Emergency Dentistry
I Think I Have a Dental Abscess. What Should I Do?
Swelling can become serious quickly, so dental infection symptoms deserve direct guidance.
Quick Take
A dental abscess or swelling can become serious. Call first for dental triage, and go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, major trauma, or a medical emergency.
I have swelling or a possible abscess. What should I do right now?
Call Elm Ridge and describe the swelling location, fever, drainage, pain level, and whether swallowing or breathing is affected. Do not try to drain swelling yourself.
Can this wait?
Swelling should not be treated casually. Rapidly spreading swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or swelling near the eye needs urgent medical attention.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, or any medical emergency.
What can Elm Ridge do?
Elm Ridge can diagnose whether the source is tooth-related and discuss root canal treatment, extraction, drainage when appropriate, medication when indicated, or referral.
What might the treatment involve?
Abscess treatment may include X-rays or CBCT, antibiotics when appropriate, root canal treatment, extraction, or staged treatment after infection control.
Why antibiotics are not the whole fix
Medication can be appropriate in some infections, but the source usually still needs dental treatment such as root canal treatment or extraction.
Will insurance apply?
Emergency exam, X-ray, and triage commonly range from $150-$350 for emergency exam, X-rays, and triage; treatment is separate. Treatment such as a filling, crown, root canal, extraction, medication, or follow-up care is separate. We can estimate benefits, but final payment is determined by the insurance company.
Related Questions Patients Ask
Root canals
One way to treat infection when the tooth can be saved.
Tooth extractions
When the tooth cannot be predictably saved.
Emergency dentist
How Elm Ridge handles urgent dental calls.
Related Care
Emergency FAQ
Antibiotics may help control infection in some situations, but dental treatment is usually needed to address the source.
Go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, or a medical emergency.
No. Drainage may reduce pressure, but the source still needs evaluation.
Call first for urgent dental problems
Same-day care is offered when the schedule allows, but calling is the best way to get triaged.