Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a gum infection from abscess tooth

by Sammy Durgan DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

How do you get an infection out of your gum abscess?

Saltwater Mouth Rinse Salt or sodium chloride draws the liquid in cells out of your body when it comes into contact with them. If the liquids are bacterial, they are also drawn out. This helps cleanse the area. This easy and affordable technique is a good way to find temporary relief from your abscess.

How do dentist treat gum abscess?

In most cases, your dentist will give you antibiotics to stop the infection. He or she may need to cut open (lance) the abscess so that the infection can drain. This should relieve your pain. You may also need more dental treatment, such as tooth removal or oral surgery to fix bone damage caused by the abscess.

Will an abscess on my gum go away on its own?

It will not go away on its own, so it's important not to ignore the symptoms. If the infection is not treated, it can damage the surrounding bone and teeth. A hollow tunnel sometimes forms through the bone and skin to allow pus to drain.

Will a gum abscess go away with antibiotics?

Oral antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection and keep the infection from spreading or reinfecting the area. This may also reduce swelling and pain in the area. Antibiotics are not a replacement for dental work, however, and they will not cure the abscess.

What is the best antibiotic for gum infection?

Metronidazole works best when used in a combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline. Ciprofloxacin: This antibiotic is used to specifically target A. actinomycetemcomitans, a slow-growing but harmful bacterium that contributes to gum disease.

What antibiotics treat gum abscess?

If you have a simple abscess, your dentist, or a specialist called an endodontist, can do a root canal to get rid of the infection and hopefully save the tooth....The most common ones used for an abscess include:Amoxicillin.Azithromycin.Cefoxitin.Metronidazole.Penicillin.

How long can an abscess go untreated?

Once an abscess has formed, noticeable pain and swelling around the affected tooth usually occur. If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this has happened, death can occur quickly.

What happens if an abscess bursts in your mouth and you swallow it?

Nothing will happen. Your stomach has hydrochloric acid which is a natural defense against bacteria. Also, the pus is dead bacteria and body cells. More importantly , get the tooth treated as soon as possible to prevent spread of infection to surrounding spaces.

How do you draw out an abscess infection?

Poultice for abscess The moist heat from a poultice can help to draw out the infection and help the abscess shrink and drain naturally. An Epsom salt poultice is a common choice for treating abscesses in humans and animals. Epsom salt helps to dry out the pus and cause the boil to drain.

Will amoxicillin help gum infection?

Antibiotics for Dental Infections There are many varieties of antibiotics, but according to an article in the International Dental Journal (IDJ), amoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in the world for dental infections.

How quickly does amoxicillin work for tooth infection?

Although you might not notice it right away, antibiotics begin working as soon as you start taking them. Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection.

How do I know if my tooth infection is spreading?

What Are The Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body?Feeling Unwell. The first thing you may notice is that you start to feel unwell. ... Fever. Fever is your body's natural defense against infection. ... Swelling. ... Increased Heart and Breathing Rate. ... Dehydration and Stomach Pain.

Can a regular dentist drain a gum abscess?

If the dentist determines that the abscess is drainable, they will cut it open and allow the pus to drain. The dentist may also drain the abscess through the infected tooth at the start of a root canal procedure. In some cases, the abscess ruptures on its own.

Can a regular dentist treat an abscess?

Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

How does a dentist remove abscess?

To accomplish this, your dentist may: Open up (incise) and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water (saline). Occasionally, a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage while the swelling decreases.

Can a dental abscess heal without draining?

If you have an abscess it won't resolve without treatment. Even if the abscess diffuses, ruptures or drains and the pain stops, you still need professional dental treatment. That's because if left untreated an abscess can spread to other parts of the body and potentially be life-threatening.

How to get rid of an abscess in the mouth?

To accomplish this, your dentist may: Open up (incise) and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water (saline). Occasionally, a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage ...

What to do if you have an abscess in your jaw?

If the affected tooth can't be saved, your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection. Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics. But if the infection has spread to nearby teeth, your jaw or other areas, your dentist will likely prescribe ...

How to save a tooth from infection?

This can help eliminate the infection and save your tooth. To do this, your dentist drills down into your tooth, removes the diseased central tissue (pulp) and drains the abscess. He or she then fills and seals the tooth's pulp chamber and root canals.

What to do if your gums hurt after a tooth extraction?

