Dental abscess or swollen face

What it can mean

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria reaching the nerve of a tooth (usually through deep decay or a crack) or the gum around it. Signs include intense throbbing pain, a swollen gum that may look like a pimple, a bad taste, sensitivity to pressure, and — as it spreads — swelling of the cheek, jaw or under the eye, fever and feeling unwell.

An abscess doesn't drain and heal by itself. Antibiotics alone only calm it temporarily; the source — the infected tooth or gum pocket — has to be treated. Left alone, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck and beyond.

How we can help

• Same-day assessment on clinic days — phone us first thing
• Drain the abscess and relieve the pressure and pain
• Treat the cause: root canal therapy, gum treatment or extraction, done in-house