Dental Abscess & Infection
Swelling, throbbing pain, or a bad taste in your mouth? A dental infection needs attention today — call us now.
A dental abscess is an infection that has built up around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue beside it. It usually shows up as a throbbing ache that will not quit, swelling in your jaw or cheek, a bad taste that lingers no matter how many times you rinse, or a small bump on your gum that looks like a pimple. If any of those sound familiar, call us at 540-586-8080. This is not something to wait out over the weekend.
Infections in your mouth do not get better on their own, and they can spread. What starts as pressure around one tooth can move into the bone, into the soft tissue of your neck, or — in rare but serious cases — into your bloodstream. That is not meant to frighten you. It is meant to explain why we take these calls seriously and make room to see you the same day whenever possible.
When you come in, Dr. Maharaj will examine the area, take a quick X-ray, and figure out exactly where the infection is and what caused it — usually a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or an old filling that has failed. You will hear what is going on in plain language and what your options look like. The first priority is getting you out of pain and draining the infection if it needs to be drained.
Treatment depends on the situation. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed to bring the infection under control before any dental work can begin. Sometimes a root canal can save the tooth by clearing out the infected tissue inside it. In other cases, the tooth may need to come out. You will know what Dr. Maharaj recommends, why, and what each path means for you — with no pressure to decide on the spot.
If you are not sure whether what you are feeling counts as an emergency, call anyway. Our team can ask a few questions over the phone and help you figure out whether you need to come in right away or whether it can wait until your next available appointment. When it comes to infections, it is always better to call and find out than to sit at home in Bedford or Forest hoping the swelling goes down.
While you wait for your appointment, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label. Avoid very hot or cold food on that side, and do not try to pop or squeeze any swelling. We will take it from there when you get here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a dental abscess?
The most common signs are a persistent, throbbing toothache that may radiate to your jaw or ear, swelling in your face or cheek, a bad or salty taste in your mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold, and sometimes a small pimple-like bump on your gum. If you have a fever along with any of these, call us right away.
Can a dental abscess go away without treatment?
No. The pain may come and go, but the infection itself will not resolve on its own. Leaving it untreated gives it time to spread to surrounding bone and tissue, which can turn a treatable problem into a much bigger one. The sooner you come in, the simpler the fix.
Will I need antibiotics for a dental infection?
Sometimes. If the infection has spread beyond the immediate area of the tooth, Dr. Maharaj may prescribe an antibiotic to help bring it under control. But antibiotics alone will not solve the problem — the source of the infection still needs to be treated, whether that means a root canal, drainage, or extraction.
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