Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Dental abscess - Management
When should I seek specialist advice or arrange hospital admission?

  • Seek further advice or admit a person to hospital if they have a dental abscess and:
    • Are unwell with a high temperature and cardio-respiratory compromise (rapid pulse rate or low blood pressure, high respiratory rate).
    • Early signs of dysphagia or a significant 'floor of mouth' swelling.
    • Are in severe pain despite analgesia (maximum tolerated dosage) prescribed in primary care.
    • Have a spreading facial infection.
    • Have a history of being immunocompromised.

In depth

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement