General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Tooth pain with a suspected abscess needs a dental appointment as soon as possible. A pharmacy can advise about pain relief, but cannot replace treatment of the tooth.
An abscess does not heal by itself. The dentist examines your mouth and may drain the pus, clean the tooth or recommend another procedure depending on the findings.
Antibiotics are not routine and do not replace treatment of the cause. When necessary, the prescriber combines them with local dental treatment wherever possible and arranges reassessment.
Do not use leftover antibiotics. For pain relief, check contraindications and other medicines with your pharmacist. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are contraindicated when you have a dental abscess.
Fever with facial swelling needs immediate care: a dentist, or an emergency department if unavailable. Immunosuppression or medical instructions for extra vigilance because of chronic illness also require immediate care.
Even if pus drains and pain eases, keep your dental care appointment: infection may remain. If antibiotics are prescribed, attend the reassessment arranged within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment.
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