Root Canal Treatment Or Re
Since a deep caries is the most common cause of the infection of the pulp within a dental element, the root canal is the conventional dental abscesses treatment.
After providing you with the local anesthesia, the endodontist opens a little hole in the crown enamel to access the pulp chamber.
With the help of manual tools the specialist will remove nerves, blood vessels, died cells and the infected necrotic material from the inside the affected tooth.
In order to disinfect the root canal and to kill bacteria, usually sodium hypochlorite is injected in the tooth and immediately reabsorbed.
At the end of the canal therapy the dentist closes the canal using a temporary filling and a prosthetic crown. To complete the procedure a few medication are required.
When the infection is completely removed it is possible to close the hole using a special filling called gutta-percha.
In case the doctor doesnt totally remove bacteria from the abscessed tooth, after some time the infection restarts again thats why a second canal therapy is needed. This second procedure is called root canal re-treatment.
How Long Should I Take Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
Typically, antibiotics for a tooth infection are prescribed for one week. Some people may be prescribed a course of antibiotics for longer than a week depending on the severity, type, and location of the infection. Always follow your doctors exact instructions when taking antibiotics.
Patients with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for spreading of orofacial infections, so antibiotic treatment is highly recommended. Depending on your dosage you may take your antibiotics 2 to 4 times a day.
If you run out of antibiotics and still have a tooth infection, see your doctor or dentist again for follow up care and a prescription refill.
When To Skip Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
In some cases, antibiotics may not be necessary. There are three common situations where this applies:
- The infected tooth is completely removed
- A root canal is performed on the infected tooth
- You have an abscess that your dentist is able to drain completely
Some folks look for antibiotics for tooth infections over the counter. However, antibiotics cannot be taken without a doctors prescription. If you believe you have a tooth infection, make an appointment today.
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Who Gets Tooth Infections
Youre more likely to develop tooth infections if you:
- Smoke: Smokers are about twice as likely to get tooth infections as nonsmokers.
- Have dry mouth: Bacteria thrive in a mouth with a low amount of saliva.
- Have poor dental hygiene: Regularly brushing, flossing and getting dental cleanings reduces bacteria.
- Have a weakened immune system: Diseases or medications can lower your immune response, making it harder to fight off germs.
Relieving Pain From A Dental Abscess
While you’re waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain.
Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if you’re unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16.
If 1 painkiller does not relieve the pain, taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the doses shown in the medicine leaflet may help.
This is safe for adults, but not for children under 16.
It may also help to:
- avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
- try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth
- use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth
These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.
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How Do I Prepare For An Appointment With My Dentist For An Abscessed Tooth
To help you get ready for your appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms include any that may seem unrelated to your tooth or mouth pain. Remember, your dentist can only help you when they know everything going on.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements you may be taking with the dosages of each.
You should prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist, including:
- Whats likely causing my symptoms and condition?
- Which tests do you recommend?
- What is the best course of action?
- Are there alternative to the primary
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Remember, your dentist wants to help keep you and your teeth healthy. Just like other medical professionals you may see, theyre an important part of the healthcare team. Be sure to see your dentist routinely and dont put off regular checkups prevention is key! These visits give your dentist a chance to spot problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are experiencing pain, its important to see your dentist to get the care you need.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020.
References
What Is A Dental Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within body tissues. Abscesses are the result of an infection, generally bacterial, localized in the area where the abscess forms. They are almost always accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Dental abscesses are abscesses affecting the teeth and adjacent jaw tissue.
Each tooth is made up of several layers. The outermost layer is the enamel, which covers a softer layer, the dentin. The dentin and enamel are the toothâs protective layers. Underneath the dentin is the pulp, where the toothâs nerves and blood vessels are situated. The pulp runs down the center of the root of the tooth, which connects the tooth to the underlying bone of the upper or lower jaw. Infections in the pulp can therefore easily spread into the bone of the jaw. Likewise, if the gum around the tooth becomes infected, the tooth is at risk of damage as well. Some abscesses affect the pulp first and spread to the bone, while others affect the surrounding tissues of the gum and do not start in the pulp.
Treatment for dental abscesses involves draining the pus from the tooth and filling or removing the tooth to prevent re-infection.
There are two major subtypes of dental abscess: periapical and periodontal.
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What Are The Best Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can be caused by any number of different types of bacteria. The best antibiotic will be tailored for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Side effects, however, are an important consideration when a dentist or healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic. One in 15 people are allergic to one or more types of antibiotics, and allergic reactions to antibiotics could be life-threatening.
Who Needs Antibiotics Before Dental Work
Most patients don’t require antibiotics before dental work. Immune systems are more than capable of handling these bacteria, but there are some people who may need antibiotics after oral surgery. This may include those have had or have:
- Heart conditions, including congenital heart defects and disease
- An artificial heart valve
- Knee or hip replacement surgery
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Infective endocarditis
Always make sure to share your full medical history with your doctor before surgery or dental work, even if you think it’s not relevant, so they know if they need to prescribe antibiotics before or after dental work.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider Or Dentist
While any doctor or healthcare provider can prescribe treatments such as antibiotics that will help temporarily, if you experience pain, swelling, tenderness, or other symptoms that you believe may be related to a dental abscess, tooth infection, or injury, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You want to treat your infection appropriately so that it doesnt spread to other parts of your body or put you at serious risk.
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, develop a fever or swelling under your tongue, or suffer from any other indication that your infection might be spreading to other parts of your body, go to your nearest emergency room. They may not be able to treat your tooth infection , but they can prescribe a course of treatment to ensure that the bacteria in your mouth does not spread to other areas of your body.
Can A Tooth Abscess Be Prevented
Practising good dental care can reduce your risk of a tooth abscess. This includes:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- using floss or an interdental brush daily
- avoiding having too much sugary food and drinks, and limiting them to mealtimes where possible
- visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- cutting down on sugary foods and drinks
- not smoking
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How Is Trench Mouth Diagnosed
A dentist can usually diagnose trench mouth during an examination. Your dentist may gently prod your gums to see how easily they bleed when poked. They may also order X-rays to see if the infection has spread to the bone beneath your gums.
Your doctor may check for other symptoms, such as fever or fatigue. They might also draw your blood to check for other, possibly undiagnosed conditions. HIV infection and other immune problems can promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Trench mouth can typically be cured in a matter of weeks with treatment. Treatment will include:
- antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading further
- pain relievers
- professional cleaning from a dental hygienist
- proper ongoing oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly twice a day are important for controlling the symptoms of trench mouth. Warm salt water rinses and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can ease the pain of inflamed gums and also help remove dead tissue.
Its also recommended that you avoid smoking and eating hot or spicy foods while your gums heal.
Regular and effective dental care is crucial for preventing trench mouth from returning. While the condition rarely has serious side effects, ignoring symptoms can lead to potentially serious complications. These can include:
- tooth loss
How To Get Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
You can get antibiotics for a tooth infection from your dentist or doctor, although dentists are preferable due to their experience with tooth infections. Antibiotics are not available over the counter you must have a doctor’s prescription.
Depending on your condition, you may be able to get prescriptions through an online dental consultation.
If you have antibiotics leftover in your medicine cabinet from an old infection, you should not use them. To properly dispose of your antibiotics, take them to your nearest pharmacy.
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When To Seek Emergency Treatment For Dental Abscesses
Ideally, a person affected by a dental abscess, or who suspects that they may have a dental abscess, should visit the dentist as soon as possible. Because it is not always possible to see a dentist in time, some people may need to be treated for their abscesses in a hospital emergency department. Medical doctors are not specifically trained to handle dental issues, but will be able to stabilize the affected person, providing antibiotics and pain relief, until they can see the dentist.
Good to know: Dentists do not form part of the regular staff in most hospital emergency departments. Treatment by a doctor at a hospital will not replace seeing a dentist. Doctors are not trained to deal with dental problems but will be able to assist with managing infection and pain.
