Toothache and swelling cheek

Toothache with cheek swelling can indicate infection around a tooth and needs prompt dental assessment, especially with fever or spreading swelling.

The swelling may come from an abscess in the pulp or root tissues, inflamed gum around a partially erupted tooth, or infection in a damaged tooth. The cheek enlarges when inflammatory fluid spreads into nearby soft tissue.

Arrange an urgent dental examination. A dentist may inspect the tooth, test its response to cold or tapping, examine the gum, and take a dental radiograph before draining an abscess, treating the root canal, or removing a non-restorable tooth.

Seek same-day care for facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening pain, or difficulty opening the mouth. Go to emergency medical care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, or spreads toward the eye or neck.

Ask which tooth or tissue is causing the swelling, whether the pulp and bone are involved, and whether drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, or another procedure is needed. Ask how to monitor the swelling while treatment is arranged.