Swelling and infection are not problems to “sleep on”
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection caused by bacteria, usually at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Unlike an ordinary toothache that comes and goes, an abscess is your body signaling a spreading infection – and it will not resolve on its own. Left untreated, it can damage the surrounding bone, spread to other areas, and in serious cases become dangerous to your overall health. If you have a dental abscess or facial swelling, it should be treated as an urgent dental emergency.
If you have swelling in your face, jaw, or neck along with tooth pain, call Extraordinary Smiles at (610) 799-0600 right away. We reserve time for dental emergencies and see new and existing patients the same day whenever possible. Visit our Emergency Dentistry to learn more about how we handle urgent situations.
How to recognize a dental abscess
An abscess doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but common warning signs include:
- A severe, throbbing toothache that may spread to your jaw, neck, or ear
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw
- Red, swollen, or tender gums, sometimes with a pimple-like bump that may drain
- A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath
- Sensitivity to hot and cold, or pain when chewing
- Fever, or tender, swollen lymph nodes
Seek care immediately if you notice these red flags
Some symptoms signal that an infection may be spreading and needs urgent attention – potentially emergency-room level. Get help right away if swelling is spreading rapidly, or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or swelling that is closing your eye or reaching your neck. When in doubt, call – it’s always better to be evaluated quickly.
What to do while you arrange to be seen
- Call a dentist now. An abscess needs professional treatment – the source of the infection has to be addressed, and that can’t be done at home.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water. This can ease discomfort and help keep the area clean while you wait to be seen.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. It can reduce swelling and dull the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. This helps manage pain but does not treat the infection.
- Do not try to pop or drain it yourself, and don’t place aspirin directly on the gum – it can burn the tissue.
Why antibiotics alone aren’t the answer
A common misconception is that antibiotics will “cure” an abscess. Antibiotics can help control a spreading infection, but they don’t remove its source. To truly resolve an abscess, a dentist has to treat the underlying problem – which may involve draining the infection, root canal therapy to save the tooth, or in some cases removing the tooth. That’s why prompt professional care matters: it treats the cause, not just the symptoms.
How Extraordinary Smiles treats dental infections
At Extraordinary Smiles in Schnecksville, we diagnose the source of the infection with an exam and X-rays, relieve your pain, and create a plan to clear the infection and protect the tooth whenever possible. Because we offer a full range of care in-house – including Oral Surgery when it’s needed – we can handle your emergency and any follow-up treatment under one roof, for patients across the Lehigh Valley. We’ll always review your options and the cost with you before beginning treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Will a dental abscess go away on its own? No. An abscess is an active infection that needs professional treatment. Even if the pain temporarily eases (sometimes because the abscess has drained), the infection is still present and can spread.
Is a dental abscess an emergency? Yes. It should be treated urgently – and if you have spreading facial swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek care immediately.
Can I be seen the same day for swelling? Whenever possible, yes. Extraordinary Smiles prioritizes dental emergencies and welcomes new patients. Call (610) 799-0600 as soon as you notice swelling.
Facial swelling and tooth infections can become serious quickly. Don’t wait it out – call Extraordinary Smiles at (610) 799-0600 for same-day emergency care. New patients are always welcome, or reach us any time via Contact Us.
