Treatments For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection and draining away the pus.
Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, possible treatments include:
- root canal treatment a procedure to remove the abscess from the root of an affected tooth before filling and sealing it
- removing the affected tooth this may be necessary if root canal treatment is not possible
- incision and drainage where a small cut is made in the gum to drain the abscess
Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures.
More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic, where you’re asleep.
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for dental abscesses, but may be used if the infection spreads or is particularly severe.
Parapharyngeal Abscesses And Ludwigs Angina
Parapharyngeal abscesses and Ludwigâs angina can both cause swelling severe enough to obstruct the airways and cause difficulty breathing. Parapharyngeal abscesses require a and needle aspiration to diagnose. Ludwigâs angina is diagnosed by, needle aspiration and X-rays.
Treatment for Ludwigâs angina, parapharyngeal abscess, osteomyelitis, cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis involves drainage of any pus that is present, possibly via surgery and antibiotics and possibly intravenous antibiotics. People affected by Ludwigâs angina, if untreated, may require a tracheostomy to open their airways and thereby help them breathe if the swelling obstructs the windpipe.
What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you do not keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:
- poor oral hygiene plaque can build-up on your teeth if you do not floss and brush your teeth regularly
- consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
- an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
- having a weakened immune system this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy
Recommended Reading: Can H Pylori Be Cured Without Antibiotics
What Are The Best Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can be caused by any number of different types of bacteria. The best antibiotic will be tailored for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Side effects, however, are an important consideration when a dentist or healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic. One in 15 people are allergic to one or more types of antibiotics, and allergic reactions to antibiotics could be life-threatening.
Risk Factors Of An Untreated Dental Abscess

Dental abscesses should be treated promptly or there is a risk for serious complications. If you ignore your tooth infection or wait too long to get treatment, you may experience:
- Tooth loss if the abscessed tooth becomes severely infected or weak, a root canal will not be able to save it. If this is the case, you must get the tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant and dental crown .
- Bone infection leaving the tooth untreated can result in an infection that affects the surrounding facial bones.
- Sinus infections frequent and painful sinus infections and/or oral soft tissue infections can develop as well.
- this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your entire bloodstream becomes infected. A dental abscess can trigger septicemia if left untreated long-term.
- Brain abscess a dental abscess infection can travel to the brain, resulting in another abscess. This is relatively rare but can occur if the infection becomes severe enough. A brain abscess is dangerous and requires a visit to the emergency room or hospital for treatment.
Summary
A tooth abscess is serious and can be life-threatening . It can lead to tooth loss, bone/sinus infections, septicemia , or a brain abscess .
Don’t Miss: Antibiotic Ear Drops For Dogs Pets At Home
Curing Gum Pockets Incl
Gum abscess homeopathic treatment. Throbbing pains in the gums. A number of homeopathic remedies are said to help with abscesses, such as aconite. Cheeks swell because of gum swelling, a boil could also occur in the gums.
The main indicating features for its use are very red, swollen, inflamed, soft, spongy gums that are very sensitive and painful to touch. Psychological issues in gum disease Antibiotic medications are another key part of the standard treatment process for a gum abscess.
Primary closure homoeopathic treatment for abcess Homeopathic treatment for periodontal disease or gum infection, gum abscess, recession is available but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms. An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by suppuration buried in a tissue, an organ, or a confined space, lined by pyogenic membrane.
However, it may take little longer than antibiotics. Role of homeopathy for abscess: Fails to give relief and when suppuration actually commences.
In this case, pus formation is very prominent. Herbal help against gingivitis and. Swelling or boil in the gums.
An abscess frequently develops at the root of teeth. Mercurius solubulis is an excellent homeopathic remedy act like an antibiotic to remove pus from your tooth abscess: Homeopathics for symptoms of gum abscess, in an 89% water, 10% ethanol, 1% sucrose solution:
Pin On Health
Pin On Health
Pin On Natural Pink Eye Cure
Pin On Oils
Dental Procedure To Treat Gum Infection With Antibiotics
First, you will have scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and calculus from under your gum line and along exposed roots. Plaque can develop quickly in these areas.
Scaling and root planing can be somewhat uneasy. Thats because it is designed to eliminate diseased gum tissue along with debris and calculus. Therefore, you will be given a shot to numb the area.
