Dental Abscess? Don’t Wait, It Won’t Heal on Its Own
A dental abscess is a serious bacterial infection that produces a pocket of pus at the root of a tooth or in the gums. It will not clear up by itself and can become dangerous. Call us for urgent treatment.
Call 509-284-8636
A dental abscess is one of the most painful dental emergencies, and one of the most important to treat quickly. It happens when bacteria infect the pulp of a tooth or the surrounding gum, and the body walls off the infection into a pocket of pus.
An abscess will not resolve on its own. Even if the pain temporarily eases, the infection is still there and can spread. Emergency Dentist of Spokane provides prompt treatment to drain the infection, relieve your pain, and protect your health.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
- Severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck.
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums.
- A pimple-like bump on the gum that may leak pus or leave a bad taste.
- Fever and generally feeling unwell.
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold, and pain when chewing.
How a Dental Abscess Is Treated
Treatment depends on the source and severity of the infection. We may drain the abscess to release the pus and relieve pressure, perform a root canal to save the tooth, or extract the tooth if it cannot be saved. Antibiotics are sometimes used alongside these procedures, but antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess, the source of the infection must be dealt with directly.
When an Abscess Becomes a Medical Emergency
A spreading dental infection can be life-threatening. Go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, a high fever, or swelling that is closing your eye or throat. Otherwise, call us urgently for same-day dental treatment.
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Care You Can Trust in Spokane
Emergency Dentist of Spokane is a licensed, insured dental practice serving Spokane and the surrounding communities. The first-aid guidance on this page follows the same principles taught by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Endodontists, and every treatment we recommend is explained and itemized before we begin, so you always know your options and costs up front.
We treat patients of all ages, with or without insurance, and we hold same-day appointments open for genuine emergencies. If you are unsure whether your symptoms need urgent care, call 509-284-8636 and a member of our team will help you decide. You can also read more about our practice or review typical emergency dental costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abscess Symptoms? Call Urgently
A dental abscess needs prompt treatment. Do not wait, phone us now.