What are the signs of an infection or abscess following a temporary crown?

Question

I had a temporary crown placed two days ago on the back molar on the right side of my mouth. The gum area directly behind the tooth have been swollen and throbbing ever since, and now going on day three there are two areas that have developed a white “patch”. It’s a holiday weekend and my dentist isn’t calling back so I’m just wondering if I should go to an urgent care for antibiotics? Just not sure if it’s healing from the trauma or becoming infected.

Joy V. Poskozim, DDS · Answer

1) Warm salt water rinses are fantastic for gums.  
2) Can you take Ibuprofen?  Research states taking Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) may help reduce inflammation, therefore reduce pain.  Called "Ibuprofen Therapy", you want to take at least 400mg (2 tabs -- but no more than 4 tabs) every 4-6hrs for 3 days. 
Hopefully these suggestions will help prior to seeing your dentist.  
If you have a zit-like pimple or swelling form on the cheek-side of your gums, that is an abscess and you should go to immediate care.  Good luck!

What are the signs of an infection or abscess following a temporary crown?

Answers (1)