Dental abscesses are severe dental infections. They hurt, they swell up your face, and they can be scary to look at. If you wake up with a swollen jaw or gums, you’re probably panicking and wondering how fast you need to see a dentist.
Here’s the bottom line: don’t wait. Call your dentist right away. Dental abscesses aren’t something to ignore—if you delay the treatment, things go downhill fast. The infection can worsen, damage your teeth, and even spread bacteria throughout your body. In this post, we’ll talk about why you need to act fast and what to do as soon as you notice swelling or pain from an abscess.
What is a dental abscess?
It’s a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually hiding in your gums or jawbone. Most of the time, it surfaces because of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. The pain can feel throbbing, sometimes sharp, and you might notice you’re extra sensitive to hot or cold. Swelling is common, and sometimes you’ll get a fever or swollen lymph nodes, too.
Once you see swelling, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist in Peabody. It indicates the infection is spreading, and you need to take action to stop it. Letting it go too long can land you in even more trouble, like sepsis, which gets dangerous fast.
How fast do you need to see an emergency dentist?
If you’ve got swelling or tender gums, don’t wait. Abscesses don’t clear up on their own—if you ignore them, you’re just giving the infection more time to cause damage. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of avoiding bigger health problems.
Here’s why you need to act now:
- The infection can spread. The longer you wait, the higher the risk it moves into your jaw or even other parts of your body.
- You’ll get relief faster. Early treatment means less pain and swelling, and you can get back to feeling normal sooner.
- You could avoid extensive procedures. Treating it right away might save you from needing a root canal or even losing the tooth.
What’ll happen at your appointment?
Your dentist will usually drain the abscess to remove the pus and relieve pressure. They’ll probably prescribe antibiotics to fix the infection. Depending on how bad things are, you might need a root canal, or in some cases, the tooth might have to come out. An X-ray helps your dentist see if the infection has spread into the bone, so they know what to do next.
After your treatment, follow your dentist’s instructions. You might need to finish a course of antibiotics, and over-the-counter painkillers can help with any lingering soreness. Don’t skip your follow-up appointments—they’re important to ensure the infection is gone and everything’s healing as it should.
If you’re still dealing with pain or the abscess isn’t draining, call Miel Dental Aesthetics right away. We’re here to help you get back to a healthy, pain-free smile.
FAQs
- Can I treat a dental abscess at home?
While you can manage the pain temporarily with warm salt water rinses or over-the-counter painkillers, a dental abscess requires professional treatment. Delaying care can lead to serious complications. - Is a dental abscess an emergency?
Yes, a dental abscess is considered a dental emergency. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice swelling, pain, or other symptoms. - What causes a dental abscess?
Dental abscesses are caused by untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to enter and infect the tissue. - Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
No, dental abscesses will not go away on their own and require professional dental intervention to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading. - How can I prevent dental abscesses?
The best way to prevent a dental abscess is to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
