Tooth Infection or Abscess? Signs You Need a Dentist Today

A tooth infection won't go away on its own, and it can get worse quickly. If you think you have one, the best thing you can do is see a dentist as soon as possible. Here's what to watch for and how Laveen Smiles can help.

What is a tooth abscess?

An abscess is a pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gums. It usually starts with deep decay, a crack, or an old injury that lets bacteria reach the inside of the tooth.

Common warning signs

• Severe, throbbing tooth pain that may spread to your jaw, ear, or neck
• Pain when you bite or chew
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling in your gums, face, or cheek
• A pimple-like bump on your gum
• A bad taste or bad breath that won't go away
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw

If you have any of these, call a dentist promptly.

When to go to the emergency room

Go to the ER or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or if you have a fever with facial swelling and can't reach a dentist. These can be signs the infection is spreading and needs immediate medical care.

What we do at Laveen Smiles

1. Exam and X-rays to find the source of the infection.
2. Pain relief so you can get comfortable again.
3. A treatment plan based on your tooth. That may be an extraction if the tooth can't be saved, or a root canal with a trusted specialist followed by a same-day crown in our office.

We work to see emergency patients the same day, and you don't need to be an existing patient.

Why you shouldn't wait

Antibiotics can help control an infection, but they don't fix the tooth causing it. Without treatment, the infection can come back or spread. The sooner it's treated, the more likely we can save the tooth and the simpler the treatment.

Tooth pain in Laveen? Call us today

Call Laveen Smiles at (602) 603-5446. If you can't call right now, send us a request and we'll call you back.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for an exam. If you're concerned about a dental or medical emergency, contact a dentist or doctor right away.