Urgent Help for a Dental Abscess or Swelling

Warning Signs of a Dental Abscess

The hallmark symptoms include persistent, throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear, jaw, or neck; swelling in the face, cheek, or under the jaw; a red, swollen bump on the gum near the affected tooth; sensitivity to hot and cold; pain when biting; a foul taste in the mouth from the draining pus; and sometimes fever. You may also notice that the affected tooth feels slightly raised compared to the teeth around it. Not all abscesses are immediately painful, especially if they are draining on their own through a sinus tract (a small opening in the gum), but they still require treatment.

When to Go to Hospital

Most dental abscesses are treated by a dentist, but certain situations require emergency medical care. Go to your nearest emergency department if swelling is spreading to your eye, throat, or the floor of your mouth; if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing; if you have a high fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius) with facial swelling; if you feel generally unwell, dizzy, or confused; or if the swelling has developed rapidly over hours rather than days. These symptoms can indicate that the infection is spreading beyond the tooth, which is a medical emergency. In the Western Cape, call 10177 for emergency medical services or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit.

Dental Assessment and Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the abscess. The dentist will examine the area, take X-rays to assess the extent of infection, and determine the best course of action. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess through the tooth (by opening the pulp chamber) or through an incision in the gum. Antibiotics are prescribed when the infection has spread beyond the immediate area. Once the acute infection is controlled, the underlying cause needs to be addressed, either through root canal treatment to save the tooth, or extraction if the tooth is too damaged. Leaving an abscess untreated risks the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

Frequently Asked Questions