When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with facial swelling or another life-threatening symptom.
What this symptom means
A dental abscess is not a diagnosis you can confirm at home. Signs suggestive of an abscess include severe pain, swelling, drainage or a bad taste in the mouth. Because untreated infection can spread, evaluation should not be delayed.
Common possible causes
- Untreated dental decay reaching the inner tooth
- A cracked or traumatized tooth
- Advanced gum disease
- Failure of a previous root canal in some cases
Warning signs to take seriously
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling of the face, cheek or jaw
- A pimple-like bump on the gum with drainage
- A persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Fever or a general feeling of illness
- Swollen lymph nodes
When it may be urgent
Rapidly worsening swelling, fever, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty opening the mouth or spreading redness may indicate a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for these symptoms.
Safe temporary comfort measures
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face in short intervals
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed if appropriate for you
- Stay well hydrated and rest
What to avoid
- Attempting to drain, cut or squeeze any swelling
- Applying heat to the outside of the face over the swelling
- Placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth
- Delaying care while waiting for symptoms to improve on their own
- Using another person's antibiotics
How a dentist evaluates the problem
A dentist typically examines the tooth, checks the surrounding tissues, may test tooth vitality and generally uses imaging to identify the source and extent of the concern. Referral for medical care may be recommended if signs of spreading infection are present.
Possible treatment categories
Recommendations depend on the underlying cause and the results of an examination. Possible treatment categories may include:
- Drainage of the affected area by a qualified professional
- Root canal treatment when the tooth can be predictably saved
- Extraction when the tooth cannot be preserved
- Antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified professional based on examination
- Follow-up care to prevent recurrence
Factors that can affect cost
- Type of treatment recommended after examination
- Whether imaging is needed
- Whether emergency or after-hours evaluation is required elsewhere
- Follow-up restorations, if any
Related dental services and resources
Ready to have a dentist evaluate the concern?
Call (432) 999-4078 or use the appointment-request form to discuss your symptoms with the practice. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment; the office will follow up to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a qualified dental professional. Individual causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery can vary.