If you have a dental abscess, you’ve likely had tooth trouble for a while. Abscesses don’t just materialise out of nowhere — they emerge from dental trauma, progressive decay, or prolonged toothache and swelling. What exactly is a dental abscess? It’s an infected collection of pus typically localised to a ‘problem’ tooth. How urgent is a tooth abscess? Pretty urgent — it won’t go away on its own, and the longer you leave it untreated, the more chance it has to spread its infection throughout your mouth. At Langmore Dental, we consider an abscess to be a dental emergency.

So, what are the symptoms of a dental abscess? When should you involve an emergency dentist? And is there a secret to preventing dental abscesses? In this dental abscess management guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

When a dental abscess first forms, it won’t be immediately visible. You may think a pocket of pus would be simple to spot, but this isn’t always the case. Often, the abscess is hidden deep in your tissues, and sometimes, the abscess bursts or drains on its own (albeit temporarily). However it materialises, its symptoms will often precede its appearance — and they, too, will often be invisible. Do you have any of these symptoms of a dental abscess?

• Throbbing toothache that may also affect the jawbone, neck, or ear
• Swelling of the face, cheeks, or neck that may interfere with breathing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
• Fever
• Foul taste or odour in the mouth

Is a cracked tooth an abscess? No, but it can certainly lead to one. A periapical abscess occurs when bacteria infect a tooth’s pulp, and this infection spreads to the tip of the tooth root. Because a periapical abscess is a response to tooth pulp infection — and the pulp is located at the heart of the tooth’s interior — the infection can only develop if the tooth is compromised. This typically happens due to untreated decay, repeated dental work, or cracks and fractures that allow bacteria to invade the pulp chamber.

Risks of an Untreated Dental Abscess

Ignoring a dental abscess is not an option. Left untreated, the infection won’t just stay put — it can spread to surrounding bone, soft tissues, and even the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications. Here’s what can happen if a dental abscess is neglected:

• Severe pain and swelling that worsens over time
• Tooth loss, as the infection destroys the supporting bone
• Spread of infection to the jaw, sinuses, or other areas of the face
• Sepsis: a serious condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream
• Airway obstruction due to swelling, in extreme cases.
• The best approach is early treatment — a dental abscess won’t resolve on its own.

How an Emergency Dentist Can Help

If you have a painful or swollen abscess, you may be wondering: can a regular dentist treat a tooth abscess? In some cases, yes — but if your symptoms are severe, you need an emergency dentist in Berwick who can provide immediate relief and prevent complications.

At Langmore Dental, a tooth abscess is something our emergency dentists know how to treat. Here’s a step-by-step of how they do it:

• Assess the severity of your abscess with an examination and X-rays
• Drain the abscess to relieve pressure and remove infected pus
• Prescribe antibiotics if necessary to control the infection
• Perform a root canal or extraction if the tooth is beyond saving.

A dental abscess is a time-sensitive issue. The only way to prevent the infection from spreading is to seek professional treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Serious Infections

Want to avoid dealing with a dental abscess in the future? Prevention is the best medicine. Follow these steps to reduce your risk of infection:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional check-ups and cleans.
• Address tooth pain early — don’t wait until it turns into an abscess.
• Get cavities filled and cracked teeth treated before bacteria invade.
• Avoid hard foods and habits like nail-biting that can crack your teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports.

Basically, if you maintain good oral health, you significantly lower your risk of ever developing an abscess.

Don’t Wait — Get Your Abscess Treated at Langmore Dental

A dental abscess is a serious infection that won’t go away on its own. The longer you delay treatment, the higher the risk of tooth loss and systemic complications. At Langmore Dental, our emergency dentists in Berwick are ready to provide fast, effective abscess treatment to relieve pain and protect your health.

Do you need urgent dental care? Don’t wait! Book an emergency appointment today and let our team treat your dental abscess before it worsens.