Is it a possible to drain a tooth abscess at home
A dental abscess usually occurs when a tooth is decaying or dying. Decay of the dead pulp in the tooth, as well as bacteria in the tooth chamber and root canal, can easily infect the surrounding jawbone. When the inflammation leaves the area of the root of the tooth and enters the soft tissue, a swelling or abscess is formed. “What does an abscessed tooth look like?” and “How to drain a tooth abscess at home?” are some of the first questions patients ask.
Tooth Abscess Stages
To explain what an abscessed tooth is, let us remember that the outer layer of the tooth is enamel, which covers the softer layer of dentin. Both layers serve to protect the tooth. Under the dentin is the pulp with nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. The pulp descends down the center of the tooth’s root, which connects the tooth to the underlying jawbone.
Because of this tooth structure, infections in the pulp can easily spread to the jawbone. Infections usually occur when the tooth or the tissue surrounding, it is damaged, allowing bacteria to enter the area. Some abscesses first affect the pulp and then spread to the bone. The infection seeks a way out, so microorganisms pass through the top of the tooth’s root, and inflammation arises. The infection can also affect the gums when the presence of dental plaque and gingivitis can further worsen the situation.
What is an abscessed tooth and what does it look like?
The accumulation of pus in a tooth causes a strong abscess infection. The pain is sharp, pulsating, and constant. Other symptoms may include:
- A bitter taste in the mouth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing
- Bad breath
- General weakness
- Fever and temperature
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth, resembling a pimple
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Swollen cheeks or face
- Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw
An abscessed tooth is painful, sensitive to pressure, to hot and cold temperatures, and may be slightly elevated and loosened in the jaw. Redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums can also occur around the tooth. In most cases, a movable mass resembling a larger pimple forms in the affected area.
In the case of a periapical abscess, the infection spreads until it reaches the dental pulp (nerve) and extends into the root canal. An abscessed tooth infection is caused by poor dental hygiene, where decay erodes the enamel and dentin, releasing bacteria into the pulp. At this stage, jaw and cheek swelling may occur. Despite severe symptoms, some patients do not seek help, and the infection spreads further. When the infection spreads to the pulp, it can lead to the death of the nerve in the tooth.
In the case of gum infection, gum injury can cause inflammation of the tooth or tooth looseness. The periodontal pocket that forms between the tissue and the tooth is susceptible to bacteria, which can create a periodontal abscess.
Does an abscessed tooth go away with antibiotics?
An abscessed tooth requires dental treatment. The dentist will typically take an X-ray to determine the exact location and size of the abscess. The standard procedure involves removing the pus through a cut or hole in the gums. After the pus is removed, the area is cleaned and all dead pulp tissue is removed. In the case of periodontal abscesses, a deep cleaning of the tooth, gums, and root is performed. If the entire tooth is at risk, cleaning of the root canals will be necessary.
This type of therapy requires time, patience, and timely visits to the dentist. The goal of the therapy is to eliminate the infection from the root canal. An abscess tooth infection can spread to the jawbone, soft tissues, brain, or can lead to sinus and blood infections, and even death. Antibiotics are used in the case of further infection spread. In the case of severe tooth decay, the tooth is extracted.
What happens to the abscess after tooth extraction?
After the tooth extraction surgery, the patient goes through a recovery period, during which antibiotic use may be necessary in some cases to suppress the abscess tooth infection. After the wound has healed and the patient has recovered, the lost tooth space should be replaced. This will prevent the degradation of the jawbone. The best way to replace a lost tooth is through a dental implant.
How to drain a tooth abscess at home
When pain occurs, regular rinsing of the mouth with a warm water and salt solution can alleviate the symptoms of a tooth abscess. Pain relievers can be taken as needed, but it is essential to see a dentist. Timely visits to the dentist will heal the infection and prevent it from spreading. An abscess tooth infection cannot be drain or cured at home.
If you are unable to see a dentist, seek emergency medical attention, especially if you have breathing or swallowing problems. Although general practitioners are not specialized in dental problems, they can stabilize the condition of the affected person.
Risk factors
The following things can increase the risk of an abscess tooth infection:
- Not taking care of your teeth and gums properly can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth abscesses.
- Frequent consumption of sugary foods, such as candy and soda, can contribute to the development of cavities and turn into an abscess. ·
- Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities. Dry mouth is often a result of smoking, side effects of certain medications, breathing through the mouth more than the nose, or age-related problems.
Prevention
Regular dental hygiene is essential for preventing tooth abscess infection and other complications. You can do the following to help:
- Brush your teeth regularly at least twice a day ·
- Use dental floss and interdental brushes ·
- Visit the dentist every six months, as needed, and more often if necessary
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash ·
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if it becomes worn out ·
- Maintain a healthy diet, limit sugar intake, soda, and snacks between meals
Remember that proper hygiene, healthy eating, and regular dental check-ups can prevent a tooth abscess infection. Take care of your teeth on time to keep them healthy, just like your overall health.