A Suspected Tooth Abscess: Arrange Prompt Care
Practical information to help you prepare questions and understand your next step.
Original publication: 2012-08-08.
Call About Pain or Swelling
Tooth pain, gum swelling, a bad taste, or fever may accompany a dental infection, but an examination is needed to establish the cause. Call the office promptly and describe your symptoms.
Recognize Medical Warning Signs
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious facial injury calls for emergency medical help. Do not wait for an office callback in these situations.
Treatment Depends on the Findings
Care may include drainage, root canal treatment, or extraction when appropriate. The dentist decides whether medication is also needed. Medication alone should not be assumed to resolve the source of a tooth infection.
Know the Next Step
We explain suitable options and costs before treatment. After hours, follow the office phone instructions to leave a message on the emergency line; callback times vary.
Your Next Step
Call about urgent symptoms rather than waiting for an appointment form response.
Appointment requests are confirmed by our team. This article does not replace an individual examination.
