Abscess and swelling
Swelling in the face, jaw or gums can be a sign of a dental infection. If swelling is spreading quickly, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911. Otherwise, tell us what's going on through our secure intake form, and our team takes care of finding an appropriate dental specialist.
What it is
A dental abscess is an infection: a pocket of pus, usually at the tip of a tooth's root in the jaw bone. The American Dental Association lists tooth decay, gum disease and a cracked tooth as causes.
What people usually notice
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Redness in the gums.
- A bad taste in the mouth.
- Fever.
Why prompt care matters
An abscess needs treatment from a dental professional. Without treatment, the ADA warns, it can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues.
When to call 911
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly progressing facial or neck swelling, or another potentially life-threatening condition, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department.
Do not wait for a call from our coordination team if your condition may require emergency medical intervention.
How we can help
Tell us what's going on
Begin by submitting your information through our secure and HIPAA compliant intake forms. Once your completed information and payment have been received, our team will begin reviewing your submission.
We call you
A trained representative will contact you within 90 minutes to:
- Confirm your information and discuss your emergency.
- Provide instructions regarding the next steps.
- Coordinate an appointment with an appropriate participating dental specialist.
- Communicate the appointment location, time, and any relevant instructions.
Our goal is to arrange an appointment with an appropriate dental specialist within 12 hours of your initial contact, subject to provider availability and the nature of your emergency.
Sources
General information only, not medical advice. Drawn from:
- Abscess, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Dental Emergencies, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)