Dental Abscess
Call (08) 9227 6468 for urgent care
Dental Abscess
Call (08) 9227 6468 for urgent care
What to do for a dental abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in your tooth or gums. It can develop quickly and is often extremely painful. Common signs include:
- Severe, throbbing toothache that may radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck
- Swelling of the gums or face
- Pus pimple (gum boil) on your gums
- Fever, bad taste in the mouth, or difficulty swallowing in severe cases
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to treat the situation as urgent.
When to seek immediate medical attention
In some cases, a dental abscess or other severe infection can become a medical emergency. Call 000 or go to the nearest hospital if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapidly increasing swelling in your face or neck
- High fever and chills
These can be signs that the infection has spread beyond the mouth and needs urgent medical care.
Why you shouldn’t ignore an abscess
If left untreated, an abscess will not heal on its own. The infection can:
- Damage the tooth and surrounding bone
- Spread to nearby teeth and soft tissues
- Enter the bloodstream, leading to more serious health complications
Because of these risks, you should not ignore the signs of a dental abscess. Prompt treatment can ease pain, save teeth, and protect your overall health.
First aid steps until you see the dentist
While waiting for your appointment, you can manage discomfort and help limit the spread of infection by:
1. Taking over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (follow dosage instructions).
2. Warm salt-water rinses: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish gently every 1–2 hours to soothe the gums and reduce bacteria.
3. Avoiding heat packs directly on the face, as they may worsen swelling.
4. Keeping the area clean by brushing gently around the affected tooth.
How we treat dental abscesses
At Alma Dental Surgery, our priority is to ease your pain quickly and treat the infection safely. Your dentist will first assess the source and severity of the abscess, then recommend the most effective treatment. This may involve:
- Draining the abscess to relieve pressure
- Prescribing antibiotics if the infection has spread
- Root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth
- Tooth extraction only in severe cases where the tooth cannot be restored
- Prompt treatment not only eases your pain but also prevents serious health complications.
When to see Alma Dental
If you’re worried about swelling, pain, or infection, call Alma Dental Surgery on (08) 9227 6468 today. Our friendly team will talk you through your options, support you with clear instructions if urgent care is required, and book you an appointment as quickly as possible — so you can get back to feeling comfortable and confident with your smile.
Call us on (08) 9227 6468 for prompt advice and emergency care. We can guide you over the phone and help you manage the situation until you’re able to see us in person.* This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. In case of a serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or symptoms affecting your general health, seek emergency medical care immediately.
