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Dental Abscess Treatment
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Lifestyle Modifications
Manage pain, prevent further irritation, and support overall oral health to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.
- Ease pain with over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol), ensuring children under 16 avoid aspirin.
- Consume soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt to minimize chewing discomfort.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks to reduce sensitivity in the affected area.
- Maintain diligent oral hygiene using a soft toothbrush, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months and avoid smoking to promote oral health and prevent recurrence.
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Medicinal Treatment
Alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and combat the bacterial infection.
- Prescription of antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection, especially if it has spread or there's a risk of systemic infection.
- Over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers to manage severe pain and discomfort while awaiting or recovering from definitive treatment.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and associated pain in the affected area.
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Surgical Treatment
Eliminate the source of infection, drain accumulated pus, and preserve dental health where possible.
- Incision and drainage of the abscess to remove the pus, providing immediate relief from pressure and infection. This is often performed under local anaesthetic.
- Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) to remove infected pulp from inside the tooth, clean the canal, and seal it to save the tooth, if the abscess originates from within the tooth.
- Tooth extraction (removal) if the tooth is too severely damaged to be saved, or if an impacted tooth is the cause of the abscess.
ConsultDentistEndodontistOral Surgeon
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About This Disease
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Dental Abscess Treatment.
Know more about Dental Abscess Treatment