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June 5, 2025A tooth abscess often starts with a strong, deep pain and swelling in the mouth. Abscessed tooth treatment helps remove the infection, reduce the pain, and sometimes save the tooth. Dentists choose the treatment based on how serious the abscess is and how damaged the tooth has become. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about abscessed tooth treatment.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow Is an Abscessed Tooth Diagnosed?
There are different ways a dentist can find out if you have a tooth abscess. Below are the common diagnostic methods used by emergency dentists Avondale:
| Diagnostic Methods | How It Helps the Dentist |
| Mouth check | Helps spot visible signs like swelling, pus, or redness to confirm the presence of an abscess. |
| Touch Test | Helps find out if the tooth is painful or sensitive, which shows the level of infection. |
| X-ray | Helps locate the abscess inside the tooth or jaw and see how far it has spread. |
| Full face or head scan | Helps check if the infection has moved beyond the tooth and jaw into other areas of the face or head |
4 Treatment Options for Tooth Abscess Relief
There are different ways to treat an abscessed tooth. The dentist will check how serious your condition is and choose the best treatment for you. Below are the common types of abscessed tooth treatment:
Abscess Drainage
Abscess drainage is used when there is a lot of swelling and pus around the tooth. This treatment works well for people with large swelling and helps other treatments work better. During the procedure:
- The dentist checks the swollen area to see where the pus is.
- They numb the area so you don’t feel pain.
- A small cut is made to let the pus come out.
- The dentist cleans the area with a special liquid to remove bacteria.
- In some cases, a small rubber drain is placed to let more pus come out.
Root Canal
A root canal is used when the dentist wants to save the tooth. It works well if the root of the tooth is still strong. During the procedure:
- The emergency dentist checks the tooth and numbs the area.
- They open the top of the tooth to reach the inside.
- The dentist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth.
- They clean the inside of the tooth carefully.
- The dentist fills the space and seals the tooth.
- A crown or filling is placed on top to protect the tooth.
- The tooth stays in place and works like normal again.
Extraction
Tooth extraction is part of abscessed tooth treatment when the infection is too serious and the tooth cannot be saved. This is usually needed if the abscess has caused deep damage to the tooth or bone. During the procedure:
- The dentist checks the tooth to see if it can be saved.
- If not, they numb the area so you don’t feel pain.
- The dentist gently loosens and pulls out the tooth.
- They clean the empty space (socket) to remove any infection.
- Gauze is placed to help stop bleeding.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used as part of abscessed tooth treatment when the infection spreads beyond the tooth. They help the body fight the infection by killing the bacteria and reducing swelling. Dentists Avondale often give antibiotics along with other treatments like abscess drainage or a root canal.
This is helpful for patients with fever, facial swelling, or a weak immune system. Antibiotics do not remove the abscess, but they help control the infection so other treatments can work better.
Home Remedies for a Tooth Abscess
You can try some home remedies to feel better if you have an abscessed tooth, but they do not cure the infection. These remedies may help with pain and swelling for a short time. Here are some home remedies and how they help:
| Home Remedy | How It Helps |
| Saltwater rinse | Cleans the mouth and helps reduce swelling |
| Cold compress | Lowers swelling and numbs pain on the face |
| Over-the-counter pain medicine | Gives short-term relief from tooth pain |
| Clove oil | Numbs the area and reduces pain for a short time |
| Hydrogen peroxide rinse (mixed with water) | Kills some bacteria and helps clean the mouth |
How Soon After Tooth Abscess Treatment Will I Feel Better?
Healing time after abscessed tooth treatment is different for each person. It depends on the type of treatment, the size of the infection, and how your body heals. Here is a simple guide to help you understand how long each treatment may take:
- After drainage, most people heal in 1 to 5 days.
- After a root canal, healing usually takes 1 to 5 days.
- After a tooth extraction, healing takes about 2 to 7 days.
- Antibiotics start working in 1 to 7 days.
- Severe infections may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to fully heal.
Abscessed Tooth Treatment Near Me in Avondale, AZ
People who live in or near Avondale can visit Desert Lake Family Dentistry for expert help. Our dental team has experience in treating tooth abscesses with care and skill. We use modern tools and safe methods to give fast relief and stop infection. So, don’t wait to make an online appointment for a free consultation.
Let’s Recap
Abscessed tooth treatment is very important. This is not a problem you can fix on your own. Waiting too long can lead to more pain and serious health issues. Dentists use several methods to treat abscesses and stop the infection. If you have signs of a tooth abscess, do not wait. Get the right help now. With fast care and proper treatment, you can feel better, save your tooth, and protect your health.
FAQs
Can a tooth abscess go away naturally?
No, a tooth abscess needs dental treatment. The infection will not stop on its own and may get worse.
Can I get rid of a tooth abscess myself?
No, you can use home remedies for short relief, but only a dentist can remove the infection fully.
How long can a dental abscess go untreated?
An untreated abscess can get worse in just a few days. The infection spreads and causes other health problems.
Will the abscess go away with antibiotics?
Antibiotics help control infection, but do not remove the abscess. You still need dental treatment.
Can you treat a dental abscess at home?
No. Home remedies give short-term relief, but you must see a dentist for proper abscessed tooth treatment.




