Tooth Abscess Treatment in Markham, ON

Tooth abscess treatment at My Dental Home addresses a bacterial infection that has formed a pocket of pus inside or around a tooth. At our Markham dental office, Dr. Kevin F. Brown and Dr. Bahar Kermani diagnose and treat abscesses promptly so you can get relief and prevent the infection from spreading.

On This Page

• What Is a Tooth Abscess?
• Who Treats Tooth Abscesses at My Dental Home?
• What Does Tooth Abscess Treatment Involve?
• Why Should You Treat a Tooth Abscess Early?
• Why Choose My Dental Home for Tooth Abscess Treatment?
• How Much Does Tooth Abscess Treatment Cost?
• Schedule Your Appointment
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection inside or around a tooth. At My Dental Home in Markham, this is one of the more urgent conditions we treat. An abscess forms when bacteria enter the inner pulp of a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue, and the resulting infection creates pressure, swelling, and discomfort that typically worsens over time. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or other areas of the body. According to the Canadian Dental Association, an untreated dental infection can become a serious health risk, making early treatment important.
 

Types of Dental Abscesses

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There are two main types we commonly diagnose:

• Periapical abscess — forms at the tip of a tooth’s root, usually from an untreated cavity or crack that lets bacteria reach the pulp
• Periodontal abscess — develops in the gum tissue alongside the tooth root, often related to gum disease or a trapped piece of food

A less common third type, a gingival abscess, affects only the surface gum tissue without involving the tooth root.
 

Signs You May Have a Tooth Abscess

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent, throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Swelling in the face, cheek, or lymph nodes under the jaw
• A visible bump on the gums near the affected tooth, sometimes draining fluid
• Fever, a foul taste in the mouth, or difficulty swallowing

If you notice sudden facial swelling, have trouble breathing or swallowing, or develop a high fever, seek emergency dental care or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.
 

Who Treats Tooth Abscesses at My Dental Home?

Our Markham dental practice has two dentists who evaluate and treat dental abscesses. Dr. Kevin F. Brown and Dr. Bahar Kermani each perform the clinical exam, review imaging, and determine whether the abscess can be resolved with drainage and a root canal or whether extraction is the better course.

We approach abscess cases with the goal of saving the natural tooth when possible. During your visit, your dentist explains what is happening, what the treatment options are, and what recovery looks like before treatment starts.
 

What Does Tooth Abscess Treatment Involve?

The treatment process at My Dental Home follows a sequence designed to eliminate the tooth infection first and restore your tooth second.

1. Exam and imaging — We take X-rays or use digital imaging to locate the abscess, assess how far the infection has spread, and determine whether the tooth can be saved.
2. Numbing the area — We apply local anesthesia so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. If you feel anxious about treatment, ask about nitrous oxide at your visit.
3. Draining the abscess — Your dentist makes a small incision in the swollen tissue to release the pus and flush the site with saline.
4. Treating the source — If the infection originated inside the tooth, a root canal removes the infected pulp and seals the canals. If the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be recommended.
5. Antibiotics (when needed) — We prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread beyond the immediate site or if your immune health warrants extra support. Not every abscess requires antibiotics.
6. Follow-up and restoration — After healing, we plan any restoration. A tooth treated with a root canal typically needs a crown to protect it long-term. If extraction was necessary, we discuss implant or bridge options at a follow-up visit.

Why Should You Treat a Tooth Abscess Early?

My Dental Home encourages patients in Markham to address abscess symptoms as soon as they appear. Early treatment protects more than just the affected tooth.

• Stops the infection from spreading — A dental abscess will not resolve on its own. Without treatment, bacteria can move into the jawbone, soft tissues of the neck, or, in rare cases, the bloodstream.
• Preserves the natural tooth — The earlier we intervene, the more likely we can save the tooth with a root canal rather than removing it.
• Relieves persistent discomfort — The throbbing, pressure, and sensitivity caused by an abscess typically subside quickly after drainage and treatment.
• Prevents complications from escalating — Swelling that restricts breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency. Treating the abscess before it reaches that stage avoids a hospital visit.
• Reduces overall treatment cost — A root canal and crown on a tooth caught early is generally less expensive than extraction followed by an implant or bridge later.

