Get urgent help when needed. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or serious head or jaw injury. Dental Shield is not an emergency service.
What the appointment may involve
Care may involve drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, and medication when clinically appropriate.
Good to know before choosing care
Facial or neck swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening symptoms need immediate emergency evaluation.
Questions worth asking a practice
- What exam or records are needed before confirming that dental abscess care is appropriate?
- What alternatives, material choices, risks, and likely follow-up should I consider?
- Who will perform the procedure, and does my situation call for a specialist?
- What does the estimate include, and how will insurance benefits or financing be verified?