Questions to ask the patient if there is pain / infection
• Is there pain ? Swelling ? Both ?
• How severe is the pain / swelling ?
• Is it limited to just around the gums ?
• Does it appear extraorally ? How large is the swelling ?
• Is the swelling indurated ( firm ) or fluctuant ( water in a bag feeling )?
• Is there any purulence present ?
• When did pain / swelling begin ?
• Has the pain / swelling changed ? If the pain / swelling has changed , what time frame did it occur in ?
• Is the patient having any difficulty talking , breathing , swallowing , or opening ?