How to Drain a Tooth Abscess at Home? 5 Surefire Ways

Dental abscesses are as common as they are painful. In fact, they represent one of the main reasons for an emergency dental consultation. Drainage of a dental abscess may seem like an easy procedure to perform, but the truth is that it is complex and risky.

How to Drain a Tooth Abscess at Home?

Before attempting to drain a dental abscess at home, it’s crucial to understand what it is. Let’s take a quick look at what a dental abscess is all about

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is a soft, fluctuating pocket of pus that accumulates in oral tissues, either the gums or the jawbones. It happens when an infection originating in the nerve of the tooth or surrounding tissues advances without being treated in time.

Types of dental abscesses

There are 3 types:

● Periapical abscess: This type is located at the end of the root and below the tooth. It can be caused by cavities or a deep restoration, as well as trauma to the teeth.

● Gingival abscess: It can happen at the edge of the gum caused by foreign bodies embedded in it.

● Periodontal: It affects the bone that supports the tooth and can generate mobility. It is generated by the accumulation of bacteria on the surface of the roots of the teeth.

What are the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess?

Patients with dental abscesses may present one or more of the following symptoms:

● Severe, spontaneous, constant, throbbing dental pain that cannot be easily located

● Pain or discomfort when chewing, biting, or swallowing

● Swelling on one side of the face or neck

● Difficulty breathing

● Swollen and tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck

● Bad smell and taste in the mouth

● Fever

Eventually, the abscess may drain by itself. When this happens, the patient may feel a foul-tasting and smelling salty liquid, engendering a sense of relief.

What is the treatment for a dental abscess?

When a dental abscess occurs, the dentist focuses the treatment as follows:

1. Drain the contents of the abscess

Depending upon the location and origin of the abscess, it can be drained through:

● The gums, only applying pressure

● The canal of the tooth, by performing an endodontic treatment

● An incision in the mucosa .

When a required incision is needed, the dentist might take the following steps:

1. Anesthetic placement

2. Choice of drainage area

3. Sterilization and disinfection of the area

4. Creation of a drainage path through an incision

5. Drainage of the abscess

6. Salt water (saline solution) flushes inside the abscess

7. Cleaning of the area

Sometimes, it may be necessary to place a drainage device so the pus continues to come out in the days following the intervention. The drain will be withdrawn at a future appointment.

2. Eliminate the cause of the infection

The only way to achieve a permanent cure of an abscess is by eliminating the cause of the infection. If only the abscess is drained, it will go away for a few months; but it will return at another time, causing even more pain and swelling. Thus, depending upon the origin of the abscess, it may be necessary to perform one of the following procedures:

● Root canal treatment

● Dental extraction

● Removal of foreign bodies embedded in the gum

● Extraction of defective implant

3. Prescribe the appropriate antibiotic

Depending upon the severity and characteristics of the abscess, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics. It is important that these be administered carefully following the instructions given by the professional.

How to drain an abscessed tooth at home? Is this process advisable?

It is not appropriate to drain a dental abscess at home for several reasons:

● A prior diagnosis is required: A dentist should determine the appropriate time to drain the abscess; if this is attempted at the wrong stage of the disease, it can lead to complications.

● The pus must be removed in its entirety:  The professional uses instruments and movements that allow him to eliminate all the pus inside the abscess.

● The area where the incision will be made must be carefully chosen: The area where the incision is made is key to guaranteeing the proper drainage of the abscess and adequate subsequent healing.

● Often, the placement of sutures or drainage mechanisms is required: Depending upon the severity of the abscess, additional procedures may be needed.

● The infection could spread: A poor drainage technique can cause the infection to migrate to other parts of the body, endangering the general health of the patient.

● The implements used must be completely sterile: The surgical instruments used in the dental office are subjected to very sophisticated disinfection processes not possible to achieve at home.

In any case, the abscess should be treated only by a highly experienced dental surgeon, endodontist, or dentist to ensure the success of the treatment and reduce the risk of complications.

What home remedies for abscess can be used at home?

Home remedies cannot cure an abscessed tooth permanently. However, some can be applied at home to help reduce pain and inflammation:

1. Cold water compresses placed on the inflamed area.

2. Black tea: Apply a concentrated tea infusion with a cloth.

3. Salt and baking soda rinses: In a glass with warm water, mix one tablespoon of salt and one of baking soda. Rinse for 30 seconds 3 times a day.

4. Fenugreek tea: Prepare the tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek in a cup of water. Let the mixture cool and apply with a cotton ball to the affected water, repeating the process 3 times a day.

5. Tea tree oil: Dilute a tablespoon of the oil in a glass of water and use it as a rinse 3 times a day. It works best on abscesses that are not advanced.

6. Clove: Create a paste by mixing one tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of clove powder. Then, apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Repeat three times a day.

7. Apple vinegar: Dilute 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water and rinse for 5 minutes. Repeat twice a day.

Care after draining a dental abscess

● Take the prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories according to the medical instructions.

● Keep the area clean and free of bacteria.

● Apply ice or cold compresses on the area to relieve swelling and pain.

If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, contact your dentist for guidance.

Can a dental abscess go away on its own or does it need treatment for tooth infection?

It is important to note that dental abscesses never go away without treatment. Although the pain and swelling may subside on their own for a few days, the symptoms may return at a later time, causing even more discomfort. In the same way, dental pain can decrease in cases where decay or some trauma causes nerve death inside the tooth.

However, even if there is no discomfort, the infection will remain active and continue to spread, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the dentist even if the severity of the symptoms has decreased.

When to see a dentist?

In case of any manifested abscess symptoms, it is indicated to seek urgent dental care. In the event of fever, general malaise, difficulty breathing or swollen lymph nodes, the patient should immediately consult an emergency medical service.

Conclusion

Attempting to drain a dental abscess at home is not advisable due to significant risks involved. This procedure requires accurate diagnosis, sterile tools, and specialized techniques that only a professional can provide.

Self-drainage can lead to severe complications, such as the spread of the infection. Instead of taking risks, it’s crucial to seek specialized dental care immediately upon experiencing symptoms of an abscess. Home remedies may temporarily relieve pain but do not replace the need for proper and timely medical treatment.