In this article, we offer tips on what to do if a dental abscess bursts and when to see an emergency dentist.
What to Do if a Dental Abscess Bursts
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a severe bacterial infection that always requires timely treatment. When it bursts, the infection spreads to the gum tissue and may reach surrounding teeth and the jawbone. In some cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. That is why if your dental abscess bursts, you should contact your dental office immediately and make a same-day appointment for emergency services, even if you experience temporary pain relief.
Other first aid steps include:
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz (1 cup) warm water, then swish the solution gently in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds. Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties. You can repeat this procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
- Do not touch the area with your fingers or tongue, and do not try to squeeze out more pus, as this can spread the infection further.
- Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing thoroughly, but be gentle when cleaning around the infected area to avoid irritating it further.
- Avoid chewing on the infected side of the mouth and switch to soft or liquid foods to prevent straining the jaw and irritating the infected tooth and gums.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication if needed.
If you experience the following symptoms, you should go to an ER immediately, before going to an emergency dentist:
- Severe swelling in the face and neck
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling spreading toward the eye
- Feeling very sick or experiencing extreme fatigue
ERs do not provide dental services, but they will treat infections by draining them and prescribing antibiotics to prevent a life-threatening condition.
How Is a Dental Abscess Treated
Let us look at three main treatment methods that your dentist can use when your dental abscess bursts.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy might be used even if the dental abscess bursts, provided that:
- The tooth is still structurally intact
- The infection is limited to the root area
- You get treatment soon after the abscess bursts
During root canal therapy, your doctor will remove the infected tooth pulp, then fill the tooth with a special material to seal it and prevent the infection from recurring.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction can be necessary in cases when:
- The tooth’s structure is severely damaged by infection
- The infection has damaged the surrounding bone
- The abscess has spread extensively
The pus is usually drained during or after a tooth extraction, and then your dentist cleans the area with a sterile solution to help remove bacteria and infected debris. In some cases, natural drainage continues for 1–3 days after extraction. Swelling and pain typically subside within 3 to 4 days after extraction, but it might take up to two weeks for the area to heal completely.
Antibacterial Therapy
Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to treat dental abscesses, regardless of whether the tooth is treated with a root canal or is extracted. If your dentist prescribes this medication, you must take the entire course as scheduled; otherwise, the area may become reinfected.
Make an Emergency Appointment at Dentist Mission Viejo
If you have a dental abscess, severe pain, or early stages of tooth infection, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Dentist Mission Viejo. We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your oral health.