While the area is healing, your dentist may recommend these steps to help ease discomfort: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), as needed.

How to tell if you have an abscess at the root?

Tap on your teeth. A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. Recommend an X-ray. An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas. Recommend a CT scan.

What is gum abscess?

Summary. A gum abscess is a pocket of infection in the gums or the space between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria may reach the area due to a dental abscess or another oral hygiene issue, such as periodontitis. Gum abscesses are slightly different to dental abscesses, though they may share some of the same symptoms and treatments.

What happens if you have a gum abscess?

If a gum abscess affects the inner pulp of the tooth, a person may need a root canal.

What happens if you have bad bacteria in your mouth?

The mouth and gums are normally full of both good and bad bacteria. A buildup of bad bacteria contributes to plaque and tartar, which may lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. If bad bacteria find their way into an area of open tissue, they may take over, multiplying and causing an infection.

What is the space between the gum and the tooth?

A periodontal pocket is the space that develops between the gum and the tooth as a result of gum disease. Deeper pockets may make more space for tiny food particles and germs to get stuck. In these cases, the bacterial buildup may spread from the original infection site and infect the gum around it.

Why do dentists drain gums?

Treatments and home remedies may help clear the infection. However, a dentist will need to drain the abscess to prevent further infections.

How do you know if you have an abscess on your gums?

Symptoms. The main symptoms of a gum abscess are pain and swelling in the area. Depending on where the abscess is located along the gums, it may also cause pain when a person chews or bites down. A person may notice a lump or bulge in the area of the abscess that causes pain and pressure. The person may also experience:

When to see a dentist for gum abscess?

When to see a dentist. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a gum abscess or a tooth abscess should see a dentist as soon as possible. Home remedies may provide temporary relief from symptoms such as pain. However, a dentist will need to drain and treat the pocket of pus.

How to treat a tooth abscess?

Treatment options include: Incision and drainage: Your dentist makes a small incision (cut) in the abscess to drain the pus. Sometimes a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage. Root canal: This option helps to eliminate the infection and save your tooth.

What is an abscess in a tooth?

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur in different places around a tooth for different reasons and affect the involved tooth, but also the surrounding bone and sometimes adjacent teeth. Three types of tooth infections can cause abscesses:

Why does a tooth abscess?

This occurs because bacteria can spread to the inside of the tooth to the pulp through a fracture or cavity. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invades the pulp, they can spread to the tip of the tooth’s root causing the infection to spread to the bone eventually leading to an abscess.

What are the three types of tooth infections?

Three types of tooth infections can cause abscesses: Gingival: This infection develops in the gums. It does not usually affect the tooth or supporting structures. Periapical: A periapical abscess is an infection that forms at the tip of the root.

What is the term for the infection of the gums around the teeth?

Broken, chipped or cracked teeth: Bacteria can seep into any opening in a tooth and spread to the pulp. Gum disease ( periodontitis ): Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease ( periodontitis ): Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria gain access to deeper tissues. Injury to the tooth: Trauma to a tooth can injure the inner pulp even if there’s no visible crack.

What is the best way to check for infection in a tooth?

In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding tissue for signs of infection, your dentist may: Recommend an X-ray. This can help identify sources of dental disease that may have led to the infection. Your dentist can also use X-rays to determine if the infection has spread and may be affecting other areas.

What causes gum infection and disease like gingivitis?

The major cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky white film composed of food debris and bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it causes the gums to become inflamed, red and irritated.

What is a gum boil? Is it a gum infection?

Sometimes the immune system gets so weak especially during times of intense stress that the chronic gum diseases turn acute. It looks like a gum boil and its scientific name is “periodontal abscess”. (Periodontal abscess: etiology, diagnosis and treatment)

What is gum infection treatment?

One of the most common gum infection treatment procedures for gingivitis and periodontitis is a deep cleaning of the gum line (scaling and root planing) – usually performed by a dentist or periodontist.

When is gum infection treatment urgent in Singapore?

It is very urgent when you get systemic signs like a fever or a rapidly growing swelling around the gums or face. If these health problems happen, see a dentist immediately! It could mean that the acute gum infection has spread and you might need medical treatment in conjunction with dental treatment.

Conclusion

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, something is not quite right. Your dentist may need to check if you need gum infection treatment. Remember, an early diagnosis or treatment is always better, so don’t keep waiting! Always maintain a regular routine of brushing and flossing.

