Dental Abscess

Urgent care can provide immediate infection management, pain relief, and antibiotic prescriptions to control the bacterial infection and prevent complications. However, definitive treatment requires a dentist to drain the abscess and address the underlying cause through procedures like root canal therapy or extraction. We serve as a critical bridge, managing the acute infection while coordinating your dental follow-up. According to the American Dental Association, prompt antibiotic treatment combined with dental intervention provides the best outcomes.

Most patients notice improvement in pain and swelling within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics. However, you should begin feeling some relief from prescribed pain medications much sooner. It's crucial to understand that antibiotics control the infection but don't cure the abscess - you still need dental treatment to remove the source of infection. Complete your full antibiotic course even if symptoms improve to prevent antibiotic resistance and infection recurrence.

A dental abscess becomes a medical emergency if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial swelling, high fever, confusion, or rapid symptom progression. These signs may indicate the infection is spreading to deeper tissues or your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening. For typical abscess symptoms like localized pain and swelling, urgent care is appropriate. We evaluate every patient for warning signs of serious complications and provide immediate emergency referral when needed.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications and allergies, and any recent dental records if available. If you've taken any pain relievers or antibiotics, note when and how much. This information helps our medical providers create the safest, most effective treatment plan and avoid potential drug interactions.

No, a dental abscess will not resolve without professional treatment. While an abscess may spontaneously rupture and temporarily relieve pressure, the underlying infection remains and will continue to spread. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated dental abscesses can lead to serious complications including sepsis, Ludwig's angina, brain abscess, or endocarditis. Prompt medical and dental treatment is essential for complete resolution and prevention of life-threatening complications.

No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. Dental abscesses require prompt attention, and our walk-in model ensures you receive care when you need it most without delay.

Yes, our medical providers can prescribe appropriate pain medications based on your pain level and medical history. We follow evidence-based protocols to provide effective pain relief while ensuring patient safety. Pain management is a critical component of abscess care, as severe dental pain significantly impacts quality of life and can indicate serious infection.

We understand dental care costs can be challenging. Our team can provide information about local dental clinics offering sliding-scale fees, dental schools with reduced-cost services, and community health centers. Some dentists offer payment plans for emergency procedures. However, dental treatment cannot be delayed indefinitely - an untreated abscess poses serious health risks. We'll work with you to identify accessible dental care options in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.