Dental abscesses are infections that affect the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. They occur when bacteria enter the soft tissues of the mouth, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

The chosen solution to treat dental abscesses depends on the severity of the infection and the affected area.

What is Drainage?

Drainage of the abscess is a common practice for dental abscesses.

This procedure helps to eliminate the infection and alleviate the resulting pain and swelling. Drainage can be performed by a dentist or a doctor.

The dentist may use a sterile syringe to create a small hole in the tooth or gum to allow the pus to drain. They may also use a needle to pierce the tooth or gum. In some cases, a larger incision may be necessary to drain the abscess.

It is important to reduce the pressure of the abscess by draining the infected area. If the pressure is not relieved, it can spread and cause more serious complications.

If the abscess is causing pain and swelling, drainage can reduce these symptoms within a few hours or days.

The drainage of the abscess may be followed by a cleaning of the infected area to remove all bacteria and debris. In some cases, drainage may be the only necessary treatment if the infection is minor and has not caused significant damage to the tooth or gum.

However, if the situation persists, additional action, such as a root canal treatment or tooth extraction, may be necessary to completely eliminate the infection. 

Are Antibiotics Automatic?

Antibiotics are a common medication option for dental abscesses.

They are used to treat the infection that is causing the abscess and to prevent it from spreading in the body. They can also help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

The choice of medication will depend on the severity of the infection, the patient's overall health, and any known allergies. The most commonly used antibiotics for treating the infection are penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin.

It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by the dentist or doctor. It is also important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms have disappeared before finishing.

If the treatment is not taken correctly, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future treatment more difficult.

Antibiotics can also have side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions

Dental Cleaning

Dental cleaning is an important step in the treatment of an abscess.

It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a dentist for a professional dental cleaning. They will use specialized tools to remove dental plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have accumulated on the teeth and gums.

Cleaning may also include a scaling treatment, which involves removing the tartar that has accumulated under the gum line. Tartar is a buildup of dental plaque that has hardened on the surface of the teeth and under the gum line. If tartar is not removed, it can damage the gums, known as periodontal disease. This disease can, in turn, cause an abscess.

Dental cleaning is also important for preventing future infections and cavities. Dentists generally recommend professional cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health. In the case of an abscess, more frequent cleanings may be recommended to prevent any recurrence of the infection.

It is important to note that dental cleaning will not cure an existing abscess, but it can help prevent future complications and aid in the healing of the current abscess by removing the bacteria that caused the infection. Dental cleaning is often combined with other treatments to effectively treat a dental abscess.

Treating a Dental Cavity

Dental cavities are a common condition that can be a cause of a dental abscess if not treated.

Bacteria in dental plaque attack the enamel of the teeth, creating a cavity that can spread into the tooth until it reaches the dental pulp. If the infection reaches the dental pulp, it can spread to the jawbone and cause an abscess.

Prompt treatment can help prevent a new infection. Treatment options include placing a filling or performing a restoration. In more severe cases, a dental crown may be necessary to protect the tooth.

To place a filling or perform a restoration, the dentist must first remove the decay from the tooth. Once removed, they fill the cavity with a filling material, usually amalgam or composite resin.

In some cases, a dental crown may be necessary to protect the tooth. A crown is a prosthesis that entirely covers the tooth. It is often used to protect a tooth weakened by decay or a fracture.

It is important to treat the tooth as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing a dental abscess. Dental hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice a day with Y-Brush and regularly using dental floss, can help prevent complications.

Additionally, regular dental exams can help detect any dental problem before it becomes a major issue.

Treat the Underlying Diseases

Treating periodontal disease is also important to prevent abscesses.

This condition is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the jawbone. If left untreated, it can lead to dental abscesses, tooth loss, and other health problems.

Treating the disease may include a professional dental cleaning to remove dental plaque and bacteria under the gum line, laser treatment to kill bacteria and stimulate tissue healing, or surgery to remove infected areas and regenerate healthy tissues.

It is important to treat the condition as early as possible to avoid complications and abscesses.

Last Resorts

Tooth extraction is a last resort solution for a dental abscess, but it may be necessary in the most severe cases.

If the tooth is too damaged to be saved or if the infection is too extensive, tooth extraction may be the best option to relieve pain and prevent further infection. After the tooth is extracted, the dentist may recommend a tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge or dental implant.