A dental abscess is a painful, pus-filled infection that can develop in or around a tooth and requires prompt attention from a dental professional. Dental abscesses do not heal on their own and are considered to be a dental emergency requiring urgent dental intervention.
A dental abscess can burst spontaneously as the pus builds up and stretches the mucosa. It can burst due to eating, brushing, or even rubbing your tongue over it.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to take if you find yourself dealing with a burst dental abscess. Let’s dive in and learn how to manage this potentially serious dental emergency.
Remain Calm
First and foremost, it’s essential to remain calm if a dental abscess bursts on its own. While it can be alarming and possibly painful, panicking will not help the situation.
Take a deep breath and remember that although seeking dental care is crucial, you can manage the immediate aftermath at home before visiting your dentist.
Rinse Your Mouth
When a dental abscess bursts, it releases pus and bacteria into your mouth. To help prevent the infection from spreading, gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline.
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat this process a few times to help cleanse the affected area. Avoid vigorous rinsing, as this may cause further irritation.
Manage Pain and Swelling
A burst dental abscess may cause pain and swelling in the affected area. To alleviate discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, as long as you follow the recommended dosage on the label.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time can also help reduce swelling.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is essential to prevent further infection. Continue to brush your teeth gently, at least twice a day, and floss daily. Be cautious when brushing near the affected area; you don’t want to cause additional irritation.
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help keep your mouth clean and reduce harmful bacteria.
Schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment
While managing the immediate aftermath of a burst dental abscess at home is important, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
A burst abscess is a dental emergency that requires prompt attention from a dentist. Contact your dentist’s office, explain the situation, and request an emergency appointment.
If your regular dentist isn’t available, consider visiting an emergency dental clinic or the nearest hospital.
Follow Your Dentist’s Treatment Plan
Once you see your dentist, they will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Treatment for a burst dental abscess may include:
- Draining any remaining pus from the abscess
- Cleaning the area thoroughly to remove bacteria and debris
- Prescribing antibiotics to help fight the infection
- Treating the underlying cause of the abscess, such as a decayed tooth or gum disease
The dentist might recommend a root canal treatment or extraction of the affected tooth, depending upon the extent of the decay or damage.
Following your dentist’s treatment plan and recommendations closely is crucial to ensure a full recovery and prevent complications.
Key Takeaway
It is crucial to remember that a dental abscess will never heal on its own, and the only treatment is to cure or remove the underlying cause of the infection. Hence, getting the affected tooth treated or extracted is the only way to resolve an abscess.
A dental abscess is a potentially serious condition that requires professional care. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of dealing with a burst dental abscess, remember to remain calm and follow the steps outlined above to manage the immediate aftermath.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help prevent dental abscesses and other oral health issues. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to contact your dental professional with any concerns or questions about your oral health.
Looking for a Consult?
If you’re concerned about a dental abscess or pus oozing out of your gums or teeth. Then look no further than Vue Dental. Our state-of-the-art dental office is equipped with the latest equipment and a highly qualified team of dental practitioners who can address all your dental issues.
Get a consult with Dr Keshavi Patel today by calling us at 512-888-9340 or book an appointment online via our website. We offer all sorts of dental services, so feel free to contact us with any queries about your oral health!