If a person with an abscess or a suspected abscess shows any of the signs listed below, they should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible. Danger signs for tooth abscesses include:
- An abscess of more than 1cm in diameter, or which feels large
- Severe swelling or hard lumps on the gums or the face
- Bleeding on the gums or in the mouth
- Fever or a body temperature of more than 38 C / 101.4 F
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck area
If a person shows the symptoms listed below, they should immediately be seen by a hospital emergency department:
When To Call The Dentist Houston: Recognizing An Abscess Tooth
It is easy to avoid the dentist, thinking that the paint may stop with home remedies. When you have an infection, however, it you must treat it or remove it. If pain is persistent or worsening, call your dentist. There are a few symptoms that can help you recognize a tooth abscess swollen lymph nodes.
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bad breath, bad taste in your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain while chewing
- fever
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When To Worry About A Tooth Infection
If you suspect you have a dental abscess, dont wait until it ruptures to seek treatment. Dental infections should be treated promptly to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common symptoms of a dental infection that requires urgent dental care include:
- Noticeable sore under the gums
- Swelling and inflammation near the affected tooth
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loose tooth
- A severe, throbbing toothache that doesnt go away
- Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck
- Pain when chewing or biting down
Summary
Tooth abscesses are dental emergencies. They need to be drained by a professional quickly to prevent spreading. A noticeable sore and severe, throbbing pain are the most common symptoms.
How Long Can a Tooth Infection Go Untreated?
If you wait too long to treat a tooth infection, it can begin spreading to other areas of your body, including the neck, head, or jaw. A general dentist must professionally drain an abscessed tooth by extracting it or performing a root canal.
Usually, this includes draining pus and bacteria, which is why some people are actually unaware they have an infection. It is unpredictable to determine how long a dental abscess will drain until it stops and causes facial cellulitis .
You should never pop or squeeze an abscess because the infection can be pushed deeper into the tissues of your mouth.
Risks of not treating a tooth infection promptly:
Summary
Related Resources For Dental Abscess And Tooth Infections
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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Pain Management And Antibiotics
As abscesses are painful, people may need acetaminophen or to control the pain. Essential oil of cloves has topical anesthetic properties and can be applied to the painful area, although it is very important to maintain strict hygiene while doing this. Home remedies like the above mentioned oil may provide some pain relief, but will not cure an abscess or prevent further infection.
In uncomplicated abscesses, antibiotics may not be necessary.
If the infection is severe or has spread, or if the abscess cannot be drained, antibiotics will be prescribed to help bring the infection under control. Antibiotics commonly prescribed for dental abscesses include:
- Penicillin
- Metronidazole
- Cefoxitin
If the patient is allergic to amoxicillin and/or penicillin, clindamycin may be prescribed. Penicillin is the usual antibiotic used to treat mild or moderate infections. Because antibiotics alone donât always penetrate the abscess very well, the abscess may also be surgically drained.
Most dental abscesses are straightforward to treat and resolve completely after they are drained.
Abscessed Tooth How To Care For A Tooth Abscess
An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems can let bacteria enter the pulp and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, it forms a pus-pocket called an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues.
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What To Do If Antibiotics Don’t Fix Your Dental Abscess
If oral antibiotics do not fix your abscess, . In some cases, you’ll make an appointment to visit your dentist in the coming days.
For others, youll need to visit an emergency dentist for treatment of the infected tooth. This is when IV antibiotics or extraction are needed.
This is also the case when you first notice the abscess. An abscess might not seem severe, but it is a serious medical condition. You can ease the pain with over-the-counter pain relief, but you must see a dentist for immediate attention.
The infection causing the abscess can spread and is potentially fatal if not treated. This is true whether you are just experiencing the first symptoms of an abscess or if youve been taking antibiotics that have not worked.
In addition to seeking emergency dental treatment, youll want to:
- Avoid hot and cold beverages
- Avoid high-sugar and high acidity foods and beverages
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever that is safe for you
- Floss between the affected teeth to prevent food particles from further aggravating the problem
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day
A visit to an emergency dentist is necessary if you have an abscess and cannot see your regular dentist. An abscess can be fatal if left untreated. It is a dental emergency, even if you think you can deal with the pain.
Alternative Treatment Options
Alternative treatments and home remedies for abscesses include:
Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Summary