I have an abscess or a swollen cheek: what should I do?
Contact the practice promptly. If you have a fever, swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the hospital emergency department without delay.
Dental emergencies
A dental abscess is an infection that usually develops around a tooth whose nerve is affected, or in the gum. It shows up as pain, sometimes throbbing, swelling of the gum or cheek, and sometimes an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
While you wait for your appointment, you can apply something cold to the cheek for short periods and keep up careful hygiene. Do not apply heat, do not burst the abscess yourself and do not take antibiotics without medical advice.
The dentist examines the tooth, takes an X-ray and starts the appropriate treatment, which may combine drainage, treatment of the tooth and, if necessary, a prescription.
Some signs require immediate care: fever, swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or bleeding that will not stop. In these situations, go to the hospital emergency department without delay.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- I have broken a tooth: what should I do?
- A tooth has come out after a knock: what should I do?
- My crown or filling has come out: what should I do?
- My temporary crown has come off: is it serious?
- I am still in pain several days after an extraction: is that normal?
- I have severe toothache at night: how can I relieve it?
- The treatment in detail : Dental emergency
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions