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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThe goal of treatment is to drain the abscess and eliminate the infection. To accomplish this, your dentist may:
- Perform a root canal. This procedure can help eliminate the infection and save your tooth. To do this, your dentist drills down into your tooth, removes the diseased central tissue (pulp) and drains the abscess. The tooth's pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed. Your dentist then caps the tooth with a gold or porcelain crown. A restored tooth can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
- Extract the affected tooth. If the affected tooth can't be saved, your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection.
- Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, antibiotics may not be necessary. But if the infection has spread to nearby teeth, your jaw or other areas, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the spread of the infection. Antibiotics may also be recommended if you have a weakened immune system.
References
- Robertson D, et al. The microbiology of the acute dental abscess. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2009;58:155.
- Chow AW. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Chow AW. Complications, diagnosis, and treatment of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3072.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Nguyen DH, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2890.aspx?currentTab=1#. Accessed May 23, 2010.
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