Dental Abscess Treatment in Fortitude Valley
A dental abscess is a serious infection that needs prompt professional care. It can cause intense, throbbing pain and swelling, and without treatment, the infection can spread. If you think you have an abscess, please call Precision Dental as soon as possible.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. There are two main types:
- A periapical abscess forms at the tip of a tooth's root, usually when decay, a crack or injury allows bacteria to reach the nerve.
- A periodontal abscess forms in the gum and bone beside a tooth, often associated with gum disease.
Infection can also develop around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. An abscess will not resolve on its own. Even if the pain eases, the infection may still be present and spreading.
When to Seek Care
Contact us urgently if you notice:
- Severe, persistent or throbbing toothache
- Swelling in your gum, face or jaw
- A pimple-like bump on your gum that may release fluid
- A bad taste or unpleasant smell in your mouth
- Pain when biting or tenderness to touch
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to your eye or neck, a high fever, or difficulty opening your mouth.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed if suitable for you. Use a cold compress on the outside of your face. Avoid applying heat to the swelling, do not squeeze or pierce the area, and avoid very hot or cold food and drink.
What Happens at Your Appointment
We examine the area, check your temperature and general health, and take digital X-rays to identify the source of the infection. Our first priority is relieving your pain and controlling the infection. Depending on the cause, this may involve draining the abscess, beginning root canal therapy to clean the infected tooth, cleaning beneath the gum as part of gum and periodontal treatment, or tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations, such as when infection has spread or you are unwell, but they are not a substitute for treating the source.
Aftercare and Ongoing Care
Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed, and continue warm salt water rinses. Contact us if swelling increases or you develop a fever. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to complete treatment, as the infection can return if the cause is not fully addressed.
Why Choose Precision Dental for a Dental Abscess
We prioritise urgent appointments for patients with signs of infection and use digital X-rays to diagnose the source quickly. Our team explains each option clearly and works gently, with happy gas available for patients who feel anxious.
Fees, Health Funds and Payment Options
The cost of your treatment depends on your individual needs. After your examination, we talk you through your options and the expected fees before any treatment begins. We accept most major health funds, process claims on the spot through HICAPS and are a preferred provider for Bupa, HCF and CBHS. Payment plans are available through DentiCare for eligible patients, subject to terms and conditions. You can learn more on our Prices and Payment Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Even if the abscess drains or the pain settles, the infection usually remains and can return or spread without treatment.
Antibiotics may help control spreading infection, but they do not remove the source. Dental treatment is needed to resolve the problem.
It can be. In rare cases, infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck. Seek hospital care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
Not necessarily. Many abscessed teeth can be saved with root canal therapy. We will discuss the options after examining the tooth.
Pain may stop if the nerve has died or the abscess has drained, but the infection is still likely to be present.
Yes. We can assess and begin managing the infection. In some cases, swelling needs to settle before certain treatments.
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Book Your Visit at Precision Dental
Whether you are due for a routine visit or ready to talk through a treatment you have been considering, our Fortitude Valley team would be glad to welcome you. Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or book online, and we will find a time that suits you.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Individual needs, experiences and results vary.
