How do you treat a tooth abscess?
Goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. Tooth abscess treatment options include:
- Incision and drainage: Your dentist makes a small incision (cut) in the abscess to drain the pus. They may also place a small rubber drain. This helps keep the area open so the rest of the infection can drain out.
- Root canal: This option helps eliminate the infection and save your tooth. This common procedure removes your tooth’s infected pulp, and fills the space with material to prevent another infection. The pulp is important when the tooth is growing, but once it’s mature, the tooth can survive without the pulp. After the procedure, your tooth should be back to normal, though you may need a dental crown to protect the root canal. If you care for the restored tooth properly, it can last a lifetime.
- Tooth extraction: Sometimes, an abscessed tooth becomes damaged beyond repair. In these cases, your dentist may need to extract (pull) your tooth.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may recommend antibiotics to help with your treatment. It’s important to know that while this medication may help fight off remaining bacteria, it won’t get rid of the cause of the infection, which is the affected tooth.
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How soon after tooth abscess treatment will I feel better?
A tooth abscess should clear up after treatment. Temporary sensitivity is common, and it may take a few days to feel completely back to normal.
As every case is unique, healing times can vary. Ask your dentist what to expect after your tooth abscess treatment.
Can a tooth abscess go away by itself?
A tooth abscess won’t go away on its own. Pain may stop if an infection causes the pulp inside your tooth to die. The pain stops because the nerve isn’t functioning anymore, so you may not be able to feel it. However, the bacteria will continue to spread and destroy surrounding tissue. If you have tooth abscess symptoms, see your dentist even if you no longer have pain.
How long can a dental abscess go untreated?
Left untreated, a tooth abscess will eventually spread to the surrounding tissues and beyond, wreaking havoc on your oral and overall health. It can take weeks or months for the infection to spread — and it’s impossible to know exactly how long that will take. Because tooth abscesses don’t go away on their own, it’s critical that you see a dentist as soon as possible.
