How is an abscessed tooth treated?
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American Dental Association answered:An abscessed tooth is caused by tooth decay. Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent pain later.
An abscessed tooth is caused by tooth decay. Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent pain later. More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:A tooth abscess is a collection of pus in the center of a tooth. It is treated with antibiotics, pain-relieving measures, and in some cases a root canal.
The pus in a tooth abscess collects because there is a bacterial infection in the tooth. Your immune system fights the infection by sending out white blood cells to attack and kill the bacteria. The abscess ends up being a "melting pot" for those blood cells, the live and dead bacteria, and dead tooth tissue.
Treatment can help save the tooth, reduce pain, and prevent life-threatening complications. Antibiotics are used to destroy the bacteria. To help the pain, the doctor may suggest salt-water rinses and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In cases where the infection has spread to the root of the tooth, a root canal may be a way to save the tooth. In cases of serious infection, the tooth may have to be removed. Surgery may be needed to drain the pus from the abscess and to prevent life-threatening complications such as a spread of the infection to the brain, heart, or lungs.
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus in the center of a tooth. It is treated with antibiotics, pain-relieving measures, and in some cases a root canal. The pus in a tooth abscess collects because there is a bacterial infection in the tooth.... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:There are two dental treatments for an abscessed tooth. The first allows the tooth to be saved and is called a root canal. A root canal removes the infected tissue in the tooth which caused the abscess. The second treatment involves the removal of the tooth. Sometimes root canals cannot be done because of the destruction of the tooth from tooth decay. If infection has spread and there is swelling antibiotics may also be used. Your dentist can best advise you as to which treatment would be best for your abscessed tooth.
There are two dental treatments for an abscessed tooth. The first allows the tooth to be saved and is called a root canal. A root canal removes the infected tissue in the tooth which caused the abscess. The second treatment involves the removal of... More -
Dr. Stanislav Moline answered:Treatment of abscess depends on complexity of situation.
If a tooth is restorable, it requires access to inside of the tooth (canals) and thorough cleaning and medication placement (debridement) on first visit, followed by root canal treatment/re-treatment on second-third visits. Additional procedures such as calcification removal, crown/post removal, and surgical procedures (ex.: incision on the gum to relieve swelling or intra-bony surgery to remove a piece of root) may be needed.
If the tooth is not restorable or the patient is unable to have it treated the above ways, extraction (removal) of the tooth can be done. Keep in mind that extraction is the last resort, since missing tooth may cause further dental/medical problems and replacement are costly and time-consuming.
Antibiotics are not effective in eradication of dental abscess. They may temporarily mask the problem, but the symptoms return and often become worse; it is because there is no adequate blood supply for antibiotics to reach the source of infection inside of the affected tooth.
A proper evaluation by endodontist (a root canal specialist) is the best way to learn on abscess treatment options.
Read more at:
http://www.aae.org/Patients/Abscessed_Tooth.aspx?terms=abscess
- on official website of American Association of Endodontists
Read also more at: https://www.endowithcare.com/FAQ_for_Patients.html
- on my website.
Treatment of abscess depends on complexity of situation. If a tooth is restorable, it requires access to inside of the tooth (canals) and thorough cleaning and medication placement (debridement) on first visit, followed by root canal... More
