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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Abscess Treatment in Hillcrest
Throbbing pain, a gum pimple or swelling may signal a dental abscess. Hillcrest patients should call our Port Dover office promptly for an assessment.
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An abscess will not clear up by being ignored.
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually at the tip of a tooth root or in the gum beside a tooth. It can cause throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever or a small bump on the gum that drains. Sometimes the pain eases when pus escapes, but the infection is still there and can spread if it is not treated.
If you are in Hillcrest and suspect an abscess, call our Port Dover office as soon as you can. The team will ask about your symptoms to judge how urgent things are, give advice for the meantime and arrange an assessment so the source of infection can be found and treated properly.
Recognizing it
Know which symptoms call for faster action.
Common symptoms
Persistent throbbing toothache, pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gum or face, a pimple-like bump on the gum, a foul taste and tender glands under the jaw are common signs. Some people also feel generally unwell or feverish. Note when the symptoms began and whether they are getting worse, because that helps the team gauge urgency when you call.
Signs that need emergency care
Swelling that spreads toward the eye or down into the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, trouble opening the mouth, high fever or feeling very unwell can mean a serious spreading infection. These situations require emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for a dental appointment, an email reply or a callback, and do not try to manage them at home.
Assessment
The dentist works to locate where the infection began.
Examination and X-rays
The dentist examines the swollen area, tests nearby teeth for sensitivity and tenderness and usually takes X-rays to look for infection at the root tip or loss of surrounding bone. They will also ask about your medical history, medications and allergies. That information helps determine the safest, most effective way to manage the infection for you specifically.
Understanding the type of abscess
Abscesses can start inside a tooth whose nerve has died, often because of deep decay, a crack or an old injury, or in the gum tissue next to a tooth. The location affects how it is treated. Ask the dentist to explain where the infection appears to be coming from and what that means for the long-term outlook of the tooth.
Treatment
Resolving an abscess means treating its cause.
Removing the source
Treatment may involve draining the abscess, cleaning the infected area and dealing with the tooth itself. Root canal treatment can often save a tooth with an infected nerve, while a gum abscess may need thorough deep cleaning. If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. The dentist will explain each option and what result you can reasonably expect.
The role of antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations, such as a spreading infection or fever, but they rarely cure an abscess on their own. Without treatment of the source, the infection is likely to return. Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed, finish it as instructed and tell the dentist if your symptoms are not improving as expected.
Recovery
Follow-up helps confirm the infection has cleared.
The first few days
After treatment some tenderness is common. Follow the instructions you are given for pain relief, rinsing and eating, and expect swelling to reduce gradually over several days. Contact the office if pain worsens, swelling increases, a fever develops or you have concerns about your medication. Seek emergency medical care for any difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Completing the treatment plan
If a root canal was started, a permanent restoration such as a crown is often needed to protect the tooth from cracking. If a tooth was removed, discuss replacement options once healing is complete. Attend your follow-up visits, even if you feel better, so the dentist can confirm the infection has resolved and the area is healing well.
Planning your appointment
Call promptly from Hillcrest.
Phone our Port Dover office as soon as you notice abscess symptoms. Describe any swelling, pain and fever so the team can judge urgency and arrange the earliest appropriate assessment, or direct you to emergency care if warning signs are present.
Have a list of medications and allergies ready, and mention any medical conditions that affect healing or your risk of infection.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Abscess questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can an abscess go away by itself?
Pain may ease if the abscess drains on its own, but the infection usually remains in the tooth or gum. Without treatment it can spread or flare up again later. A dental assessment is needed to treat the source and reduce the risk of complications.
Should I take leftover antibiotics?
No. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else or left over from a previous illness. Contact the office for advice instead. The dentist will decide whether antibiotics are appropriate alongside treatment of the infected tooth or gum.
Is a pimple on my gum an abscess?
A small bump that drains pus is often a sign of infection beneath it. It may not hurt, but it still needs to be examined, since the underlying problem will not resolve on its own. The dentist can find the source and recommend treatment.
Can I put heat on the swelling?
Heat is generally not recommended, because it may encourage swelling to spread. A cold compress on the outside of the face may provide some comfort. Seek emergency care right away if swelling spreads or affects your breathing or swallowing.
Will I lose the tooth?
Many infected teeth can be saved with root canal treatment followed by a suitable restoration. Some are too badly damaged and need to be removed. The dentist will assess the tooth and explain the options and likely outcomes in plain terms.
Care connected to dental infections
Dental Emergencies →Root Canal Treatment →
Root canal treatment can save a tooth with an infected or inflamed nerve. Hillcrest patients can learn what happens before, during and after it in Port Dover.
Facial Swelling and Dental Infection Care →
Swelling in the face or jaw can mean a dental infection that needs prompt care. Hillcrest residents can learn the warning signs and when to go to hospital.