Dental Abscess in Calgary: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Emergency Care
Introduction
A toothache is never pleasant, but when pain is paired with swelling, fever, or pus, it may be more than just a cavity — it could be a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, and it is considered a serious dental emergency.
Left untreated, an abscess can spread beyond your tooth to your jaw, face, and even your bloodstream, leading to dangerous health complications. At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary, we treat abscesses quickly and effectively to relieve pain and protect your health.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess occurs when bacteria infect the tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), gums, or bone surrounding the tooth. The body responds by forming pus, which builds up and causes pressure and pain.
Types of Dental Abscesses:
Periapical Abscess: Forms at the tip of the tooth root, usually from untreated cavities.
Periodontal Abscess: Found in the gums, often caused by gum disease.
Gingival Abscess: Occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth or bone.
Warning Signs of a Dental Abscess
Call an emergency dentist right away if you notice:
Severe, throbbing toothache that spreads to jaw, ear, or neck.
Swelling in your face, cheek, or gums.
Fever or general feeling of illness.
Pus, bad taste, or foul odor in your mouth.
Red, swollen gums that are painful to the touch.
Difficulty swallowing, opening your mouth, or breathing.
Why a Dental Abscess Is Dangerous
While pain might bring patients in, the real danger lies in what you can’t see.
Infection can spread to surrounding teeth and bone.
In severe cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream (sepsis), which is life-threatening.
Delay in treatment may lead to tooth loss and costly procedures later.
This is why abscesses are considered one of the most urgent dental emergencies.
What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Abscess
Immediate At-Home Care
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
⚠️ Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. This can spread the infection and make it worse.
Contact an Emergency Dentist
Call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency immediately for same-day treatment.
How Dentists Treat Dental Abscesses
Treatment depends on severity, but may include:
Draining the Abscess: Relieves pressure and removes pus.
Antibiotics: Prescribed if the infection has spread or to prevent further complications.
Root Canal Therapy: Removes infected pulp while saving the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is necessary.
Periodontal Treatment: Cleaning infected gum pockets for abscesses caused by gum disease.
FAQs About Dental Abscesses
1. Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
No. While pain may temporarily lessen, the infection will remain and can worsen.
2. How quickly should I see a dentist?
Immediately. The sooner the abscess is treated, the lower the risk of complications.
3. Can antibiotics alone cure an abscess?
Antibiotics may reduce symptoms temporarily but don’t eliminate the source of infection. Dental treatment is necessary.
Prevention Tips
Brush twice a day and floss daily.
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Address cavities early before they worsen.
Manage gum disease with professional care.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, as cracks can allow bacteria inside.
Why Choose Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary
When you’re in pain and worried about infection, you need care you can trust:
Same-day emergency appointments for abscesses.
Extended hours evenings and weekends.
Gentle, effective treatment to relieve pain quickly.
Experienced team ready to handle complex infections and procedures.
Conclusion
A dental abscess is more than a painful toothache — it’s a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Waiting can put your tooth, and your health, at risk.
➡️ Call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary today if you notice swelling, pus, or severe pain. Relief is just one visit away.
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a general dentist in Calgary and the owner of Inglewood Family Dental Emergency. With over 10 years of private practice experience and a teaching role at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry, he brings both clinical expertise and academic knowledge to every patient interaction.
