A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, typically developing in or around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. It often results from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma.
There are two main types of abscesses:
Periapical Abscess – forms at the tip of the tooth root, usually due to deep decay or a cracked tooth.
Periodontal Abscess – occurs in the gum near the tooth root, often due to gum disease or trapped food debris.
Severe, throbbing toothache
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Pain when chewing or biting
Sensitivity to hot or cold
A bad taste or foul-smelling breath
Swelling in the face or jaw
Fever or feeling unwell
Pus or discharge from the gum
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek urgent dental treatment.
At York House Dental Practice, our focus is to relieve pain quickly and remove the source of infection safely and effectively. Your comfort is our top priority throughout the entire process.
We begin with a detailed examination and digital X-rays to locate the abscess and determine the severity. If you're in pain, we provide gentle, fast-acting pain relief immediately upon your arrival.
In many cases, we need to drain the abscess to remove the accumulated pus. This may be done by making a small incision in the gum or opening the tooth.
If the infection originates from inside the tooth, a root canal may be performed to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal the tooth. This helps prevent recurrence and preserves the natural tooth.
If the tooth is too severely damaged to be saved, we may recommend extraction to stop the infection from spreading and allow the area to heal.
In cases where the infection has spread beyond the abscess or you're showing signs of fever or swelling, we may prescribe a course of antibiotics to eliminate bacteria systemically.
Healing and preventing future infections depends on excellent aftercare. We provide personalised post-treatment guidance, but general recommendations include:
Take all prescribed antibiotics and painkillers as directed
Avoid very hot, hard, or spicy foods until healing occurs
Rinse with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash
Avoid smoking or alcohol while healing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintain gentle oral hygiene
Attend your follow-up appointments to monitor healing and discuss further preventive care
Immediate pain relief and comfort
Prevents spread of infection to the jaw, face, or bloodstream
Saves your natural tooth whenever possible
Reduces risk of long-term oral health complications
Restores function, confidence, and wellbeing
Ignoring a dental abscess can lead to serious consequences, including:
Spread of infection to other parts of the body (including the bloodstream)
Jawbone deterioration or tooth loss
Formation of a dental cyst or sinus tract
Facial swelling and difficulty swallowing or breathing (in extreme cases)
If you're experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, don’t delay — call our practice immediately for urgent care.
Preventive care is key to avoiding recurring infections. Our team at York House Dental Practice is committed to helping you stay healthy long-term with:
Regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
Early treatment of tooth decay and gum disease
Good at-home oral hygiene habits
Professional advice on diet, flossing, and brushing techniques
Same-day emergency appointments available
Experienced team of gentle, caring dentists
Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate, fast results
Calm, comfortable environment with patient-focused care
Conveniently located in West Byfleet, Surrey
If you’re suffering from a dental abscess in West Byfleet, don’t wait for it to get worse. At York House Dental Practice, we treat infections swiftly and safely so you can return to a pain-free, healthy life.
Call us at 019323 48864 or use our online booking system to schedule your appointment.
