By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
A throbbing tooth, swollen gums, or a sudden faceache — dental infections are not just painful, they can be dangerous if left untreated. While many people associate dental care with regular dentist visits, the reality is that some infections require immediate medical attention — and urgent care can play a vital role.A throbbing tooth, swollen gums, or a sudden faceache — dental infections are not just painful, they can be dangerous if left untreated. While many people associate dental care with regular dentist visits, the reality is that some infections require immediate medical attention — and urgent care can play a vital role.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we help patients across Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Irving, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine get rapid relief from dental-related infections and complications. Whether your dentist is unavailable or you’re not sure where to turn, our urgent care center offers fast, affordable treatment — no appointment necessary.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dental infections, including:
- What causes them and what symptoms to watch for
- How to know if your condition is urgent
- What urgent care can (and cannot) do
- Home care tips to ease discomfort
- When to follow up with a dentist
What Is a Dental Infection?
A dental infection, also called a tooth abscess, occurs when bacteria invade the inner pulp of a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue, causing pain, swelling, and pus formation.
These infections can:
- Originate from untreated cavities
- Spread from gum disease (periodontitis)
- Result from dental trauma or cracked teeth
- Appear as swollen, red areas on the gums or face
Left untreated, dental infections can spread to other parts of the body — including the jaw, face, sinuses, or bloodstream — becoming a medical emergency.
Common Types of Dental Infections
Understanding where the infection is coming from helps determine the treatment approach.
🦷 1. Periapical Abscess
- Originates at the tip of the tooth root
- Often due to deep tooth decay or a cracked tooth
- Can lead to pus buildup inside the bone
🦷 2. Periodontal Abscess
- Occurs in the gums, near the side of the tooth
- Often caused by advanced gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
🦷 3. Gingival Abscess
- Localized to the surface gum tissue
- Often the result of injury, food impaction, or poor oral hygiene
Symptoms of a Dental Infection
Dental infections aren’t always obvious at first, but as the infection worsens, symptoms become more intense. Watch for:
- Severe toothache or pressure
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or cheek
- Redness of the gums
- A bad taste in the mouth or foul odor
- Pus drainage near the tooth or gumline
- Fever or chills
- Pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck
- Difficulty chewing, opening the mouth, or swallowing
If you’re experiencing any of the above — especially with fever or facial swelling — don’t wait. Come to AFC Urgent Care Coppell immediately.
When to Visit Urgent Care for a Dental Infection
While dentists treat the root cause, urgent care centers can provide immediate relief when:
- You can’t get a same-day dental appointment
- Your dentist’s office is closed on weekends or holidays
- You need antibiotics fast
- Your pain is escalating, and you’re unsure what’s going on
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we treat:
- Abscess-related swelling and inflammation
- Pain and jaw discomfort
- Early signs of systemic infection
- Fever and malaise related to oral infections
When It’s a Medical Emergency
If a dental infection spreads beyond the tooth and gums, it can affect the jaw, throat, or bloodstream — and become life-threatening.
Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe facial or neck swelling
- High fever (>102°F) with chills
- Confusion or fatigue
- Rapid heart rate or dizziness
While urgent care handles most infections, any sign of systemic spread or airway involvement requires emergency care.
What Can Urgent Care Do for a Dental Infection?
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we offer:
- Evaluation of oral and facial swelling
- Oral or injectable antibiotics
- Pain management (NSAIDs or prescription pain relief)
- Referrals to dental specialists if needed
- Imaging if the infection affects the jaw or sinus areas
We’re not a dental clinic — we don’t do root canals or extractions — but we can stabilize your condition and buy you critical time until you can see a dentist.
What Urgent Care Can’t Do
It’s important to understand the limitations of urgent care for dental issues.
We don’t:
- Perform root canals
- Extract teeth
- Drill or fill cavities
- Fit crowns or bridges
However, for many patients in Lewisville, Carrollton, and Las Colinas, urgent care is the first stop to control the infection and get fast symptom relief — especially when their dental provider is unavailable.
Home Remedies While You Wait
If you’re dealing with a dental infection and can’t get care right away, use these safe, temporary measures to reduce pain and swelling:
🧊 1. Cold Compress
Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
🧴 2. Saltwater Rinse
Mix 1 tsp of salt with warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds. This can ease gum irritation and slow bacterial growth.
💊 3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Use ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to manage pain and inflammation.
🚫 4. Avoid Heat
Don’t apply warm compresses or heating pads to infected areas — this may spread bacteria.
🧼 5. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene
Continue brushing and flossing, but avoid the infected area if it is too painful. Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwashes that may irritate tissue.
How to Prevent Dental Infections
The best way to avoid emergency dental issues is through daily care and regular checkups.
🦷 Dental Prevention Tips:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings
- Treat cavities or cracks promptly
- Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months
- Don’t ignore bleeding or swollen gums
If you’re prone to infections, consider using a therapeutic mouth rinse and an electric toothbrush for deeper cleaning.
Dental Infections in Children
Children in Coppell ISD, Lewisville ISD, and nearby districts can also develop dental infections — especially if they:
- Have untreated cavities
- Experience trauma (falls, sports injuries)
- Have poor brushing habits
Watch for:
- Swelling near baby teeth
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Excessive drooling
- Bad breath or pus at the gumline
At AFC Coppell, we provide urgent care for pediatric infections, and can help stabilize symptoms until your child can be seen by a pediatric dentist.
What About Wisdom Tooth Infections?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are prone to impaction and infection — especially during the late teens and early 20s.
Signs of wisdom tooth infection:
-
Pain at the back of the mouth
- Jaw stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Foul taste or bad breath
- Pus drainage from gums
If your wisdom tooth is impacted or infected, urgent care can:
- Provide pain relief
- Prescribe antibiotics
- Refer you to an oral surgeon for extraction
We regularly see college students home for breaks in Irving, Grapevine, and Las Colinas dealing with these exact issues.
The AFC Coppell Advantage: Fast, Affordable Care When You Need It
Why choose AFC Urgent Care Coppell for dental infections?
✅ Fast Access
- No appointments required
- Open 7 days a week, including evenings
✅ On-Site Diagnostics
- We can assess swelling, temperature, and overall infection signs
✅ Safe and Supportive
- Our medical team can relieve pain, prevent spread, and keep you out of the hospital
✅ Local and Convenient
Serving Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Irving, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine
Don’t Wait on a Dental Infection
Dental infections may start small, but they can become big problems fast. Don’t wait for your dentist to open. Don’t try to “tough it out.”
If you’re in pain, have swelling, or suspect an infection — visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell today. We’ll help you feel better quickly and safely, so you can get back to living — pain-free.
