Tooth Abscess – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Dentists have a few ways to figure out if you’re dealing with a dental abscess or another tooth infection. First, they look for obvious symptoms—swelling, pain, redness, or sensitivity in the area that hurts.
Usually, the dentist will tap gently on each tooth to see if it causes pain. That’s a strong clue that something’s wrong, like an abscess or infected pulp.
X-rays really help spot issues like an apical or periapical abscess. These images show tooth decay, dental caries, or changes in the bone around the tooth.
If the infection looks severe or seems to spread into soft tissue, a CT scan can give a better look at the jaw or neck.
Additional Details
- Dentists keep an eye out for complications—things like cellulitis, periodontitis, or trismus.
- They might run special tests to check if nerves are still alive or if there’s irreversible pulpitis.
- Sometimes, sensitivity to hot or cold, a nasty toothache, or visible pus helps pinpoint where the abscess is hiding.
- When the infection spreads or affects more than one tooth, advanced imaging shows how far it’s gone.
Treatment
Dentists have a few options to treat a tooth abscess and get rid of the infection. The main goal? Remove what’s causing the problem and help the tissue heal.
Common treatments include:
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Incision & Drainage | Releases pus and reduces swelling |
| Root Canal | Cleans and fills inside of the tooth, saves the tooth |
| Extraction | Removes unsalvageable tooth and allows abscess to drain |
| Antibiotics | Stops spread of bacterial infection as needed |
-
Incision and Drainage:
The dentist makes a small cut in the abscess to let the pus drain out. They rinse the area with saline to keep it clean. Sometimes, they’ll leave a soft drain in place for extra drainage. Root Canal Therapy:
To save the tooth, the dentist might suggest a root canal. They remove the infected pulp and clean out the inside of the tooth. Afterward, they fill and seal the space. Usually, they put a crown on top to bring back the tooth’s strength.Tooth Extraction:
If the tooth can’t be saved, the dentist will pull it. They’ll also drain the abscess to stop the infection from spreading.Antibiotic Therapy:
If the infection has moved beyond the abscess or if you have health issues that make fighting infection harder, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin. These help stop the bacteria from spreading elsewhere in your body.
Your dentist will choose the best option based on the abscess’s size and location, your health, and whether the tooth is salvageable. Regular dental checkups make it a lot easier to catch and fix these problems early.
Self care
To help your mouth feel better, try rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can take the edge off when needed.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss to keep teeth and gums clean. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water protect your enamel and support your immune system.
Staying hydrated also helps prevent dry mouth, which is never fun.
Getting Ready for Your Dental Visit
Before you see the dentist, gather some important info. Make a clear list of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated—pain, swelling, changes in your mouth, or trouble chewing.
This helps the dentist understand what’s going on, especially if it involves deep tooth pain or gum swelling.
Write down all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use, with the doses. This lets the dental team avoid any bad mix-ups.
It’s smart to bring a list of questions for the dentist. Maybe ask:
- What could be causing these symptoms?
- What dental checkups or tests might I need?
- What treatment do you recommend? Any other options?
- Are there rules or restrictions after treatment?
- Should a specialist take a look?
- Are there cheaper or generic medicines I could use?
Asking questions can help you understand the care plan for both baby and adult teeth.
What the Dentist Might Ask or Do
The dentist will probably ask you some straightforward questions, like:
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- Have you had any dental trauma or work done recently?
- Do your symptoms stay consistent, or do they come and go?
- How intense is the pain?
- What helps or makes it worse?
You’ll see the dentist check your dental anatomy, looking at both your primary and permanent teeth. They might want updated info about your symptoms, just in case something changed since you wrote your list.
If you bring all the details, you’ll make your visit smoother. A little preparation really helps the dental team figure out the best next steps.
