Abscess Treatment

A dental abscess is a buildup of pus that forms as a result of infection in the soft tissues or bone surrounding a tooth.
It commonly develops due to tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease. If left untreated, a dental abscess can spread to the jawbone, sinuses, or even other parts of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a dentist as soon as the first signs of an abscess are noticed.

Symptoms often include intense pain in the affected area, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever. If the pus drains into the mouth, it may cause a bad taste and unpleasant odor.
While root abscesses typically result from deep decay that leads to infection in the dental pulp, gum abscesses are more often associated with periodontal (gum) disease.

The treatment of a dental abscess varies depending on the source and severity of the infection.
In many cases, the first step is to drain the abscess. During this procedure, the dentist opens the abscess and removes the pus inside to prevent the infection from spreading. After drainage, antibiotics are typically prescribed to control the infection.
If the abscess is located at the root of the tooth, a root canal treatment is often performed to clean out the infected tissue inside the tooth.

To relieve pain and swelling, patients are usually advised to take pain relievers and rinse with warm salt water.
Additionally, regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are essential to prevent the recurrence of a dental abscess.