If you think you may have a dental abscess, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. You may need emergency dental treatment, which you can get access to through:
- your usual registered dentist
- your local Dental Access Centre
- the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your local general hospital
If you have a dental abscess and also have breathing or swallowing problems, go to the A&E department of your local hospital.
If you cannot get immediate treatment from a dentist, see your GP in the meantime. They will not be able to cure the abscess, but they can offer advice about caring for your tooth and managing the pain. They can also prescribe any appropriate medication.
Referral
Your GP may refer you for treatment in hospital if you have a dental abscess and:
- you are feeling unwell with a high temperature, a rapid pulse rate or low blood pressure and rapid breathing
- you are in severe pain despite using painkillers
- you have a spreading facial infection
- you have a weakened immune system (for example, because you are having chemotherapy)
