Dental Abscess Treatment in MaryleboneUrgent Drainage & Same-Day Care in W1
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, it won't clear up by itself and needs professional dental treatment. Our W1 dentists can assess your abscess and begin treatment, often at a same-day appointment subject to availability, to ease your pain and tackle the infection.
Emergency Abscess Assessment
New patient offer (usual £95)
- Full clinical examination
- X-rays £20 if needed
- Assessment of infection extent
- Written treatment plan with costs
Or call: 020 7183 0692
Treating Dental Abscesses at Our W1 Clinic
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection producing a collection of pus in or around a tooth. It can trigger severe, throbbing pain, facial swelling and a general feeling of being unwell. Crucially, an abscess doesn't heal by itself, without dental treatment the infection persists and may spread further.
At Wimpole Street Medical & Dental in Marylebone, our emergency dentists are experienced in managing dental infections. We aim to see patients with suspected abscesses the same day, subject to availability, draining the swelling where appropriate and discussing options to resolve the underlying cause.
We're open 6 days a week, with late evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8pm and Saturday hours (10am–4pm). Our clinic at 22 Wimpole Street is a short walk from Bond Street and Oxford Circus stations.
How to Spot a Dental Abscess
Recognise any of these symptoms? We'd recommend arranging a prompt dental assessment.
Intense, throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear, jaw, or neck
Swelling of the face, cheek, or lymph nodes
A foul-tasting discharge if the abscess ruptures
Fever, feeling generally unwell, or malaise
Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers
Pain that worsens when lying down or biting
Call 999 or go to A&E if: You have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling is spreading to the eye or throat, you have a high fever with chills, or the swelling is making it difficult to open your mouth fully. These may indicate a spreading infection that requires urgent medical intervention.
Types of Dental Abscess
Periapical Abscess
The most common type. Occurs at the tip of the tooth root, usually caused by untreated decay that has reached the pulp (nerve). Bacteria enter the dead or dying pulp and create an infection that spreads to the surrounding bone.
Typical treatment: Root canal treatment or extraction
Periodontal Abscess
Develops in the gum tissue, usually alongside an existing gum (periodontal) disease. A pocket forms between the tooth and gum where bacteria accumulate, leading to a localised infection.
Typical treatment: Drainage, deep cleaning, antibiotics
Gingival Abscess
A localised infection in the gum tissue that does not involve the tooth itself. Often caused by a foreign body (such as a popcorn kernel or toothbrush bristle) becoming trapped under the gum.
Typical treatment: Drainage and removal of foreign body
Our Approach to Abscess Treatment
Relieving your pain and controlling the infection come first. Treatment usually follows these steps.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination and digital X-rays to identify the source and extent of the infection. We assess whether the tooth can potentially be saved.
Pain Management
Local anaesthetic to numb the area. We take care to help ensure the anaesthesia is effective even in the presence of infection, where numbing can sometimes be more challenging.
Drainage
If a swelling is present, we may make a small incision to drain the pus, which often provides rapid relief from the pressure-related pain.
Definitive Treatment
Depending on the assessment, this may include root canal treatment to save the tooth, extraction if the tooth cannot be restored, or deep periodontal cleaning for gum abscesses.
Managing a Dental Abscess at Home
These measures may help manage your symptoms while you wait for your emergency appointment. They do not replace professional treatment.
- Take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen (if suitable for you) to help manage pain and swelling.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day.
- Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks.
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself, this can spread the infection.
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping to help reduce pressure.
- Complete any prescribed course of antibiotics in full, even if symptoms improve.
Abscess Treatment Fees at Our Marylebone Clinic
Clear, published pricing, a full treatment plan with costs is always provided before treatment begins.
| £30 (new patients) |
| £95 |
| £20 |
| from £185 |
| from £695 |
| from £895 |
| from £250 |
| from £650 |
Dental Abscess – Your Questions Answered
Other Emergency Dental Treatments
Think You Have an Abscess? Act Promptly
Dental abscesses need professional treatment. Our Marylebone dentists are here 6 days a week, with same-day appointments subject to availability.
If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or severe facial swelling, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Google reviews of our sister clinic, South Kensington Medical & Dental.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At Wimpole Street Medical & Dental, our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC, GMC and NMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
We Accept All Major Dental Insurances
We accept all major UK dental insurances, including AXA PPP Healthcare Dental Cover, Aviva Dental Insurance, Bupa Dental Cover, Cigna Dental Insurance, Vitality Dental Health Insurance, Unum and Boots Dental Plan Cover. We provide itemised receipts so you can claim back your treatment costs.
