What Should You Do for an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscess forms when the immune system reacts to a bacterial infection, resulting in a pool of pus composed of living and dead white blood cells, destroyed bacteria and miscellaneous detritus that has no place to drain. Abscesses often form in the gums, roots and tissue surrounding the tooth, because of trauma to the mouth area, or when bacteria penetrates through a cavity. If untreated, abscesses can spread life-threatening infection through the body.

Identification

• Identify the problem. An abscess most often presents itself through a persistent pain in the tooth, followed by sensitivity to heat and cold, regional tenderness and perhaps even a fever.

Diagnosis

• Contact your dentist and describe your symptoms. He will probably want to do an oral exam to check for an abscess.

Drain

• Drain the abscess. The abscess may rupture and drain on its own, but it is advisable to have the abscess drained by your dentist to ensure all of the infection is removed.

Treatment

• Follow your dentist's instructions regarding dental hygiene. This may include a root canal procedure or antibiotics.

Followup

• Have a followup checkup, including dental X-rays, to ensure the abscess has not done permanent damage. Severe abscesses may require the services of a qualified periodontist or endodontist.