Your dental expert may recommend a specific antiseptic rinse. You can buy some rinses nonprescription. You do not need a prescription for them.
Recommended Reading: Are Antibiotic Eye Drops Over The Counter
What Is The Prognosis For A Dental Abscess
The prognosis is good for resolution of a small dental abscess once it has ruptured or been drained. If the symptoms are improving, it is unlikely that the infection is getting worse. Larger abscesses need immediate medical care, often requiring drainage and antibiotics. Proper follow-up care with a dentist is mandatory for the reassessment of the infection and for taking care of the problem tooth.
- Care might include pulling the tooth or having a root canal performed on it.
- Dental abscesses that have extended to the floor of the mouth or to the neck can threaten a person’s airway and ability to breathe and may be life-threatening unless they are properly drained.
Relieving Pain From A Dental Abscess
While you’re waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain.
Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if you’re unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16.
If 1 painkiller does not relieve the pain, taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the doses shown in the medicine leaflet may help.
This is safe for adults, but not for children under 16.
It may also help to:
- avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
- try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth
- use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth
These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Antibiotic For Cystic Acne
Treating An Abscess At Home
Causes Of Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess usually occurs as a complication of advanced gum disease . With inadequate oral hygiene, bacteria and food debris accumulate on your gums, causing the inflammation of gums and gum bleeding. This is the early stage of gum disease which is known as gingivitis. When gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation may spread to the tooth-supporting tissues , causing periodontitis which is an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone loss, and formation of periodontal pockets between your gums and teeth. These pockets can become infected, causing pain and the formation of a periodontal abscess.
Sometimes, the periodontal abscess may occur secondary to a periapical abscess. This condition is known as combined Endo-Perio lesion. Bacteria enter the tooth pulp through dental caries or crack, causing the death of the pulp and formation of a periapical abscess at the root tip. Then, the infection may spread coronally through the periodontal ligament , causing a periodontal abscess.
Recommended Reading: Broad Spectrum Antibiotics For Fish
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic apple cider vinegar is an excellent disinfectant that reduces pain and swelling associated with a gum abscess.
- Take one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar
- Swish that around in your mouth for about 15 minutes
- Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water
Repeat this process every day until your gum abscess has disappeared.
What Is The Best Medication For A Dental Abscess

Drug treatment for dental abscess focuses on eliminating the infection or relieving pain. Antibiotics for tooth infections are tailored to the type of bacteria causing the infection. Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs can adequately manage pain both before and after treatment.
Best medications for dental abscesses | |
---|---|
Drug Name | |
2 tablets every 4 hours PRN | Stomach pain, stomach upset, dizziness, heart disease, kidney failure |
Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Dosage is determined by your healthcare provider based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
Also Check: Whats The Strongest Antibiotic For Uti
Use Of The Antibiotics For Abscess During Pregnancy
Cefotaxime and Cefoperazone, as well as Jozamycin – as antibiotics for abscess during pregnancy – may be used only if there are strong indications.
Clindamycin is not used in the treatment of pregnant women.
Jozamycin Allowed for use during pregnancy and during breastfeeding after assessing the risk-benefit ratio of treatment.
And data on the teratogenic effects of Doxycycline and Amoxiclav preparations are not available, but Doxycillin is prohibited for long periods of pregnancy.
Complication If Gum Abscess Is Not Treated
If you dont treat the abscess, complications can occur, and some of them can be life-threatening.
- A blood clot at the vein near your brain: When bacteria get into the bloodstream it could form a clot at the large vein located near your brain. Your doctor has to act immediately as it could be fatal if untreated.
- Bone infection. Bacteria from the abscess could travel to the blood and infect the bone near the abscess. It could spread to any bone in the body as the bacteria travels through your blood. The doctor may have to prescribe oral or intravenous antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Dental cyst at the root of your tooth: It may require surgery or antibiotics, or both when the cyst gets infected.
- Mouth infection: When the floor of your mouth gets infected because the bacteria from the abscess spread, it could cause swelling and pain in your neck and under your tongue. In severe cases, you may find it hard to breathe as well. This condition is fatal and requires prompt medical attention.
