Abscesses and Swollen Jaw
An abscess is a swelling in the jaw, tooth or gums. Swelling can signal a number of underlying problems such as cavities, infected root canals, diseased gums, or even a broken jaw. Most cases a dental abscess is an infection at the base of a tooth. It means a pocket of fluid (pus) has formed at the tip of a tooth root in your jawbone. If the infection isn’t treated, more serious infections may spread to the face (facial cellulitis). This makes your face swell. Facial cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues. This is a very serious condition. Once the infection and swelling starts, it can spread quickly.
A dental abscess often starts with a crack or cavity in a tooth. The pain is often made worse by having hot or cold drinks, or biting on hard foods. The pain may spread from the tooth to your ear, or to the area of your jaw on the same side. Contact us immediately if the pain gets worse, spreads to your neck or if you have fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
The dentists will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums to find and treat the cause of your mouth pain. We most likely will prescribe an antibiotic to help fight infection. Once identified we can solve the issue. However, if you are at home and find these symptoms we suggest you go to the emergency room or dial 911.:
- Swelling spreads to the upper half of your face or neck
- Your eyelids start to swell shut
- Abnormal drowsiness
- Headache or a stiff neck
- Weakness or fainting
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
We are standing by and look forward to helping you get the smile you want!
Siesta Dental treats patients from Manatee and Sarasota County: Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Palmetto, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Oneco, Parrish, Bayshore Gardens, Myakka City, Sarasota, North Port, Venice, Englewood, Nokomis, Osprey, Siesta Key, South Venice, and Casey Key.