Dental Abscess Treatment in North York

About dental abscess treatment

An abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of a tooth root, usually after deep decay, a crack or an old injury lets bacteria reach the nerve inside the tooth. A periodontal abscess forms in the gum beside a tooth, often in a deep gum pocket. Both can cause throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste or a small bump on the gum that leaks fluid.

Sometimes the pain suddenly stops. This does not always mean the infection is gone; the nerve may have died or the abscess may have found a way to drain. The infection can still spread to the jaw and surrounding tissues, so it is important to have it checked even if you feel better.

Treatment depends on the cause. If the tooth can be saved, your dentist may begin root canal treatment to clean out the infection from inside the tooth. A gum abscess may be drained and the pocket cleaned. If the tooth cannot be restored, it may be removed. Antibiotics alone do not fix the source, but your dentist may prescribe them if there is swelling, fever or a risk of spread. Pain relief advice will be given based on your health.

Signs you may have a dental abscess

• Severe, throbbing toothache that may spread to your ear, jaw or neck
• Swelling in your gum, cheek or face
• A pimple-like bump on the gum that may release a salty or bad-tasting fluid
• Pain when biting or pressure on a tooth
• Fever, tiredness or swollen glands under your jaw

Benefits

• Treats the source of infection, not just the symptoms
• Helps relieve pressure and pain
• Lowers the risk of infection spreading
• Improves the chance of saving the tooth when possible

What to expect

1. Call usTell us about your pain and any swelling so we can find a time to see you as soon as possible during office hours.
2. Exam and X-rayYour dentist finds which tooth or gum area is infected and how far it has spread.
3. Relieve the pressureThe abscess may be drained or the tooth opened to let the infection escape.
4. Treat the causeRoot canal treatment, gum cleaning or extraction is done or scheduled.
5. Follow upWe check healing and plan a crown or other restoration if the tooth was saved.

Aftercare

• If you are given antibiotics, take the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day unless your dentist advises otherwise.
• Keep your follow-up appointment, because the tooth often needs more treatment to stop the infection returning.

Cost and coverage

The cost of abscess care depends on what is needed, such as an emergency exam, X-rays, drainage, root canal treatment or extraction. Fees use the ODA suggested fee guide as a reference, and many insurance plans cover part of emergency and endodontic care. If you have CDCP coverage, ask us how it may apply. We explain the options and estimate before treatment, and LendCare payment plans can help if the cost is a concern.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Dental Abscess Treatment near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.