What is an abscess?
A dental abscess is an infection that causes pus to gather inside the tooth or gum. Dental abscesses are usually uncomfortable, causing several problems, including tooth sensitivity, pain and swelling in the affected area, and trouble with moving the jaw, which can impact talking and eating.
Dental abscesses can begin to form and build up when there is disease or decayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure. in the tooth’s pulpConnective tissue containing blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth.. In some instances, trauma to the mouth can damage the teeth or gums, which then develops into an abscess.
How can I treat an abscessed tooth?
The most important step in treating a tooth with an abscess is to make sure it is professionally treated. Dental abscesses do not disappear with the use of home remedies. To ensure your long-term safety and to preserve the natural tooth, you will need to have it taken care of by your dentist.
The Process of Treatment
The first step in the process is to make sure the area is properly assessed. The dentist will likely perform an oral exam and, if necessary, they’ll perform an X-ray to accurately pinpoint where the problem lies. The area will then be numbed using local anaesthetic, which doesn’t impair your ability to do things; it will just reduce the feeling in the area to make the treatment comfortable.
Depending on the area and severity of the case, the dentist will take a few different approaches to tackle an abscess, such as:
- Draining the dental abscess –
The dentist will start by drilling a small hole into the tooth or by making a small cut in the gums to drain the pus. For some patients, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection and prevent another abscess. This is usually done to alleviate any immediate pain and to reduce swelling. Further treatment is often required to prevent recurrent abscesses.
- Performing a Root CanalThe portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp. –
A root canal treatment is often recommended when the nerve in the tooth is irreparably affected. This can be due to many reasons, but a common one is when the tooth is heavily decayed and has reached the nerve. This procedure allows a patient to keep their natural tooth.
The tooth is first carefully cleaned and treated, and the dentist will then fill the tooth and seal it. Often, a crownSimple crown procedure utilizing a porcelain crown fused to non-precious metal and not involving complicated prep. is advised to help protect the tooth further
- Extracting the tooth –
If the abscess is severe and the tooth can no longer be treated, the dentist may recommend removal. The process is done using a local anaesthetic, so the process is pain-free and can be performed whilst you’re awake in less than 20 minutes.
Ways to ease symptoms of an abscessed tooth at home
Whilst you wait for your dentist appointment for your tooth, you can manage your symptoms in a couple of ways:
- Take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the discomfort.
- If you can, try to avoid eating on the side of your mouth which has the abscess whilst eating.
- To prevent triggering any sensitivity, avoid foods and drinks that are icy cold or very hot.
- When it comes to cleaning, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t floss the tooth as this can pop the abscess, which can lead to the spread of the infection.
If you’re struggling with a dental abscess, you must get it checked out by your dentist. Early detection often allows the natural tooth to be preserved while reducing the time spent suffering.