How to Treat Dental Abscesses

Sometimes when the body fights bacterial infection, an area of pus is formed. White blood cells are rushed to the area of infection to clear the bacteria. Pus contains live and dead white cells, enzymes, and parts of dead cells.  Such an area of pus is referred to as an abscess, and it can be formed in any part of the body.

Generally, a dental abscess is formed in the gums and teeth, or roots of teeth. There are various ways in which bacteria can form abscesses in the mouth:

• Trauma caused by food or debris embedded deep in the gum
• Tooth decay
• A deep gap between the gum and the teeth in people suffering from periodontal disease.

 
Symptoms

The first sign of an abscess is a mild to severe toothache. If the abscess is formed in the gum, there will be a visible boil. Pain will increase when the abscess is exposed to heat and pressure while eating food or drinking liquids. The pain may be accompanied by fever and swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw or on the neck. When the abscess breaks open, it results in the release of a foul smelling and foul tasting fluid.  

Diagnosis

Your dentist will examine the mouth to determine if there is a dental abscess. In addition to gently pushing the affected area of the gum, the dentist will also perform a pulp test to check if the tooth is still alive. The dentist can gently tap the tooth, use temperature testing, or use an electric tester to determine the formation of an abscess.  X-rays may also be used to look for the loss of bone at the root of the affected tooth.  

The breaking open of the abscess will drain the pus and end the symptoms. But that’s not the end of the problem as the cause is still untreated.  

Treatment

Treatment of an abscess depends on the nature of the abscess. A dentist may perform root canal treatment or suggest removal of the tooth if it has decayed.  
For abscesses of the gum, a dentist will advise rinsing of the gum with warm salt water several times a day. Usually, one eighth of a tea spoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water is sufficient. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help clear the infection. 

Six months after the treatment, a dental X-ray is taken of the affected area. Healthy bone and tissue should fill the area of the abscess. If this is not happening, a periodontist will shape the affected area surgically. For a persistent abscess, an endodontist or oral surgeon will remove the abscess surgically.  

Pain in the teeth shouldn’t be ignored. If there is such pain or there is a visible abscess in the gum, a dentist should be consulted. Even if an abscess drains and the pain eases, you should still visit a dentist, because the cause has not been treated completely. 

Prevention

Good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups can keep abscesses away. People with weak immune systems or persons who are easily susceptible to infections should discuss with their dentist. A dentist will prescribe antibiotics to boost resistance.