WHAT DO WE DO?
If the abscess is not associated with any intraoral or extraoral swelling, then basing on the situation our experienced dentists will advise the options to either save the tooth with root canal treatment or have it extracted.
If there is swelling, based on the type of infection the abscess firstly will be drained and the infection is treated with a course of antibiotics. Since the anesthesia may not work in this scenario, follow up appointments are needed to evaluate the recovery and decide to save the tooth with root canal treatment or lose it by extraction.
A tooth develops an abscess when the bacteria from the untreated decay extends to and kills the living part of the tooth, the pulp, and settles at the root apex. The signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth can range from a blister in the gum with or without pus release, shooting/ throbbing pain from the tooth and/or surrounding structures, temperatures, headaches, and inability to sleep.
At times, a dental abscess can spread to surrounding tissue spaces too and lead to extra-oral swelling and also can become life threatening.
Pain relief medications at home may give temporary relief. However seeking an immediate dentist appointment is the wise thing to do.