care and attention given at this practice every time I attend. Most recently to Maya, Ishira and Sarah for their patience, care in getting me seen and treated as quickly as possible. The phone call to check on me the next day is such a lovely touch; I have never had that at any other dental practice before. Highly recommend this practice!
Very professional team. Always on time. Very clean premises. Friendly staff. They seem up-to-date with new techniques and equipment. They take pride in their work. I have had several dentists at this practice over the years, but they are all very good at their job. Can recommend.
Recently changed my dentist to a local one and I have found all the staff here very friendly, caring and most importantly, understanding in terms of my ongoing oral health care. Treatment has been exceptional, easy and importantly pain pain-free and appropriate. Thank you, Anita, Maya and the team.
Excellent friendly practice, treatment was very good and painless, everything was explained, and great care was taken to ensure my comfort. Good ambience in the waiting room, the appointment was on time. Recommended.
Totally recommend this Dental Surgery! Maya and her team were very professional and kind. I cannot express how grateful I am to have new crowns and a bridge so that I can smile with confidence. They talked me through every stage, and the final result was brilliant.
Always delighted with the results of any treatment I receive. Face may crumble with age, but my smile shows the benefit of long years of care from Knightsfield Dental Practice.
Since Anita has been taking care of my teeth, I have been highly satisfied with Knightsfield Dental Practice. She is always bright, positive, caring and very clear about treatment options, which she executes professionally and well. Love my visits now.
I had an old filing replaced. The procedure was delivered very well, and in a nice, calm atmosphere. The anaesthetic took quite a long time to ease off – more like 4 hours before I could feel my bottom lip and cheek, but I’d rather that than feel the procedure (which I didn’t).
Highly recommend the service at the dentist. Thoroughly professional in the explanation and treatment of my teeth. A great experience, thank you!
I had an old filling that had to be replaced, and I had the treatment today. I can honestly say it was the most relaxing treatment; I didn’t feel a thing, and the dentist and her dental nurse were brilliant.
My treatment was concisely explained from start to finish, including aftercare. I was reminded of each appointment both by phone and email. The professionalism and diligence of Maya, Sarah and all staff were faultless.
I had to go to this practice as an emergency, being a very nervous patient, I can not tell you how nice they were. The dentist informed me of what treatment should be done, and the dental nurse was lovely and held my hand throughout the tooth extraction; they even gave me a coping strategy to use. Cannot recommend them enough, all staff were lovely and friendly.
Book a consultation today and let our friendly team guide you towards a healthier, more confident smile with personalised advice, modern treatments, and genuine care every step of the way.
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