Swelling can be caused by many different things, primarily it is a sign of bacterial infection. If the swelling starts to affect your ability to breath or ability to see, then you ought to attend A&E for management.

Swellings in the mouth are often caused by dental abscesses. They are effectively when spaces fill up with pus and cells from your body’s immune system. They can affect your gums, teeth or the bone surrounding your teeth.

If they affect the gums it can be because food/debris/bacteria have got stuck in the gums and the build-up of bacteria cause the abscess to form.

If the abscess is related to teeth, it is because decay has got to the nerve of the tooth and it has effectively ‘died’. As a result, the bacteria travel out of the tooth through the roots. The body tries to ensure the bacteria do not travel any further so therefore it creates the abscess. Though decay is the most common cause it can also be due to injury to teeth (trauma).

Some of the signs and symptoms you might experience include:

Throbbing pain in the tooth or surrounding area. This pain may spread to other parts of your head on the same side
Swelling in the area, which may be tender and warm to touch
Pain to both hot and cold foods/drinks
Foul breath or taste in your mouth
A general feeling of being unwell and fever in some cases

Self-help Advice

Pain killers – paracetamol/ibuprofen. Please ensure you read the label, are not allergic to the medication and do not exceed the maximum dosage
Applying cold pressure to the area
Rinsing with salt water

Professional Treatment Available (following detailed history and examination)

Incision and drainage – this involves making a small cut to allow the build-up of fluid/infection to be released. Can be very uncomfortable but is often the most effective treatment
Extraction – this involves local anaesthetic followed by extraction of the offending tooth
Denerving the tooth – this involves local anaesthetic and drilling into the offending tooth before dressing it with antibacterial dressing. The tooth will then need root canal treatment
Prescription – often antibiotics. Please note, antibiotics are not always indicated, nor are they a definitive treatment option. The tooth causing the problem will still need to be treated

If your swelling relates to wisdom teeth, please see our Wisdom Teeth page

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be registered?

No. You don’t need to be registered with us as a patient for one of our caring dental teams to look after you.

If you are registered with a dentist you will receive follow up treatment (if required) by them.

If you don’t have a dentist you can choose to remain a patient at our practice and we would love to be able to look after you moving forward!

When can I be seen?

We always guarantee same day emergency appointments. We are quite busy but will always move heaven and earth to ensure you are seen the same day.

Provided there is no medical contraindications, it is in your best interest and you are happy to proceed we always provide emergency treatment during your visit with us.

How does it work?

You can contact us in whatever manner is most convenient for you:
Calling us on 0161 300 2099
Online chat
Click to email

You will then be triaged and offered the earliest and most convenient appointment for you.

The dentist will see you, carry out an assessment, x-rays if needed and then explain in plain language the issue and your treatment options.

Emergency treatment is provided in the same visit provided there are no medical contraindications, it is in your best interest and you are happy to proceed.

How much does it cost to be seen?

The assessment fee is £49 and covers your consultation and any x-rays you require.

The treatment fees will vary depending on the emergency. We see patients for everything from broken dentures, toothache to dental trauma.

Fees depend on the issue and the treatment option you choose.

You are not liable for anything further to the £49 assessment until the dentist gives you an exact treatment fee.

I haven’t been to the dentist for years?!

That is not an issue for us and we see many patients who have not attended a dentist for many years.

We treat all patients with care, respect and dignity.

I’m EXTREMELY nervous?!

We totally understand that. It doesn’t help when you are anxious with toothache then attending a clinic you may have never attended previously.

We feel we have the most caring dental team who are specially trained in anxious patients.

Have a look at our reviews below and we hope that sentiment comes across.

What pain killers can I try?

Only take painkillers that you know you are not allergic to. Always read the label.

We would always advise consulting a qualified medical professional such as a doctor or pharmacist before taking painkillers.

Are you NHS or Private?

Unfortunately we do not have an NHS contract and are thus a wholly private practice.

In the greater Manchester area the number for the emergency dental service is 0333 3323 800.

Our Latest Google Reviews

We are extremely proud of our 5 star rating on Google as we have genuinely gone above and beyond for every patient that we have treated.

Abscess or Swelling