How to prevent abscess in gums?

Maintaining good oral hygiene and brushing your teeth correctly will minimise your chances of developing an abscess in your tooth or gum. There are many steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible: Regular dental checkups will reduce your risk of developing an abscess in your mouth.

How to get rid of a tooth abscess?

You can take painkillers or use topical oral pain relief to lessen tooth abscess pain. Natural home remedies like clove oil and a salt water rinse can also help. But the only way to be sure the infection is gone is to visit a dentist, who can prescribe antibiotics and check what treatment the infected tooth needs.

What antibiotics are used for tooth abscess?

Some of the most common tooth abscess antibiotics include: Penicillin: Penicillin is one of the most common antibiotics for an infected tooth. Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is in the same class as penicillin and is another of the common antibiotics for an abscessed tooth.

What does it mean when your mouth looks like a pimple?

This allows the pus to drain, and looks like a pimple inside your mouth. If you see or feel something like this in your mouth, even if you haven't experienced any other tooth abscess symptoms, you should consult your dentist. If pus starts to drain through the fistula, you'll know about it from the foul taste.

How to treat a periapical abscess?

Periapical abscesses can often be treated with a root canal. This involves drilling down through the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. The dentist drains the pus from the abscess, cleans and disinfects the cavi ty, and applies a filling material. If the tooth has been weakened, a dental crown can help prolong its life.

What is an abscess in the mouth?

An abscess is a pocket of pus that accumulates when a bacterial infection breaks down tissue . Abscesses can form in many different parts of the body, including in the mouth. They are a natural defence mechanism, the aim being to block the infection from reaching other areas.

Why do teeth get infected?

Teeth infections develop when the acid produced by plaque starts to decay the teeth, or when it gets trapped in the gums. The main tooth abscess cause is untreated tooth decay that's left to spread. Other possible reasons for infection include: Gum disease (gingivitis) A cracked tooth. Trauma.

How to treat an abscessed tooth?

For treatment of abscessed tooth, a dental infection treatment dentist should be visited. The dentist first examines the teeth and then uses an X-ray to check for the location of the abscess and to check its spread to other parts. Root canal treatment is one of the best treatment usually applied.

What does it mean when you have a toothache?

A toothache is a very common indication of a tooth infection making it hard to chew. Other symptoms may include; Inflammation of gum tissue, swell in the neck glands, bad breath, a bitter taste in the mouth, fever and tooth sensitivity.

Can a tooth abscess cause tooth pain?

A tooth abscess is a tooth infection that can cause severe discomfort and toothache. A person with this tooth infection is said to have abscessed teeth. Abscessed teeth can occur when a broken or decayed tooth is left untreated and bacteria from the mouth gains access to the tooth pulp thereby infecting it. Also, untreated gum abscess can cause tooth infection. The risk is higher when the gum disease is at an advanced stage.

What to do if you have an abscess in your tooth?

If you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on how serious the abscess is: If you have a simple abscess, your dentist, or a specialist called an endodontist, can do a root canal to get rid of the infection and hopefully save the tooth.

What is the term for a tooth infection that doesn't go away on its own?

Bhargava, MD on August 17, 2020. When bacteria gets into the root of a tooth, it can cause a buildup of pus. This kind of infection is called an abscessed tooth , or a periapical abscess. These infections don’t go away on their own, so it’s important to see your dentist if you think you have ...

How to prevent tooth decay?

Get a new toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or when the bristles on the one you’re using look frayed. Use an antiseptic or fluoride mouth rinse to help prevent tooth decay. Drink fluoridated water.

How to stop a tooth from hurting when you brush it?

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for the discomfort. Try to chew on the side of your mouth away from the tooth. When you brush your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Don’t eat foods that are hot or cold. Put a cold compress on your jaw where your tooth hurts.

What to do after a tooth is sealed back up?

After the tooth is sealed back up, your dentist can then put on a cap, or crown, as a top layer to protect the tooth and make sure you don’t get another abscess. If your tooth can’t be saved, your dentist might need to pull it, then drain the abscess to get rid of the infection.

How to get toothpaste off your teeth?

Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. Don’t rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water immediately after brushing -- that can take the protective toothpaste off your teeth. Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under your gums.

What is the best treatment for gum disease?

It may be treated with antibiotics like amoxicillin. Erythromycin, tetracycline, or metronidazole are other options if the patient is allergic to penicillin.

