Medical content reviewed on 4 August 2026.
Less pain does not mean the infection has resolved. A dental professional must assess and treat the source.
Triage table
| Situation | Urgency | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Local pain without swelling or fever | Prompt dental visit | Call a dentist and monitor |
| Facial swelling, fever, illness or limited mouth opening | Same-day dental emergency | Request immediate assessment |
| Difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing; major or eye-area swelling | Immediate medical emergency | Contact local emergency services |
Do not
- pierce the swelling;
- place aspirin on the gum;
- reuse old antibiotics;
- delay care because pain improves.
Professional treatment
Depending on the cause, drainage, root-canal treatment or extraction may be needed. Antibiotics do not replace treatment of the local source.