Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Abscess Treatment in Jarvis
A throbbing tooth, gum pimple or swelling may signal an abscess. Jarvis patients should call our Port Dover office promptly to discuss symptoms and urgent assessment.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsInfection needs attention
An abscess will not resolve by waiting it out.
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection, usually at the tip of a tooth root or in the gum beside a tooth. It may cause a deep, throbbing ache, tenderness when biting, a bad taste, a small bump on the gum or swelling of the face. Sometimes pain eases if the abscess drains, but the infection remains.
If you are in Jarvis and suspect an abscess, call our Port Dover office as soon as possible. The team can discuss your symptoms, how urgently you should be seen and what to do while you wait.
Know the signs
Some symptoms need a dental call, others a hospital.
Common abscess symptoms
Persistent throbbing pain, pain that radiates to the ear or jaw, sensitivity to heat, a tooth that feels raised or tender, a gum boil, swollen glands or a foul taste can all point to infection. Note when the symptoms began, whether they are getting worse and anything that makes them better or worse.
Signs that need emergency care
Swelling that spreads quickly, swelling under the tongue or jaw, a high fever, feeling very unwell, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble breathing or swallowing are warning signs. These need emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for a dental appointment if any of these develop.
While you wait
Comfort measures help, but they are not treatment.
Managing discomfort safely
Rinse gently with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relief if it is safe for you, following the label and any advice from your pharmacist or physician. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek may help with swelling. Keep your head elevated when resting.
What to avoid
Do not apply heat to the face, place aspirin directly on the gum or try to pop a gum boil. Avoid chewing on the affected side. Pain relief may make you feel better, but the infection still needs to be treated by a dentist, even if symptoms ease.
Treatment
The goal is to clear infection and address its cause.
Draining and removing the source
The dentist will examine the area and take X-rays to locate the source. Treatment may involve draining the abscess, root canal treatment to clean the inside of the tooth, or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Gum abscesses may require cleaning of the pocket. The dentist will explain the recommended approach.
Antibiotics and their role
Antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations, particularly when infection is spreading or you have certain health conditions. They are not a substitute for treating the source. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and complete the course unless told otherwise.
Recovery
Follow-through matters after the urgent phase.
Healing after treatment
Some tenderness and swelling may continue for a few days after treatment. Follow the instructions for pain relief, rinsing and eating. If swelling increases, fever develops or pain worsens rather than improves, contact the office promptly. Seek emergency care if breathing or swallowing becomes difficult.
Completing the plan
If a root canal was started, the tooth usually needs a final restoration, often a crown, to protect it. If a tooth was removed, you can discuss replacement options when healing is complete. Keep follow-up appointments, as an incompletely treated tooth can become infected again.
Planning your appointment
Calling from Jarvis about a suspected abscess
Phone our Port Dover office right away and describe your pain, swelling and any fever. The team can discuss urgency and current availability, and advise when emergency care is needed instead.
Have a list of medicines and allergies ready, and mention any health conditions that affect infection or healing.
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
Dental abscess questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can an abscess go away on its own?
No. Symptoms may ease if it drains, but the infection usually remains and can return or spread. A dentist needs to treat the source of the infection, through root canal, drainage or extraction.
Will antibiotics cure an abscess?
Antibiotics can help control spreading infection in some cases, but they do not remove the source. Dental treatment is still needed to resolve the problem.
Is an abscess an emergency?
It needs prompt dental attention. It becomes a medical emergency if swelling spreads rapidly, fever is high, or breathing or swallowing becomes difficult. In those cases, call 911 or go to a hospital.
Can I save the tooth?
Often, yes, with root canal treatment followed by a restoration. Some teeth are too damaged to save. The dentist will assess the tooth and explain your options.
Why did my pain suddenly stop?
Pain sometimes eases when an abscess drains or the nerve dies, but the infection may still be present. Keep your appointment so the tooth can be properly assessed and treated.
Related infection care
Dental Emergencies →Root Canal Treatment →
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp so a tooth can be kept. Jarvis patients can learn about symptoms, the procedure and recovery at our Port Dover office.
Facial Swelling and Dental Infection Care →
Swelling in the cheek, jaw or gums can signal a dental infection. Jarvis patients can learn which signs need a hospital now and when to call our Port Dover office.