From the Guidelines
Tooth abscess treatment should prioritize surgical intervention, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction, over antibiotic treatment, as recommended by the European Society of Endodontology (2018) 1. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection source and prevent complications.
- Surgical drainage is key in managing acute apical abscesses, and antibiotics should only be used in specific patient groups, such as those with systemic involvement or medically compromised patients.
- The use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or phenoxymethylpenicillin, should be reserved for cases with systemic complications or progressive infections, as suggested by the European Society of Endodontology (2018) 1.
- While waiting for dental treatment, patients can manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and rinsing with warm salt water may help reduce pain and draw out infection.
- It is essential to avoid attempting to drain the abscess yourself, as this can spread the infection and lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to the jaw, face, or bloodstream.
- The American Dental Association (2015) and Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (2014) also support the limited use of antibiotics in dental infections, emphasizing the importance of surgical intervention and proper dental care 1.
From the Research
Tooth Abscess Treatment Options
- The treatment of tooth abscesses often involves the use of antibiotics to manage the infection [ 2 ].
- A review of the literature suggests that antibiotics such as phenoxymethylpenicillin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and clindamycin may be prescribed for the management of acute dentoalveolar abscesses [ 2 ].
Considerations for Antibiotic Prescribing
- There is a need for evidence-based prescribing guidelines to ensure that antibiotics are prescribed appropriately and in a way that minimizes the risk of resistance and other adverse effects [ 2 ].
- The current climate of evidence-based research emphasizes the importance of keeping antibiotic prescribing to a minimum and using antibiotics judiciously [ 2 ].
Recommendations for Antibiotic Use
- Suitable antibiotic prescribing for adult patients suffering from acute dentoalveolar infections should be based on evidence and consider best practice and current empirical treatment regimes [ 2 ].