When you have an ear infection or a sinus infection, you may receive a course of antibiotics to address the problem. A dental abscess is an infection taking place in the mouth, so can antibiotics be used as a treatment? This isn’t always the case. Continue reading to learn more about tooth abscesses, how they are treated, and the use of antibiotics for oral infections.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. There are two main types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root of a tooth. On the other hand, a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. Periapical tooth abscesses usually occur as a result of untreated tooth decay, an injury, or damaged restorations. An infection then occurs, causing irritation and swelling.
Can Dental Abscessed Be Treated with Antibiotics?
In many areas of the body, infections can be cleared up with antibiotics. However, this isn’t usually the case with dental abscesses. This is because antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to reach infected areas of the body. The bloodstream does not go up into the tooth, so it can’t effectively fight the infection in this area. However, antibiotics can be used to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
How Are Dental Abscesses Treated?
There are several different options available to address a dental abscess. Here is what the course of action may look like:
- Draining the Abscess: To do this, your dentist will make a small incision into the abscess to allow the pus to drain out. The area will be cleaned, and a small drain may be used to keep the area open for drainage as the swelling reduces.
- Root Canal Treatment: Despite the infection, if your tooth is still in relatively good condition, your dentist may treat it with a tooth canal. For this procedure, they will make an opening in the tooth, remove the infected tissue withing the tooth, sanitize it, and fill the tooth. A crown is often placed overtop the tooth for further protection.
- Tooth Extraction: If your tooth is beyond repair, your dentist will need to extract it to eliminate the infection.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection.
Dental abscesses can be very painful and detrimental for your oral health. Fortunately, by seeing your dentist as soon as you realize something is wrong, they can help to tackle the infection and restore your smile to health!
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Bishop is an experience endodontist serving patients in the Huntsville Community. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry before attending an endodontic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Endodontists, Alabama Association of Endodontists, International Academy of Endodontists, and the Southern Endodontic Study Group. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (256) 882-5161.