Abscessed Tooth Treatment And After Care

Tooth abscess is a collection of pus that can occurs at different sites. The abscess in the gums along the side of roots is called periodontal abscess whereas, peri-apical abscess happens around the root apex of the tooth.

The primary cause of abscess is the infection caused by bacteria. Tooth abscess takes place when the kids have poor oral hygiene, prolonged cavities, any damage to the tooth due to physical injury.

A tooth abscess generally leads to puffy and painful gums, leaky fluids or pus from the infected area, bad odour, teeth sensitivity, redness, and heat around the infected area. In severe cases, it may lead to infection in the jaws and lymph nodes.

The aim of treating tooth abscesses is to get rid of the infection

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed when the infection spreads in the nearby teeth, jaw, gums, and other areas. It will help limit the spread and prevent further damage.

2. Root canal

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) eliminates the infection built along the tooth apex by removing the infected pulp and filling the root canals with a biocompatible material after which the filling and cap is done.

3. Extraction of the affected tooth

In case the infection has spread too much and the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist tends to pull out the affected tooth and drain the pus accumulated in the infected area.

4. Draining the abscess by opening it

This treatment involves a small cut in the infected area/ abscess and draining out the pus-filled in it, followed by an antiseptic mouthwash or saline water rinsing. The draining off the pus eventually leads to a reduction in the swelling and pain caused by the infection.

The swelling can be managed at home by using an ice pack. A few kids may be prescribed pain killers that have to be stopped once the kid starts feeling better.

After emergency management of the pain and swelling the root cause of the infection should be known and treated. A strict oral and dental hygiene with regular visit to a dentist is a must to keep a check for any re-infection.

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