Why Choose My Dental Home for Tooth Abscess Treatment?

At My Dental Home, we treat dental abscesses with the same attentiveness whether you are an existing patient or calling for the first time. A few things that set our Markham dental office apart for urgent dental needs:

We offer emergency dental services and work to fit abscess patients in promptly, because we know waiting days for relief is not realistic. Our hours extend to 8:00 PM Monday through Wednesday, which helps if your symptoms worsen after regular business hours at other offices.

Our team speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Urdu, and Hindi in addition to English, so you can describe your symptoms and understand your treatment plan in the language you are most comfortable with. We also provide clear, upfront pricing and walk you through the cost before treatment begins, because managing an unexpected dental expense is stressful enough on its own.

How Much Does Tooth Abscess Treatment Cost?

Tooth abscess treatment cost at My Dental Home depends on the specifics of your case. The main cost drivers are:

• Whether the tooth requires drainage alone, a root canal, or an extraction
• The type of restoration needed afterward (crown, bridge, or implant planning)
• Whether imaging beyond a standard X-ray is required
• Antibiotic prescriptions, if applicable
• Sedation, if requested beyond local anesthesia

We provide a written treatment plan with costs outlined before we begin treatment. Our Markham office offers in-office payment options and financing solutions to help manage the expense, and we provide insurance assistance so you can understand your coverage before committing to a plan.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are dealing with a toothache, facial swelling, or a bump on your gums that will not go away, do not wait for it to get worse. My Dental Home is located at 5011 HWY #7 East, Markham, ON L3R 1N1, and our team is available for urgent dental needs.

Call (905) 415-7700 to book or text (306) 993-7242 if you prefer. You can also request an appointment online. At your first visit, we examine the affected area, take imaging, and walk you through exactly what needs to happen. We send you home with a clear plan and a firm cost estimate before you commit to treatment.

Office hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?

No. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that requires professional treatment to resolve. The pus may drain temporarily through a gum boil or fistula, which can reduce pressure and make it feel like the problem has resolved, but the underlying infection remains active. Without treatment, it usually returns worse than before.

How do I know if my toothache is an abscess or something else?

A standard toothache from a cavity tends to be sharp when you bite or eat something sweet, and it usually fades between meals. An abscess produces a continuous, throbbing ache that often radiates into your jaw or ear, and it may come with swelling, a bad taste, or fever. If your symptoms include any swelling or fever, we recommend calling our Markham office right away.

Will treating a tooth abscess hurt?

We numb the area with local anesthesia before treatment starts, so you should not feel sharp discomfort during the procedure. Most patients describe a feeling of pressure rather than anything acute. After treatment, mild soreness for a few days is typical and usually responds well to over-the-counter medication.

How long does the appointment take?

The initial drainage and exam are often completed in a single visit. If a root canal is part of the treatment plan, that may be done during the same appointment or scheduled as a follow-up depending on the severity of the infection. We walk you through the timeline at your first visit.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of a dental office?

A dental abscess becomes a medical emergency when swelling restricts your ability to breathe or swallow, when you develop a high fever with chills, or when the swelling spreads rapidly below the jaw or into the neck. In any of those situations, go to your nearest hospital emergency department first and follow up with our office once you are stable.

Is a tooth abscess covered by dental insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of abscess treatment because it falls under medically necessary care rather than elective procedures. The extent of coverage depends on your plan, your deductible, and the specific treatments involved. We provide insurance assistance and can estimate your out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.

Can antibiotics cure a tooth abscess without further treatment?

Antibiotics can help control the spread of infection, but they do not eliminate the source. The bacteria live inside the tooth or in a pocket of tissue that antibiotics alone cannot reach. Antibiotics are a support tool we use alongside drainage, root canal therapy, or extraction.

How can I prevent a tooth abscess from developing?

Regular dental examinations and cleanings are the most reliable way to catch cavities and gum problems before they become infections. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and reducing sugary foods also lower your risk. If you crack or chip a tooth, booking a prompt exam prevents bacteria from entering the exposed area.