Suggest Treatment For Severe Swelling In The Jaws

Posted on Wed, 22 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : is an antibiotic enough to cure an abcsessed tooth if it has no decay? I was put on an antibiotic for a possible sinus/ dental abcess due to swelling on left side of face.I have mild sore jaw but no toothache it is not sensitive to cold or hot. there is no cavity.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No antibiotic is for temporary relief

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Infection can be either due to endodontic problem or periodontal problem.

If there is decay in tooth then you need to go for Root Canal treatment or extraction and if its due to gum infection then you need deep scaling with antibiotic coverage. For Sinus problem you need to consult ENT specialist.

Medicines can just give symptomatic relief.
You need to get an IOPAR X-ray done & rule out the cause for proper treatment planning.
Please discuss these with your dentist for further treatment plan.

Hope I've answered your query, feel free to ask further.
Wishing you good health

Kind regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (50 minutes later)

can slight jaw swelling be from any other dental or jaw cause other than abscess?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, oral swelling is mostly related to tooth infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Inflammation always occurs due to infection, which I have already explained.
So you need to go for proper examination with IOPAR X-ray of affected tooth.

Thanks & Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee