Step-mother says dentist’s refusal to drain tooth led to child's sepsis

After losing part of a tooth on September 23, 12-year-old Alfie Zilio experienced severe pain and swelling. His stepmother, Vic Clarke, secured an appointment with a private dentist on September 25, but the dentist told them they do not drain abscesses and sent the boy home with antibiotics, advising a return in a week. Within hours the swelling doubled, closing his right eye, prompting Clarke to rush him to A&E. Surgeons performed emergency drainage and extracted the tooth, while intensive care treated septic shock and eye cellulitis.

Hospital staff said the delay could have been fatal and risked permanent vision loss. Clarke now urges parents to trust their instincts and seek hospital care if a dental infection appears serious.