Tooth Abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum. It needs a dentist, not a hygienist, and it should not wait. Here is how to recognize it, what to do tonight, and how we can help you get seen quickly.
A periapical abscess starts inside the tooth when decay or a crack lets bacteria reach the nerve. The tooth throbs, hurts to bite, and may be sensitive to heat. A periodontal abscess starts in a deep gum pocket and causes a swollen, tender lump on the gum beside the tooth.
Either way, the infection can spread to the jaw, face and neck. Facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency: go to the nearest emergency department.
Persistent throbbing pain that may spread to the jaw, ear or neck; pain on biting; sensitivity to heat; swelling of the gum, cheek or face; a pimple-like bump on the gum that may leak pus; a bad taste; fever; and swollen glands under the jaw. Pain that suddenly stops can mean the nerve has died, not that the infection has gone.
Yours Dental Hygiene does not treat abscesses. This page exists so you get to the right place fast.
Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed; ibuprofen and acetaminophen together are more effective than either alone. Rinse with warm salt water. Keep your head elevated when lying down. Avoid very hot, cold or hard foods on that side. Do not put aspirin on the gum, and do not try to pop the bump.
Antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess; the source has to be treated with a root canal, drainage or extraction.
Call a dentist first thing; most keep emergency slots. If you do not have one:
Abscesses come from untreated decay or gum disease. Prevention is:
Regular hygiene visits so decay and gum pockets are caught early
Most abscesses we see in new patients follow years without a cleaning. A cleaning costs a fraction of a root canal.
Do not wait when you have:
Yours Dental Hygiene in southeast Edmonton is open seven days a week. We do not treat abscesses, but we answer the phone from 9am to 9pm and will point you to a dentist who can.
