Can a Tooth Abscess Heal?
No dental abscess will go away on its own, but it is possible to treat a dental abscess, and, with prompt treatment, the oral cavity can be restored to health. One of the most common symptoms of a tooth abscess is a toothache, which could be throbbing, dull and constant, or sharp and intense. If the pocket of pus that characterized a tooth abscess ruptures, this feeling of pressure and pain may dissipate, which could lead you to believe that your abscess has healed. This is not the case. Infection remains in the tissues, and the relief is only temporary; dental treatment is the only way to find permanent relief and stop infection from spreading. When infection from a dental abscess does spread, it can cause life-threatening concerns, so if you suspect you have a tooth abscess, don’t wait for it to rupture. Call your dentist right away.
In addition to the noticeable toothache, you might feel pain in your gums or notice that your mouth smells and tastes foul. You might notice areas of redness and irritation inside your mouth or on your face or neck, and there may also be swelling in your face, jaw, or neck. If the swelling becomes severe enough with your ability to open your mouth, chew your food, or breathe effectively, don’t wait to see your dentist; seek medical care right away, especially if you also have a fever. Fever is a sign that the body is trying to fight against an invader, which could indicate that the infection has entered the bloodstream and begun to threaten the vital organs, and should be addressed immediately. An emergency dentist can treat these pressing concerns, but if there isn’t one available, medical attention can address the spread of infection while you await more comprehensive treatment. Other signs of systemic, dangerous infection could include swelling or pain in the eye or blurred eyesight.
For more mild symptoms, call your dentist and explain your symptoms; they will determine your level of urgency and schedule you accordingly. While you wait to see your dentist, you can manage your toothache with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoiding excessively hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks can help keep tooth sensitivity to a minimum, and maintaining a diet of soft, nourishing foods can relieve some pressure and reduce the risks of irritation.
Your dentist will determine the best way to treat your tooth abscess when they see you. After treating the abscess by draining the pus, with or without the use of oral antibiotics, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. In this common treatment, an endodontist will remove infected tissue from inside the tooth’s root, debriding and sanitizing inside its canals before filling and sealing them and capping the tooth with a dental crown. This procedure is performed while the patient is anesthetized, so it is painless, and you may be offered prescription pain medication or antibiotics following a root canal treatment. If the damage to your tooth or surrounding tissues is too extensive, the dentist may elect to extract the tooth to ensure that infection is eliminated, possibly prescribing antibiotics in this case as well.