Dental abscess without visible gum swelling? *pic included*

[Michelle R]

Hello,

I was wondering if it were possible to have a dental abscess without any visible gum swelling? I went to the ER last night because I was in severe pain, had a low grade fever 99.0, and have swelling in my right jaw and under my neck.

The doctor looked in and said she didn't see any visible abscess nor swelling around the gumline, but my gland underneath the infected tooth was swollen. I was prescribed antibiotics, a mouth rise and pain meds and sent home with an order to contact my dentist. I have an appointment to see my dentist this coming Monday.

Should I be worried? Or maybe there is an abscess at the root area which can not be seen with the naked eye?

EDIT: P.S. I have included a picture of the swelling under my neck.



Thank you for your help,

Michelle

 

[patient]

Re: Dental abscess without visible gum swelling?

Hello,

I was wondering if it were possible to have a dental abscess without any visible gum swelling? I went to the ER last night because I was in severe pain, had a low grade fever 99.0, and have swelling in my right jaw and under my neck.

The doctor looked in and said she didn't see any visible abscess nor swelling around the gumline, but my gland underneath the infected tooth was swollen. I was prescribed antibiotics, a mouth rise and pain meds and sent home with an order to contact my dentist. I have an appointment to see my dentist this coming Monday.

Should I be worried? Or maybe there is an abscess at the root area which can not be seen with the naked eye?

Thank you for your help,

Michelle

I have just recovered from an abscess with swelling. However, I have had an abscess with no swelling before. To accurately determine what the situation is, you need an xray from the dentist and then you will get the appropriate treatment. I needed root canal. Good luck Do let us know how you get on.

 

[Michelle R]

Re: Dental abscess without visible gum swelling?

I have just recovered from an abscess with swelling. However, I have had an abscess with no swelling before. To accurately determine what the situation is, you need an xray from the dentist and then you will get the appropriate treatment. I needed root canal. Good luck Do let us know how you get on.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I am most concerned with the swelling under my chin and throat. The right side of my throat feels swollen and congested My fever is gone and I'm taking my antibiotics every 6 hours until I can get to the dentist tomorrow.

 

[patient]

Re: Dental abscess without visible gum swelling?

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I am most concerned with the swelling under my chin and throat. The right side of my throat feels swollen and congested My fever is gone and I'm taking my antibiotics every 6 hours until I can get to the dentist tomorrow.

Good that you are going to the dentist. I was going to say if the swelling increases go to hospital at once.

 

[Michelle R]

Re: Dental abscess without visible gum swelling?

Good that you are going to the dentist. I was going to say if the swelling increases go to hospital at once.

Went to my dentist who sent me straight to the E.R. because was concerned about it being dangerous and swelling blocking my airway. E.R. docs were not concerned, because the swelling wasn't really spread out, just localized to one spot. So they did a CT with contrast and told me it was a swollen lymph gland right underneath the infected tooth.

He said I need to get the tooth out ASAP.