Emergency Dental Care
Dental Abscess Treatment
A dental abscess is a serious infection that will not resolve on its own. Call us at 540-443-2659 — the sooner we treat it, the better the outcome.
Reviewed by Dr. Sang Kim, DMD — Updated April 2026
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of a tooth's root, inside the gum tissue, or in the bone that supports the teeth. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, head, neck, and in rare but serious cases, the rest of the body. At Bridgewater Dental Center, Dr. Sang Kim treats dental abscesses as urgent matters that deserve immediate attention.
Symptoms to watch for
An abscess doesn't always announce itself with dramatic pain. Some patients notice only mild discomfort at first. Be alert for any combination of these warning signs:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing pain in the tooth or gum that may radiate to the jawbone, ear, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
- A sudden rush of foul-tasting, salty fluid in the mouth if the abscess ruptures
- Fever, general malaise, or difficulty opening the mouth
- A visible bump on the gum near the affected tooth, sometimes resembling a pimple
Why a dental abscess is urgent
Unlike many dental problems that can wait a few days, an abscess carries real risk. The infection is actively spreading, and antibiotics alone cannot eliminate it — the source of the infection must be addressed. If the swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg is the closest ER to our Bridgewater office. Once you're stable, we can handle the dental follow-up.
How we treat dental abscesses
Dr. Kim will examine the area, take X-rays to determine how far the infection has spread, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation. Common approaches include:
- Incision and drainage — The abscess is opened to allow the pus to drain, which provides immediate relief from pressure and pain.
- Antibiotics — Prescribed to help your body fight the remaining infection, especially if the abscess has spread beyond the immediate area.
- Root canal therapy — The infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, the canals are cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is preserved with a crown. This is the preferred approach whenever the tooth can be saved.
- Extraction — If the tooth is too severely damaged to restore, a gentle extraction removes the source of infection entirely.
After treatment
Most patients feel significant relief within a day or two of treatment. Dr. Kim will schedule follow-up visits to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to complete any restorative work such as a permanent crown. It's important to finish the full course of any prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better.
Don't let cost delay your care
We accept most dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits before treatment whenever possible. Patients without insurance can take advantage of our Virginia Dental Club membership for discounts on emergency and restorative procedures. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who need extra comfort during treatment. Families throughout Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, and the Shenandoah Valley trust our team at 100 Parkside Dr., Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dental abscess heal on its own?+
No. A dental abscess is an active infection that requires professional treatment. Even if the pain subsides temporarily, the infection will continue to spread and can lead to serious health complications.
How do I know if my toothache is an abscess?+
Common signs include severe throbbing pain, swelling in the face or gums, fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or a visible bump on the gum near the affected tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us at 540-443-2659 right away.
Is a dental abscess dangerous?+
Yes, it can be. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, head, neck, and in rare cases the bloodstream. If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Will antibiotics cure my dental abscess?+
Antibiotics help control the infection, but they cannot eliminate the source. The abscess itself must be drained, and the affected tooth needs treatment — either a root canal or extraction — to fully resolve the problem.
How long does it take to recover from abscess treatment?+
Most patients feel significant relief within a day or two after the abscess is drained. Full recovery, including any follow-up restorative work like a crown, may take a few weeks. Dr. Kim will guide you through each step.
How much does dental abscess treatment cost in Bridgewater?+
Costs depend on whether you need drainage, antibiotics, a root canal, or an extraction. We accept most insurance plans and our Virginia Dental Club membership offers discounts for patients without coverage. We'll discuss all costs before treatment begins.
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