Molar swollen
Swollen molar A swollen molar can result from decay reaching the pulp, a periodontal
The short answer
A swollen molar can result from decay reaching the pulp, a periodontal abscess, gum inflammation, trauma, or an erupting wisdom tooth and needs examination.
Which tissues may be involved in a swollen molar?
Swelling is inflammatory tissue enlargement around a molar, often involving the pulp, periodontal ligament, gum, or cheek-facing soft tissue.
What can you do now about a swollen molar?
Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing the swelling, choose soft foods, and arrange assessment so the cause can be treated.
When does a swollen molar need urgent attention?
Seek urgent care for spreading facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist about a swollen molar?
Ask what is causing the finding, which treatment choices exist, what each step involves, and how to maintain the result.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care replace treatment?
Home care can reduce plaque and irritation, but it cannot repair lost tooth structure, remove calculus, or drain a dental infection.
What does an examination check?
The clinician examines the teeth, gums, bite, and relevant soft tissues, then chooses tests or images according to the finding.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.