Patient education: Dental abscess – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a dental abscess. This is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth. It is caused by an infection. It is also called a "tooth abscess" or "abscessed tooth." Dental abscesses can form in the gums, next to a tooth, or in the end of the root of a tooth.

Your abscess might have been caused by tooth decay, gum disease, a tooth injury, or food getting trapped under your gums.

You might need to have a procedure called a "root canal" or get your tooth pulled. You also need antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to take all the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your dentist and tell them you were in the ED. Make an appointment if you were told to.

●Take all your medicines as instructed.

●Avoid very cold or very hot food and drinks. These can make pain worse.

●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.

●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride.

●Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.

When should I get emergency help?

●Return to the ED if you:

•Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

•Have swelling or pain in your neck or throat

•Cannot open your mouth or eat

•Have trouble breathing

When should I call the doctor or dentist? — 

Call for advice if you have:

●Jaw pain with ear, chest, shoulder, or arm pain

●Very bad pain even after taking pain medicines

●Swelling in your gums or face

●Discharge or pus around the tooth

●A bad taste in your mouth

●A lot of bleeding from your gums

●More pain after having the tooth pulled

●New or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Dental abscess (The Basics)