A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. Treatment involves releasing the pus to relieve pressure, and addressing the underlying cause (which is usually a dead or dying tooth, or a gum problem).
Today's treatment may have involved one or more of the following:
Incision and drainage: A small cut was made to release pus from the abscess. This provides immediate pain relief.
Root canal treatment: The infected pulp (nerve) inside the tooth was removed to eliminate the source of infection.
Tooth extraction: The infected tooth was removed.
Antibiotics: You may have been prescribed antibiotics to help clear the infection — take the full course as directed.
The treatment today addresses the immediate problem. You may need further treatment at a follow-up appointment to fully resolve the situation.
Taking Your Antibiotics
If antibiotics have been prescribed, it is very important to take them correctly.
Complete the full course — even if you start to feel better before you have finished all the tablets. Stopping early can allow the infection to return and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Take antibiotics at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day as directed on the label.
Take them with food if they cause stomach upset.
Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, and for 48 hours after your last dose — this combination causes severe nausea and vomiting.
If you develop a rash, difficulty breathing, or any allergic reaction after taking antibiotics, stop taking them and seek medical advice immediately.
Note: antibiotics alone are usually not sufficient to treat a dental abscess — they help control the infection, but the source must also be treated. This is why follow-up treatment is important.
Pain Management and Recovery
Pain relief should improve significantly once the abscess has been drained. However, some soreness and swelling will remain for several days.
Take ibuprofen 400mg three times daily with food and/or paracetamol 1g up to four times daily. Alternating these every 3–4 hours provides good around-the-clock pain control.
If you were prescribed stronger pain relief, take it as directed. If you have been prescribed opioid-containing painkillers (such as codeine or co-codamol), do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol while taking them — this is a legal requirement.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the face for 10–15 minutes several times on the first day can help reduce swelling.
Pain should improve each day. If it is getting significantly worse rather than better after day 2–3, contact your dentist.
Eat soft foods on the day of treatment and until pain and swelling settle.
Oral Hygiene After Abscess Treatment
Good oral hygiene helps prevent re-infection and supports healing.
Rinse gently with warm salty water after meals from day 2 onwards (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This helps draw out any remaining infection and keeps the area clean.
Continue brushing your other teeth carefully. Avoid the tender area directly for the first day or two, then gradually reintroduce brushing near it.
Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash if your dentist has recommended one — it helps reduce bacteria in the mouth during the healing period.
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can irritate healing tissue.
Warning Signs — When a Dental Abscess Becomes Serious
Dental abscesses can very occasionally spread beyond the tooth and gum. Know the warning signs of a spreading infection — these require immediate medical attention.
Go to A&E immediately or call 999 if you develop:
Difficulty swallowing or breathing — this is a dental emergency and can be life-threatening
Swelling spreading rapidly to your neck, floor of the mouth, or throat
High fever (above 38°C) combined with feeling very unwell, shivering, rigors, or confusion — these may be signs of spreading infection requiring hospital treatment
Inability to open your mouth (trismus) that is getting significantly worse
Swelling that is closing the eye on the affected side
If you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and call 999 or go to A&E. Do not drive yourself.
For other concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, call your dental practice or NHS 111.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Go to A&E immediately or call 999 if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid swelling spreading to your neck or throat, or you feel very unwell with a high fever. These are signs of a serious spreading infection that requires urgent hospital treatment. For other concerns, call NHS 111.
References
Aligned with guidance from: SDCEP, NICE, FGDP(UK).