Can a dental abscess go away without treatment?

No. A dental abscess will not resolve on its own. The infection can temporarily feel less painful if the abscess ruptures and drains, but the underlying cause (infected tooth or gum) remains. Without treatment, the infection will return and can spread to the jaw, neck, or other parts of the body.

How do I know if my swollen face is from a dental infection?

Dental swelling is usually on one side of the face, near the jaw or cheek. It often comes with a throbbing toothache, a bad taste in the mouth, sensitivity to hot and cold, and sometimes fever. If you can point to a specific tooth that hurts, a dental infection is likely. We confirm with an exam and X-rays.

Will antibiotics cure a dental abscess?

Antibiotics help control the infection and reduce swelling, but they do not cure the abscess by themselves. The source of the infection, usually inside the tooth or in the gum tissue, needs to be treated directly. That means a root canal, extraction, or drainage procedure. Antibiotics are often used alongside dental treatment, not instead of it.

When should I go to the ER for a dental infection?

Go to the ER if the swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth, if it is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, if you have a high fever with chills, or if you feel generally unwell with confusion or rapid heartbeat. These signs suggest the infection may be spreading and needs immediate medical attention.

How long does it take to treat a dental abscess?

The initial drainage and treatment are done the same day you visit. You will usually start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours as the pressure is relieved and antibiotics take effect. Follow-up treatment (root canal or extraction) may be scheduled once the acute infection is under control.

Dentist examining a patient with facial swelling from a dental abscess

Dental Abscess and Facial Swelling Treatment in Tulsa

A dental abscess is an infection that will not go away on its own. We drain infections, treat the source, and stop the swelling the same day.

539-995-5962

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It forms at the tip of a tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gum tissue beside a tooth (periodontal abscess). Signs include throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw or ear, facial swelling, fever, a bad taste in the mouth, and sensitivity to hot and cold. A dental abscess requires same-day professional treatment. Call 539-995-5962 to be seen today.

Go to the emergency room if:

Swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, swelling is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, you have a high fever with chills, or you feel confused or have a rapid heartbeat. These may indicate a spreading infection.

Signs You Have a Dental Abscess

Not every toothache is an abscess, but these symptoms together point strongly toward an infection:

Throbbing, persistent pain that does not let up and may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck on the same side.
Swelling in the face, cheek, or under the jaw. The skin over the swelling may feel warm to the touch.
Fever. Your body is fighting an infection, and a raised temperature is a common response.
Bad taste or bad breath. If the abscess ruptures, pus drains into the mouth, leaving a foul, salty taste.
Sensitivity to temperature and pressure. The infected tooth may hurt when you eat, drink, or press on it.
Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.

Patient receiving emergency treatment for a dental abscess in Tulsa

What Causes Dental Abscesses?

Untreated cavities. Decay that goes deep enough reaches the pulp chamber where the nerve and blood vessels are. Bacteria colonize the dead or dying tissue, and infection builds up at the root tip. This is the most common path to an abscess.

Cracked or chipped teeth. A fracture gives bacteria a direct route into the inner tooth. Even a small crack can lead to infection if it goes untreated. See our cracked tooth page for details.

Gum disease. Advanced periodontitis creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets and can form a gum abscess.

Failed dental work. An old root canal that was not fully sealed or a crown with a gap underneath can allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth and cause a new infection.

How We Treat a Dental Abscess

The immediate goal is to drain the infection and relieve pressure. This alone often brings significant pain relief.

Incision and drainage. We numb the area and make a small incision to let the pus drain out. Once the pressure is gone, the pain drops dramatically. We clean the area and may place a drain to allow continued drainage.

Antibiotics. We prescribe antibiotics when the infection has spread beyond the immediate area, when there is fever, or when the patient has a weakened immune system. Antibiotics fight the infection systemically while the dental treatment addresses the source.

Root canal. If the tooth can be saved, a root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth. This eliminates the source of infection while preserving the natural tooth.

Extraction. If the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction removes the source of infection entirely. We discuss replacement options once the area has healed.

What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment

Take ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day. This can help draw the infection toward the surface.
Avoid hot and cold foods on the infected side.
Do not try to pop or puncture the abscess yourself. You risk pushing bacteria deeper into the tissue.
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce throbbing.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some dental situations need hospital care, not a dental office. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have: facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, swelling spreading toward your eye or down your neck, uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, or trauma suggesting a broken jaw. For all other dental emergencies, call us at 539-995-5962.

Dental Abscess Questions

Common questions about dental abscesses and facial swelling.

Infection Will Not Wait. Neither Should You.

Call us now for same-day abscess treatment in Tulsa. We will drain the infection and get you out of pain.

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