Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses are pus-filled sacs caused by infection inside a tooth. Abscesses are often painful, but not always. Dental abscesses can cause facial swelling. In rare cases, dental abscesses can cause more widespread infection and may be life threatening.

• Control moderate pain with over-the-counter pain medication. Take this in the usual way and do not apply the medication to the abscess itself
• Use cold compresses to help control swelling
• Gently rinse mouth with warm salt water
• A dental professional or doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection, however, antibiotics will not remove the source of infection
• Call Hobart Place Dental on (02) 6247 9230 for the next available appointment. An abscess will not heal itself, and antibiotics will not fix the problem
• Do not use heat as this will draw the infection to your skin
• Do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth.  This causes soft tissue to burn