What a dental abscess is
An abscess is a pocket of infection, usually caused by untreated decay, a cracked tooth, or gum disease. It often shows up as a persistent, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, a swollen or tender area of gum, and sometimes a visible bump that may drain on its own.
Resolves on its ownNo
Fever + facial swellingUrgent
Antibiotics aloneNot a cure
Why it needs treatment, not just antibiotics
Antibiotics can help control the infection short-term, but they don't remove its source. An abscess almost always needs a dental procedure — draining it, a root canal, or in some cases an extraction — to actually resolve.
Go to an emergency room if…
These are signs the infection may be spreading beyond the tooth.
Swelling is spreading toward your eye or down your neck
You have a high fever alongside the swelling
You're having trouble swallowing or breathing
You feel generally very unwell, not just in pain
Otherwise: see a dentist as soon as possible
If none of those warning signs apply, a same-day or next-available emergency dental visit is the right move — the sooner the source is treated, the sooner the pain and swelling resolve.