1
Find the source
The dentist examines the swelling and takes an X-ray to see which tooth is infected and whether the bone around the root is involved.
Same-day abscess appointments
Emergency Abscess Treatment: Drain the Infection Today
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria trapped inside or beside a tooth. It will not drain on its own, and the pressure is what makes it hurt so much.
1-855-219-4656 Can a dentist drain my abscess today?
Yes, and you should not wait. Call 1-855-219-4656 and we send you to a partner dentist who can see you within hours. Draining the abscess takes about 20 minutes under local anesthetic and the pressure pain eases right away. Antibiotics follow, and the dentist explains whether a root canal or an extraction will stop the infection coming back. Drainage with antibiotics costs about $200 to $500 without insurance.
An abscess is the one dental problem that can turn into a medical one. The bacteria that cause it do not stay put, and the tissues of the face and neck give them an easy path. Getting the pus out and the antibiotics started today is what keeps a bad week from becoming a hospital stay.
When an abscess needs emergency treatment
- A swollen, tender lump on the gum beside a painful tooth
- Swelling that has spread into the cheek, under the jaw or toward the eye
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell alongside a toothache
- A sudden rush of foul-tasting fluid in the mouth, which means the abscess has burst
- Pain that spreads to the ear, jaw or neck on the same side
Swelling that makes it hard to breathe, swallow or open your mouth is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room, then call us for the dental follow-up. Read more on facial swelling from a tooth infection.
What happens at an emergency abscess visit
2
Drain the pus
After numbing, a small cut in the gum lets the pus out. The dentist rinses the pocket and sometimes places a tiny drain for a day or two.
3
Treat the cause
Antibiotics control the infection. The tooth itself is treated with a root canal if it can be saved, or removed if it cannot.
Cost of emergency abscess treatment
| Type | Without insurance | With insurance (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency exam + X-ray | $100–$250 | $0–$50 |
| Incision and drainage with antibiotics | $200–$500 | $50–$200 |
| Root canal to remove the infected nerve | $700–$1,500 | $250–$750 |
| Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved | $150–$400 | $30–$150 |
Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment. National ranges from partner clinics; city pages show local figures. Drainage alone does not cure the infection, so budget for the root canal or extraction that follows. No coverage? See the no-insurance guide. See the emergency dental cost guide.
Aftercare after abscess drainage
- Finish every antibiotic tablet, even when the swelling is gone. Stopping early lets the infection return.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water three or four times a day to keep the drainage site clean.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow for the first night or two to limit swelling.
- Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid chewing on the treated side.
- Call the dentist straight away if the swelling grows, you develop a fever, or swallowing becomes difficult.
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Related services and guides
Related emergency guides: Tooth abscess, Swollen face from tooth infection, Severe toothache.
Abscess Treatment FAQ
Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.
Will antibiotics alone fix a tooth abscess?
No. Antibiotics reduce the infection for a while, but the bacteria live inside the tooth where the drug cannot reach. The abscess returns unless the tooth is treated or removed.
Can I pop a gum abscess myself?
Do not try. Squeezing pushes bacteria deeper into the tissue and can spread the infection. A dentist drains it cleanly under anesthetic in minutes.
How quickly does an abscess become dangerous?
Most abscesses grow slowly over days, but once swelling reaches the floor of the mouth or the neck it can block the airway within hours. Treat any spreading swelling as urgent.
How much does emergency abscess treatment cost?
Drainage and antibiotics run $200 to $500 without insurance. Add $700 to $1,500 for a root canal or $150 to $400 for an extraction, depending on which the dentist recommends.
Is the drainage painful?
The area is numbed first. Most people feel pressure, then immediate relief as the swelling releases. Soreness afterwards is mild and settles in a day or two.
Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed . Sources: ADA MouthHealthy, Abscess, Mayo Clinic, Tooth abscess. Editorial policy.
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