Swollen Gums Emergency Portland

While puffy gums can sometimes result from brushing too hard or food trapped between teeth, severe gum swelling should never be ignored. Swollen gums often indicate an underlying infection that can worsen without treatment. Gum abscesses and dental infections can spread into surrounding tissues, the jaw, and even other areas of the body if left untreated.

At Portland Emergency Dentist, we provide fast dental care for patients dealing with swollen gums and dental infections. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our team is here to help you find relief and treat the underlying cause as quickly as possible.

You may need emergency dental treatment if you experience:

• Severe gum pain or throbbing discomfort
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• A bump or pimple on the gums
• Pus or drainage around a tooth
• Facial, jaw, or cheek swelling
• Bleeding gums that won't stop
• Fever or signs of infection
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Bad taste or bad breath coming from the affected area

If swelling is spreading into your face, neck, or causing difficulty swallowing or breathing, call immediately, as this can be life-threatening.

Swollen gums can happen for many different reasons. Some causes are minor and can be treated at home, while others require immediate attention. Common causes include:

Gum Infections & Abscesses

A gum abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the gum tissue. It often appears as a swollen bump and can cause significant pain, pressure, and tenderness. Gum abscesses typically require professional treatment to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Advanced Gum Disease

Periodontal disease can cause inflammation, bleeding, swelling, and infection within the gums. Without treatment, gum disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.

Tooth Infections

An infected tooth can create swelling in the surrounding gum tissue. In many cases, root canal therapy may be necessary to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria and food debris beneath the gums, leading to painful swelling and infection.

If your swelling is accompanied by severe pain or a bad taste in your mouth, you may need treatment for a dental abscess.

Our emergency dental practice works on identifying the cause of your gum swelling and treating it directly. Swollen gums can cause secondary pain where the underlying issue needs treatment. Your visit will begin with a full exam and may include digital X-rays to detect infection or damage below the surface.

Treatment options may include:

Infection Treatment and Deep Cleaning

If bacteria buildup or gum disease is the cause, we may perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and infection from below the gumline.

Dental Abscess Treatment

If an infection has formed inside the tooth or gums, we will treat it immediately to stop the spread of bacteria, these are dental abscess treatment.

Emergency Root Canal

If the swelling is caused by infection in the tooth, the dentist may need to do an emergency root canal

Tooth Extraction

In some situations where a tooth cannot be saved, an emergency tooth extraction may be nessecary. 

Swelling may also occur after an accident or injury. If you have experienced trauma to your mouth, you may also need care for a knocked out tooth or jaw pain and injury.

Swollen gums can be more than just irritation. They may be a sign of an infection that needs immediate attention. Getting treatment early can help relieve pain and prevent complications.

Our full range of emergency dental treatments is available to help you feel better quickly.

Call today or request an appointment online to get relief from swollen gums in Portland.