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A 18-year-old female asked:

My mom has an abcessed tooth and extremely swollen. the dentist told us to head to the er if anymore swelling occurs, should we go?

3 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arnold Malerman
Orthodontics 55 years experience
ER not best: Many er's do not have dentist or oral surgeon at the er. Best solution is to see an oral surgeon asap. That's what oral surgeons do, they treat abscessed teeth.
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Dr. Sandra Eleczko
A Verified Doctoranswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Tooth abcess : If the swelling is causing your mom to have difficulty swallowing or breathing then you should go to er. If you have hospital with a dental department then this would be the best one to go to. Many hospitals do not have dentists. If you can call ahead and make sure there is an oral surgeon or dentist there this would be best.
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Dr. Nishan Odabashian
Endodontics 32 years experience
You should go regardless, or call an endodontist, or an oral surgeon. Once an infection penetrates the fascia (the layer of tissue that holds the muscles to bone) it can spread quickly to create a dangerous situation that would require hospitalization or worse.
Jan 25, 2014
Dr. William Jakavick
39 years experience
Swelling: Your mom should be on antibiotics as it sounds like she has a pretty large infection. She may be able to save her tooth with a root canal and post core and crown, but she needs to treat the infection first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 26, 2018

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