- Tender cheeks: The bacteria could infect the tissue behind your cheekbones. It is very painful and your doctor may have to prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Read Also: Can You Take Antibiotics For Bv While On Your Period
Complications Of A Gum Abscess
Dont ignore a gum abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the gum tissue and affect surrounding teeth and bones. This can cause increased pain and swelling, and the infection could travel to other parts of your face and body.
In rare cases, a gum infection can travel to the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening complication known as sepsis. symptoms include:
- a temperature above 101F
- difficulty breathing
What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of A Dental Abscess
If the abscess has spread to a superficial area, there is typically tenderness to palpation of the infected area. Dental abscesses may range from mild to severe. They may be associated with no symptoms or with severe symptoms. Depending on a number of factors, the abscess may range from chronic to acute, and stable to rapidly spreading. The infection can in some cases spread beyond the teeth and bone through the bloodstream to other areas of the body where it can damage organs and even be life-threatening.
- For an acute dental abscess that causes substantial pain or swelling, the doctor may incise and drain the abscess and/or try therapy with antibiotics.
- Abscesses that are eminently life-threatening may require hospital admission.
- Pain medication is commonly prescribed until the symptoms can be controlled.
- These initial measures are often necessary to temporarily relieve the signs and symptoms of an acute abscess however, further treatment directed at eliminating the primary source of the infection is necessary to prevent recurrence. The location of this primary source determines the “definitive” treatment options, which may include root canal treatment, periodontal treatment, or extraction of the tooth.
Also Check: Which Probiotic Is Best For Antibiotic Diarrhea
The Periodontium: The Tissues That Surround And Support The Tooth
In order to understand gum abscess, it is important to know the structure of the periodontium, the tissues that surround and support the tooth. The periodontium includes gingiva , periodontal ligament , cementum and alveolar bone.
- Gingiva : it is the part of oral mucosa that covers the upper and lower jaw, and surrounds the teeth. It is the only visible part of the periodontium.
- Periodontal ligament : it is a group of connective tissue fibers that support and attach the tooth to the alveolar bone. Aso, it allows for minor movement of the tooth in its socket without damaging the tooth and surrounding tissues.
- Cementum: it covers the roots of the tooth and attaches the tooth to the alveolar bone by anchoring the periodontal ligament.
- Alveolar bone: it is the bone that supports and holds teeth. Alveolar bone is covered by the gingiva.
Recommended Treatment For Periodontal Abscess
Treatment of periodontal abscess is done in two steps,
- First and foremost is the management of the acute lesion.
- Later on, appropriate treatment of the original and/or residual lesion is done once the acute situation has been controlled.
Drainage of abscess through pocket is usually the first treatment that is given to the patient. It is followed by scaling of the tooth surface, compression and debridement of the soft tissue wall and irrigation with antibiotic solutions. If a foreign body is present in the pocket, it should be removed. Oral hygiene instructions are given to the patient. Systemic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment is started and the patient is recalled for re-assessment within 24-48 hours. Systemic antibiotic treatment for the dental abscess prevents any bacterial spread and serious complications 27-29.
In some cases, however, where the vertical bone loss and deep pockets are present, gingivectomy or periodontal flap procedures are recommended 9. Surgical flaps have also been .. Contents available in the book Contents available in the book Contents available in the book Contents available in the book.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of A Kidney Infection Without Antibiotics
Pain Management And Antibiotics
As abscesses are painful, people may need acetaminophen or to control the pain. Essential oil of cloves has topical anesthetic properties and can be applied to the painful area, although it is very important to maintain strict hygiene while doing this. Home remedies like the above mentioned oil may provide some pain relief, but will not cure an abscess or prevent further infection.
In uncomplicated abscesses, antibiotics may not be necessary.
If the infection is severe or has spread, or if the abscess cannot be drained, antibiotics will be prescribed to help bring the infection under control. Antibiotics commonly prescribed for dental abscesses include:
- Penicillin
- Metronidazole
- Cefoxitin
If the patient is allergic to amoxicillin and/or penicillin, clindamycin may be prescribed. Penicillin is the usual antibiotic used to treat mild or moderate infections. Because antibiotics alone donât always penetrate the abscess very well, the abscess may also be surgically drained.
Most dental abscesses are straightforward to treat and resolve completely after they are drained.