Dental Abscess and Swelling in Naperville, IL
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum, and it needs prompt dental care because the infection can spread. Call (630) 716-9399 to be connected with a local dental office and ask about a same-day appointment.
Office hours
- Monday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday
- Emergency only
- Sunday
- Emergency only
What to Do Right Now
These general first aid steps are based on the American Dental Association’s guidance on dental emergencies. They can ease the pain, but they do not treat the infection.
- Rinse gently with warm water.
- Hold a cold compress on your cheek.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, following the label directions.
- Call the same day.
What Not to Do
- Do not try to pop or drain it.
- Do not put aspirin on the gum, because it can burn the tissue.
- Do not wait for it to go away, even if the pain eases, because the infection can remain.
When to Go to the ER Instead
Go to the ER right away if swelling spreads toward your eye, neck, or throat, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or if you have a high fever. If the dental office is closed and the swelling is getting worse, do not wait for it to open; go to the ER. Those signs can mean the infection is spreading.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- swelling that is spreading toward your eye, neck, or throat
- bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- a possible broken jaw
- a head injury
Is a Dental Abscess a Dental Emergency?
A dental abscess is a dental emergency, so call for care the same day. Common signs include:
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling in the gum or face
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- A bad taste or pus
- Fever
If you have tooth pain without swelling or fever, see what to do for a severe toothache.
What to Expect at the Dentist
Expect an exam and usually an x-ray. Treatment to clear the infection may be discussed, such as draining it, a root canal, or a tooth extraction. The dentist decides whether medication is needed.
Call and Office Hours
Call during the office hours shown at the top of this page and ask about a same-day appointment. It helps to say where the swelling is, when it started, and whether you have a fever. The dental office decides scheduling, treatment, and pricing.
Dental Abscess Questions
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No. The pain may ease, but the infection usually remains until a dentist treats it. Call to ask about a same-day appointment, even if you feel better.
Is a swollen face from a tooth an emergency?
Yes. Facial swelling from a tooth needs care the same day, and swelling that spreads toward the eye, neck, or throat needs the ER. Call as soon as you notice the swelling.
Is EmergencyDentistNaperville.com a dental office?
No. It is a referral service that connects your call to a local Naperville dental office.
EmergencyDentistNaperville.com is a referral service operated by Zestacor Digital Marketing, not a dental office. We do not provide dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Calls are connected to a local dental office in Naperville, which decides appointment availability, treatment, and pricing. Read the full Disclosure.