Swelling around a tooth usually means infection. Call and we will see you the same day, Friday to Sunday. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.
Call (215) 357-6241Fri 9–5 · Sat 9–5 · Sun 9–4 Or book onlineIf facial swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing, is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, or comes with a fever, go to the emergency room or call 911. A dental infection that reaches the airway is life threatening. A dental office is the right place for a contained infection, not one that is spreading quickly.
An abscess is a pocket of infection, usually at the root of a tooth or in the gum beside it. It often starts from deep decay, a cracked tooth or gum disease. Common signs include a throbbing toothache, a swollen or tender gum, a pimple-like bump on the gum, a bad taste, swelling in the cheek or jaw, and pain when biting.
An abscess will not clear up on its own. Even if it drains and the pain eases, the source of the infection is still there and can flare up again.
We start with the $99 emergency exam and X-ray to find the source. Treatment depends on the tooth and how far the infection has gone. It may include draining the infection, starting a root canal, or an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. The dentist decides whether a prescription is appropriate for your situation. You get a price before we start.
Swelling often starts as a toothache that was put off. If you are reading this with pain but no swelling yet, it is a good time to call.
Please call (215) 357-6241 before you head over, or use the online booking link, so we can have a chair ready. Every emergency visit starts with a $99 exam and X-ray. The dentist looks at the tooth, explains what is causing the problem in plain language, and quotes any treatment before anything starts. Same-day options in the office include extractions, root canals and temporary restorations. If something needs a specialist or a lab, the goal is to get you comfortable today and set up the next step.
Bring a photo ID, your dental insurance card if you have one, and a list of the medications you take. We are out of network, but our billing coordinator files your claim as a courtesy and can estimate your coverage before treatment. Cherry and CareCredit financing are available, and we take all major cards.
Call (215) 357-6241 Book online
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Go to the emergency room or call 911 instead of calling us if you have any of these:
A dental infection that reaches the airway is life threatening. If you are unsure, go to the hospital.
Yes, it should be seen promptly. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, spreads toward the eye or neck, or comes with a fever, go to the ER or call 911 instead.
Antibiotics alone usually do not remove the source of the infection. The tooth itself needs treatment. The dentist will decide whether a prescription is appropriate.
No. Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek. Heat can make swelling worse.
Call (215) 357-6241 during our hours: Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm. We hold same-day emergency slots.