Identifying a dental abscess early is critical for preventing the spread of infection. You can typically recognize an abscess by a severe, persistent, and throbbing toothache that may radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck. This pain is often intense enough to keep you awake at night.

Other common signs that you may have a dental abscess include:

• Visible Swelling: You might notice swelling in your face, cheek, or gums. A small, pus-filled pimple (often called a gum boil) may appear on the gum tissue.
• Sensitivity and Taste: Your tooth may be highly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or pressure when chewing. If the abscess ruptures, you might experience a sudden foul taste or odor in your mouth from the draining fluid.
• Systemic Symptoms: You may develop a fever, feel generally unwell, or notice tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw.

It is important to understand that a tooth abscess will not go away on its own. We treat each patient as we would our own family, and we urge you to seek immediate care if you experience emergency signs such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or high fever, as these indicate the infection may be spreading. At our Squamish clinic, we provide complete dental care all under one roof to diagnose the stage of infection and provide relief through personalized dental solutions like root canals or extractions.

• Tooth Abscess Symptoms and Treatment: Essential Guide