Saw dentist yesterday & was told my pain was from an abscess. its on my lower left side. gave me amox and we are waiting for approval from ins for a root canal. my face is swollen and numb between my lip and chin today. should i go back asap or wait?

Go Back ASAP: The pressure and toxins from the abscess are affecting the inferior alveolar nerve. That tooth needs to be opened and drained ASAP, insurance or no insurance. Emergencies cannot wait for ins approval, so get necessary treatment started now before the infection spreads or causes permanent damage.

You need to go back : You need to go back immediately to your dentist. Two things need to be done, 1. If the tooth is savable, you need root canal opened and drained. And also if the abscess is fluctuent, It would need incision and drainage. You would need to continue the antibiotics. Once the infection subsides, The root canal can be completed & final restoration with Post & a core build up and a crown can be done.