Emergency dentist · Great Barr, Birmingham
Dental abscess and swollen face
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum. It needs treatment. It will not go away on its own, even if the pain eases.
- GDC-registered dentists
- CQC-registered practice
- Prices agreed before treatment
Call 999 or go to A&E now if swelling is spreading towards your eye, down your neck or under your tongue, you’re finding it hard to breathe or swallow, you have a high temperature with facial swelling, bleeding won’t stop after 20–30 minutes of firm pressure, or you’ve had a serious injury to your face or head.
Signs of an abscess
- Throbbing pain that can spread to your ear, jaw or neck
- A swollen face, cheek or gum, or a pimple-like swelling on the gum
- A bad taste or discharge in your mouth
- A tooth that feels high or tender to bite on
- Feeling generally unwell, sometimes with a temperature
What to do while you wait
- Take painkillers if they’re safe for you (ibuprofen and paracetamol, following the packet).
- Rinse gently with warm salty water.
- Don’t put heat on the outside of your face, and don’t try to burst a gum swelling.
- Keep drinking fluids. If the swelling gets worse quickly, use the 999 / A&E advice above.
How we treat it
We find the tooth causing the infection, usually with an X-ray, and release the pressure. Depending on the tooth, that means opening it up and starting root canal treatment to save it, or taking it out. We prescribe antibiotics only when they’re needed, for example if the infection is spreading or you’re unwell (£15.95 for amoxicillin, £18 for metronidazole).
Cost: the emergency consultation is £54. If you need treatment, we tell you the price before we start, and nothing is done without your agreement. All fees are on our prices page, taken from The Dentist West Midlands’ price list.
How to get seen
- Call 0121 582 4557. We answer whenever we can. If we miss you, you’ll get a text with a link to book online, and we’ll call back as soon as we’re free.
- Or book online, any time of day or night. Our booking page shows the live diary. Pick a time and pay a £20 deposit to hold it. The deposit is refundable when you attend.
- Come to 341 Birmingham Road, Great Barr, B43 7AP. We’re just off junction 7 of the M6, with parking on site.
We’re a private practice. If you’d rather be seen on the NHS, call NHS 111 for an urgent NHS dental appointment. Our guide NHS 111 or a private emergency dentist? explains the difference honestly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dental abscess go away by itself?
No. The pain can settle if the abscess drains, but the infection stays and usually comes back, sometimes worse. The tooth needs treatment.
Should I go to A&E with a swollen face?
Go to A&E or call 999 if swelling is spreading to your eye or neck, or you’re struggling to breathe, swallow or open your mouth. Otherwise see an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
Can I just have antibiotics?
Antibiotics can calm a spreading infection, but they don’t remove the cause. Without treating the tooth, the abscess usually returns.
Can I be seen today?
Often, yes. When a same-day time is free it appears on our booking page, and you can book it straight away. You can also call 0121 582 4557. We answer whenever we can, and if we miss your call we’ll text you a booking link.
Ask us to call you back
Leave your number and a few words about the problem and we’ll call you back as soon as we can. If you’re in severe pain or have swelling, please call 0121 582 4557 now — or pick an appointment time online.
In pain now?
Call 0121 582 4557 — we answer whenever we can, and if we miss you we text you a booking link. Or pick a time online, any time of day.