Tooth Abscess and Can't Afford a Dentist? Act Now — Here's How

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for dental or medical advice. If you are in pain or have symptoms of spreading infection, contact NHS 111 or seek emergency care.

Quick Answer

Call NHS 111 (dial 111) — they can refer you to an NHS emergency dental service free of charge, 24 hours a day. If you have facial swelling, a high fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to A&E or call 999 immediately. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that will not resolve without treatment and can become serious if left.

What a Tooth Abscess Is

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the tooth root (periapical abscess, usually from deep decay or a cracked tooth), between the tooth and gum (periodontal abscess), or in the gum tissue itself. The common cause is bacteria entering the pulp — the living tissue inside the tooth — through untreated decay, a cracked tooth, or a failed previous filling.

Symptoms often include severe, persistent throbbing pain, sensitivity to pressure, swelling around the affected tooth, and sometimes a bad taste if the abscess drains spontaneously into the mouth. The pain can spread to the jaw, ear or neck.

Red Flags: When to Call 999 or Go to A&E

Most tooth abscesses are managed by a dentist. A small number become medically serious when the infection spreads beyond the tooth into surrounding tissue. Go to A&E or call 999 if you notice:

• Facial or jaw swelling that is expanding or making your face look asymmetrical
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling that your throat is closing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling spreading into the neck or below the jawline
• Feeling very unwell — confusion, rapid heartbeat, or cold sweats alongside dental pain

These are signs of a spreading infection (cellulitis or Ludwig's angina) that can compromise the airway. A&E can provide intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage if required — a dentist cannot safely manage this.

Call NHS 111 First

NHS 111 (dial 111, or use 111.nhs.uk) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A dental nurse or health adviser can assess your symptoms over the phone and, if appropriate, refer you to an NHS emergency dental service in your area. This referral gives you access to NHS emergency dental treatment at NHS Band rates — free for those on qualifying benefits, or Band 2 (£76.60) for extraction.

Do not rely solely on internet advice for a suspected abscess. Call NHS 111 and describe your symptoms accurately — particularly any swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing — so they can triage you correctly.

NHS Emergency Dental Treatment

NHS emergency dental services exist specifically to treat patients who are in acute pain or have a dental emergency and are not registered with an NHS practice. Access is typically via NHS 111 referral. Emergency dental treatment at an NHS walk-in centre or urgent dental care centre covers:

• Examination and diagnosis (Band 1: £27.90)
• Extraction of the offending tooth (Band 2: £76.60)
• Draining a swelling
• Emergency prescription of antibiotics
• Temporary dressings or stabilisation

Emergency treatment stabilises the situation but does not complete the treatment. Root canal, permanent crown, or implant — if needed — is arranged as a follow-up appointment.

What Antibiotics Do (and Don't Do)

Antibiotics (typically amoxicillin or metronidazole for dental infections) reduce the bacterial load and can reduce swelling and systemic symptoms such as fever. They are appropriate when there are signs of spreading infection or when a patient cannot be seen by a dentist immediately.

They do not drain the abscess, remove the source of infection (the dead or infected pulp), or treat the tooth. Once the antibiotic course ends, the bacteria that remain in the tooth will reinfect. The abscess will return, often worse, because the bacteria in a biofilm inside the tooth are not fully accessible to antibiotics.

Use antibiotics as a bridge to get dental treatment, not as a substitute for it.

Temporary Measures While Waiting

While waiting for dental treatment — not instead of it:

• Ibuprofen (if safe for you and not contraindicated) — reduces both pain and inflammation; more effective than paracetamol alone for dental pain. Take both together if neither is contraindicated.
• Paracetamol — pain relief; can be alternated with ibuprofen.
• Cold compress on the jaw — reduces external swelling temporarily.
• Warm salt water rinse — may help if the abscess is draining; do not attempt to burst or squeeze the swelling yourself.
• Sleep with your head elevated — reduces blood pressure to the area and may reduce throbbing pain.

None of these measures treat the abscess. If your symptoms are worsening — especially swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing — seek emergency care immediately, do not rely on pain relief.

Finding Emergency Dental Care If You Cannot Access NHS

If NHS 111 cannot refer you in a reasonable timeframe and you are in significant pain or have an abscess:

• Private emergency appointment — many private practices offer same-day emergency slots. Expect to pay £80–£250 for the appointment; treatment is additional. Ask upfront what the emergency fee covers before attending.
• Dental school emergency clinics — UK dental schools (e.g., Bart's, King's, Bristol) offer emergency dental care, often same-day or next-day, at reduced rates. Students are qualified and supervised.
• NHS Community Dental Services — provide care for patients who cannot access a standard NHS practice. Contact your local council or NHS trust to find the service in your area.

For a full guide to accessing an NHS dentist when you are not registered anywhere, see the No NHS Dentist guide.

After the Emergency: Treating the Underlying Tooth

Emergency treatment drains the abscess and treats the acute infection. The tooth still needs definitive treatment:

• Root canal — removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the root canals. Saves the tooth. Usually requires a crown afterwards on back teeth. NHS Band 3 (£306.80) covers root canal plus crown in England.
• Extraction — removes the tooth entirely. NHS Band 2 (£76.60). Cheaper short-term but leaves a gap that can affect neighbouring teeth over time.

For a detailed comparison of root canal vs extraction including the long-term costs of leaving a gap, see the Can't Afford a Root Canal guide.

UK vs Turkey for Follow-Up Treatment

Once the acute infection is under control and the tooth is stable, follow-up work — root canal and crown, or implant after extraction — is where the cost difference between UK private and Turkey becomes most significant.

NHS charges from April 2026 (England). NHS emergency via NHS 111 is free to access; treatment charges apply unless exempt. Turkey prices are for treatment at partner clinics; flights and hotel are additional (typically £300–£600 for a 3–5 day trip). 0% representative APR finance from around £10/month over 36 months is available for follow-up treatment, subject to eligibility.

FAQs