What is the name of the treatment for dental infection?

Your dentist may prescribe preventative antibiotics for certain dental services or before the treatment of your dental infection; this is called antibiotic prophylaxis. During certain dental treatments, the bacteria that reside in your mouth may enter the bloodstream, and prophylactic antibiotics can prevent infection.

How to stop antibiotic resistance?

Patients also have a role to play to stop antibiotic resistance. A couple of things patients should do include: 1 Ask questions: Ask your dentist or doctor about the antibiotics they are giving you and why you need it for your treatment. 2 Don't demand antibiotics: Never demand antibiotics from your doctor if they say they aren't necessary. 3 Don't use old antibiotics: Don't share or use old or leftover antibiotics; only take them when prescribed by your doctor.

What antibiotics are needed for anaerobic bacteria?

Your dentist may decide that additional supplemental antibiotics such as metronidazole may be needed if the infection is caused by anaerobic bacteria—bacteria that don't require oxygen and are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

How long do antibiotics last?

Your antibiotics won't completely take care of the infection until you've taken them over a course of 7 to 10 days, and always for the complete amount of time your dentist has prescribed. It's extremely important that you take all of the antibiotics that your dentist has prescribed, exactly as prescribed.

How long does it take for a bacterial infection to go away?

You must make sure to take your antibiotics for as many days as specified in your prescription, and even though you may feel better in a couple of days, your infection probably won't be gone until a week to 10 days have passed.

Can you take antibiotics with old antibiotics?

Don't use old antibiotics: Don't share or use old or leftover antibiotics; only take them when prescribed by your doctor. In the video below, Dr. Tamisha Denis talks all about the dental antibiotics for tooth infection and in dentistry, including when they should be prescribed, and when they shouldn't.

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Overview

  • A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that's caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can occur at different regions of the tooth for different reasons. A periapical (per-e-AP-ih-kul) abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. The information here refers specifically to periapical abscesses.A per…
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Treatment

  • The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection. To accomplish this, your dentist may: 1. Open up (incise) and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water (saline). Occasionally, a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage while the swelling decreases. 2. Perform a roo…
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  • The treatment of a periapical abscess varies according to the extent, location, severity and duration of the abscess. The available tooth structure is also a chief factor in determining the treatment plan. A periapical dental x-ray is a must to determine the diagnosis as the lesion is similar to infected periapical granuloma or an infected dental cyst.
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Complications

  • An undiagnosed or untreated periapical abscess can lead to complications. 1. A chronic periapical abscess can lead to dental cyst formation or diseases such as osteomylitis. 2. In certain circumstances such as in immune compromised patients, the abscess can spread to vital organs. 3. The abscess can lead to a condition called as Ludwig’s angina, characterized by cellulitis invol…
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  • A tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly — but you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.If you have a weakened immune sys…
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Signs And Symptoms

  • A small periapical abscess may be asymptomatic apart from the history of tooth decay and pain associated with the decay itself. In most cases a dental abscess is associated with intense pain. The pain is often described as throbbing and sharp shooting in nature. The tooth becomes tender on pressure application and chewing from the affected side becomes difficult. The affected toot…
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  • Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include: 1. Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear 2. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures 3. Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting 4. Fever 5. Swelling in your face or cheek 6. Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck 7. Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salt…
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Diagnosis

  • In addition to examining your tooth and the surrounding area, your dentist may: 1. Tap on your teeth. A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. 2. Recommend an X-ray. An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other area…
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Lifestyle And Home Remedies

  • While the area is healing, your dentist may recommend these steps to help ease discomfort: 1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. 2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), as needed.
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Causes

  • The bacteria involved in formation of periapical abscess include Streptococcus viridians, Prevotella and Fusobacterium. These infections are more likely to arise in cases of tooth decay and dental cavity formation. Here the bacteria gain entry through the opening to the mouth. However, sometimes the bacteria may reach the site via the bloodstream.
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  • A periapical tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp — the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.Bacteria enter through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth and spread all the way down to the root. The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
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Prevention

  • Avoiding tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay: 1. Use fluoridated drinking water. 2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. 3. Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth on a daily basis. 4. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or whenever the bristles are f…
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Risk Factors

  • These factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess: 1. Poor dental hygiene. Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums — such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing — can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications. 2. A diet high in sugar. Frequently eating and drinking foods rich in su…
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