From the Guidelines
A tooth abscess requires immediate dental attention, and the primary treatment involves draining the abscess and addressing the underlying cause, which may include root canal treatment or tooth extraction, as recommended by the European Society of Endodontology 1. The treatment approach should prioritize surgical drainage, and antibiotics should only be considered in specific cases, such as medically compromised patients, patients with systemic involvement, or those with progressive infections. Some key points to consider include:
- The use of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or clindamycin may be prescribed, but these should not replace the need for dental treatment, as highlighted by the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme 1.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) can help manage pain while waiting for a dental appointment.
- Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces water) several times daily can help draw out infection and reduce discomfort.
- Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of the face, neck, or even the bloodstream, emphasizing the importance of prompt dental intervention, as noted by the Canadian Collaboration on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Dentistry 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 by the Clinical Microbiology and Infection journal 1, supports the use of surgical drainage as the primary treatment for tooth abscesses, with antibiotics playing a secondary role in specific cases.