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What could be done to manage a toothache and acute abscess?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had toothache a week ago, so I took the tablets Ibuprofen and Amoxicillin. Later, I noticed that the right side of my face was swollen because I had an acute abscess. Do I need to consult a dentist first?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Divya Banu M

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have swelling because of an abscess. However, based on the sites involved, it could be cellulitis (inflammation reaching deeper tissues or spaces). Do you have pain, breathing, or swallowing difficulties?

If you have breathing or swallowing difficulties, please visit the emergency department. Is the swelling painful or pitting? This is just for your information, and nothing to be paranoid about. Mostly, it will be an abscess only. Can you please send me a photo of the tooth involved and the swelling of the face?

Secondly, take an IOPA (intraoral periapical radiograph) and send me as soon as possible. I suggest you consult your nearby dentist soon, as the dental abscess will need antibiotic coverage, root canal treatment, or extraction. I suggest you take a Metronidazole tablet for abscess, as you have already taken Amoxicillin for inflammation and infection.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 11, 2022
Reviewed At May 21, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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