An abscess is a collection of infection associated with a tooth or surrounding tissues.
How do I know if I have a tooth abscess?
Dental abscess symptoms can include severe tooth pain, swelling, tenderness, bad taste or fever, but only an examination can confirm the cause.
Warning signs
- Increasing facial swelling
- Severe throbbing pain
- Fever
- Bad taste or drainage
- Tender lymph nodes
- Difficulty opening the mouth
Why pain can sometimes decrease
Reduced pain does not always mean the infection has resolved.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling or systemic illness can require emergency medical attention.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Where is the infection coming from?
- Does the tooth require root canal or extraction?
- Is drainage required?
- What symptoms require immediate escalation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can antibiotics cure an abscess permanently?
The dental source often requires definitive treatment.
Can an abscess spread?
Yes.
Can an abscess exist without severe pain?
Yes.
Should swelling be ignored overnight?
Increasing swelling should be assessed promptly.
Get an answer for your own case
Photos and general information can help with an initial discussion, but diagnosis and treatment planning require individual assessment.
Ask DentGen on WhatsAppEducational information only. Treatment suitability, risks, expected outcomes and alternatives require an individual dental or medical assessment.
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