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There are many things that can happen to your pet’s teeth.
One particular problem that is quite common is when the last premolar tooth in
the upper jaw develops an abscess or infection. First, open your dog's mouth
and look along the upper row of teeth, toward the back on either side. See the
very large tooth, almost as big as any other two together? That is the 4th
premolar or 'carnasial' tooth. Chances are, if your dog is over 5 years old,
that tooth is stained yellow and covered with plaque or tartar. This tooth has 3
long roots that extend into the surrounding bone. You will notice, if you allow
the mouth to close, that the tooth is right under the cheek bone slightly ahead
of and below the eye on that side. When one or more of the roots of the carnasial tooth become infected, infection easily spreads to the surrounding bone and a pocket of infection develops causing swelling under the skin. The infection may even break through the skin and cause a small draining hole under and slightly in front of the eye. If you see a lima bean sized swelling in the cheek area, or some drainage through the skin, suspect an abscess of that large tooth.
Part of your dog's annual physical examination should include a good look at his teeth. Discuss your dog's oral health with your veterinarian the next time you see him.
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Tooth
Abscesses
Extraction
of that tooth is usually necessary to resolve this problem. This is done while
your dog is under anesthesia. In most cases, the rest of the teeth are examined
for similar problems, and then cleaned and treated appropriately. Antibiotics
will more than likely be prescribed after the extraction. Antibiotics kill the
infection left behind. Following the extraction, dogs are fed soft diets while
the socket heals. Sticks, bones, and other chewable toys should be withheld for
a few days. Most dogs feel so much better following treatment that it becomes
apparent that the tooth was hurting for some time before the abscess even
formed. 
