Dental Abscess: A Comprehensive Guide to Relieving Pain

If you’re experiencing swelling or warmth on one side of your face, it’s important to take immediate action as these could be symptoms of a dental abscess. Dental abscesses can be caused by a variety of factors, but typically occur as a result of an untreated cavity that has caused inflammation and damage to the dental nerve.

In more severe cases, dental abscesses can lead to the death of the dental nerve, a condition known as necrosis. This can allow bacteria to proliferate inside the tooth root and spread to the mouth, causing pain, discomfort, and potentially serious health issues. As such, it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing.

Thankfully, there are several effective ways to treat dental abscesses and reduce inflammation. From antibiotics and pain relievers to dental procedures like root canals or tooth extractions, your dentist can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation. By seeking prompt treatment and following your dentist’s advice, you can successfully manage dental abscesses and prevent further complications.

Following the onset of a dental abscess, a condition called apical periodontitiscan develop. In response, the body sends immune cells to the affected area, leading to inflammation, warmth, and the production of pus.

As the infection progresses, it becomes increasingly serious. Without prompt treatment, facial infections can obstruct the airway or compromise sensitive facial spaces, putting your health and even your life at risk. As such, it’s crucial to take dental abscesses seriously and seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. By doing so, you can help prevent the spread of infection and promote a speedy recovery.

What NOT to do to solve a dental abscess

As a writer, I always make sure to do my research before penning any article. It’s incredible how much useful information is available on the internet. Unfortunately, misinformation can be just as common, and in the case of dental health, following incorrect advice can lead to serious consequences for your teeth and overall well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a qualified dental specialist to ensure that you’re receiving accurate information and appropriate treatment.

To illustrate this point, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions that I’ve come across online. By dispelling these myths and promoting accurate information, I hope to help readers make informed decisions about their dental health and avoid potentially harmful practices.

1. Creating your own mouthwash at home can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine. However, it’s important to remember that homemade mouthwash should only be used as a supplement to regular brushing and flossing, and not as a replacement for proper dental care.While homemade mouthwash can provide a refreshing sensation and may offer some benefits for specific cases like chronic inflammation or post-surgical care, it should never be considered a substitute for responsible treatment for serious conditions like dental abscesses. These conditions require prompt professional attention from a dental specialist, and relying solely on homemade remedies can actually worsen the situation and lead to further complications.
2. Some people may suggest using warm water and bicarbonate to reduce inflammation in certain areas of the body, such as muscles after an injury. However, when it comes to treating an infectious process caused by bacteria, like a dental abscess, rinsing with warm water and bicarbonate will not provide a solution. These conditions require prompt and effective treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a dental specialist.It’s important to understand that no amount of rinsing or using other home remedies like saltwater, herbal teas, or exotic salts can adequately address a serious infection. While these methods may offer some temporary relief, they cannot replace the specialized care and expertise of a dental professional in diagnosing and treating a dental abscess or other serious oral health condition.
3. One common home remedy for dental abscess is placing a piece of onion on the affected area. While it’s true that onion has some bactericidal properties, it’s crucial to understand when this remedy is appropriate and when it’s not. As someone who believes in the power of natural plant-based medicine and the healing properties of the food we eat, it’s important to recognize that relying solely on home remedies for serious conditions like dental abscess can be a waste of valuable time and potentially make the situation worse. In situations like these, it’s essential to prioritize our health and seek the help of a dental professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for tooth abscess

There are two immediate paths to the solution, but it’s crucial to note that this procedure must be carried out under the guidance of a specialist in maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, or a doctor. It’s extremely dangerous to attempt this procedure at home, by a friend or family member, or by anyone else, as it can put your life at risk.

1. The specialist will prescribe antibiotics based on various factors such as your overall health condition, pregnancy status, allergies to medications, and more.
2. The specialist will drain the abscess in a completely sterile environment, which will provide immediate relief, although the process may not be visually or olfactorily pleasing. The purulent material will be expelled, leading to the reduction of pressure and pain. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a specialist in a controlled environment to avoid any potential risks.
3. In cases where the dental abscess is severe, the specialist may decide to use both methods, i.e., draining the affected area and prescribing antibiotics to ensure a complete and effective solution to the problem. The decision will depend on the severity of the abscess and the individual patient’s overall health and medical history.
4. When an abscess is caused by pulpal necrosis, root canal treatment is the recommended solution. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and filling it with a special material. In some cases, a medication is placed in the root canal and replaced before the final endodontic procedure. After the root canal treatment, the tooth needs to be restored to seal it and prevent further bacterial contamination. The restoration can be done through a crown or a resin.It is important to note that root canal treatment alone does not guarantee the complete recovery of the tooth. Many people mistakenly believe that the endodontic procedure eliminates all the risk and skip the restoration process due to financial constraints or time limitations. However, without the sealing of the tooth, the bacteria in the mouth can continue to communicate with the bone, leading to another abscess or irreversible damage to the tooth. Therefore, it is crucial to follow through with the recommended restoration process to ensure a full recovery.
5. The dental piece causing the abscess can often have extensive caries, dental mobility, and nerve damage. In such cases, the decision to restore or extract the tooth should be evaluated carefully. If extraction is deemed necessary, it is important to wait for a suitable period of time for inflammation to subside and the area to heal. Afterward, the area can be restored with a dental implant.

After successfully treating the abscess, it’s important to keep in mind that prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good health. To avoid experiencing another abscess, we provide you with some tips:

• A panoramic X-ray can often reveal that if a tooth has extensive caries, there is a high likelihood that other teeth are also affected. In fact, studies show that in 80% of such cases, other teeth present the same condition. That’s why panoramic X-rays are essential in identifying signs of caries in other places. If necessary, the dentist may also ask for a periapical radiographic series that provides even more detailed X-rays of each tooth.
• All existing cavities should be removed and, in the case of teeth with necrotized nerves, any necessary root canal treatments should be performed.
• It is recommended to visit a dental clinic for dental cleaning and a checkup every six months

Dra. Sara Pelaez Monsalve Post Author

Aesthetic dentistry with more than 14 years of experience in the field. Founder of Clinica Viena and Viena Kids (clinic focused on pediatric dentistry). Professional focused on patient care, on the application of best practices and high-quality world-class treatments.