Dental Abscess
Treatment in Blackpool
A dental abscess won't get better on its own — it needs a dentist, not just antibiotics. Same-day emergency assessment £79 on Devonshire Road, Blackpool.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus caused by bacterial infection, either at the tip of the tooth root (periapical) or in the gum beside it (periodontal). It usually causes throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, and sometimes fever.
Hygienist from £84
Final cost confirmed at your consultation. 0% finance available.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Dental Abscess & Tooth Infection — What To Do
Why an abscess needs a dentist, not just antibiotics
Antibiotics alone do not cure a dental abscess. The infection has a source — usually an infected tooth nerve or a deep gum pocket — and until that source is treated, the abscess will return. NHS guidance is clear that abscesses require dental treatment: drainage of the pus and then either root canal treatment to save the tooth, or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
Symptoms that mean you should call us today
Intense throbbing pain that may spread to your ear, jaw or neck; swelling in your face or gum; a tooth that is tender to bite on; a bad taste or smell; difficulty opening your mouth. At Tower Dental we keep emergency capacity for exactly this — call 01253 353759 and tell the team you suspect an abscess.
When it's a medical emergency
If swelling is spreading down your neck or under your tongue, your eye is closing, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or you feel very unwell with a high temperature — go to A&E or call 999. These signs can indicate the infection is spreading and need hospital care, not a dental appointment.
What happens at your emergency appointment
Your £79 emergency assessment includes examination and the X-rays needed to find the source of the infection. Where clinically possible we relieve the pain at the same visit — typically by draining the abscess and starting treatment on the tooth. You leave with a written plan and exact costs for any follow-up treatment: root canal treatment is from £448 and extraction from £156 on our published fee list, with 0% finance available over 6 or 10 months.
While you wait to be seen
Take painkillers as directed on the packet (ibuprofen and/or paracetamol — pharmacists can advise what's safe for you), hold cool water in the mouth if it eases the pain, avoid very hot or cold food, and sleep with your head propped up. Do not put aspirin against the gum and do not try to burst the abscess yourself.
Related: Emergency Dentist → · Root Canal → · Tooth Extraction →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I treat a dental abscess at home?
No. Painkillers and salt-water rinses can ease symptoms temporarily, but the infection itself needs dental treatment — drainage plus root canal treatment or extraction. Left untreated, an abscess can spread and become serious.
Do I need antibiotics for a tooth abscess?
Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed alongside treatment when infection is spreading, but they are not a cure on their own. UK guidance is that the source of the infection must be treated by a dentist.
How do I book an appointment at Tower Dental?
You can book in three ways: call 01253 353759 during opening hours, use the online booking form on any page of our website, or message us on WhatsApp. For cosmetic treatments (veneers, composite bonding, whitening, implants, Invisalign), we use a £40 Smile Consultation booking — this is payable online at booking and includes a full smile assessment, 3D digital preview and personalised treatment plan. For general dentistry, emergencies and hygienist visits, booking is free and we confirm your appointment by phone.
Where is Tower Dental located and where do I park?
Tower Dental is at 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0TW. Free on-street parking is available directly outside the practice — there is no need to find a car park or pay for parking. The practice is easily reached from all Blackpool postcodes, from Cleveleys, Bispham, Fleetwood, Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton, Lytham St Annes and Kirkham and from the M55 motorway for patients travelling from Preston, Lancaster and further afield. Patients regularly travel to us from across the Fylde Coast and wider Lancashire.
Is Tower Dental a private or NHS practice?
Tower Dental is a private dental practice. We offer membership plans from £9.99 per month for children and from £19.60 per month for adults (includes two check-ups, hygienist visits, x-rays and a discount on treatments), plus pay-as-you-go pricing and 0% finance over 6 or 10 months on larger treatments. Our prices are transparent and published on the website. Every quote is confirmed in writing at your consultation before any work begins, with no pressure to proceed.
What are Tower Dental's opening hours and do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm. We are closed on Sundays. Same-day emergency appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8:30am — please call 01253 353759 as early in the day as possible to secure a slot. Members of our Adult and Periodontal plans receive unlimited emergency appointments at no additional charge. Common emergencies we see include severe toothache, dental abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns and dental trauma.
How is Tower Dental regulated and what are the dentists' qualifications?
Tower Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and met all CQC regulations at its most recent inspection on 16 July 2024. All clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) which sets and enforces professional standards across UK dentistry. Our team includes Dr Sarah Metias (Principal, GDC 114267, MJDF RCS England), Dr San Chatterjee (Implant Dentist, GDC 84643), Dr Alaaeldin Elraggal (Associate, GDC 300605, PhD Dental Biomaterials) and Dr Safa Rafiq (Associate, GDC 296810). You can verify any GDC registration on the GDC Register.
Further Reading from Trusted UK Sources
For impartial, authoritative information on dental health, regulations and patient rights in the UK, the following organisations are recognised sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered. Have more? Call 01253 353759.
Find Tower Dental Blackpool
302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0TW · 01253 353759
"Modern UK dental practice integrates digital workflow, evidence-based treatment planning, and adherence to GDC Standards 1-9 covering patient safety, communication, and consent."
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