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How Do Dentists Treat a Painful Gum Abscess?

gum relief treatment

A gum abscess is a dental emergency, and treating it otherwise can make it worse. This painful infection is caused when bacteria enter the gum and create a pocket of pus. Without timely gum abscess treatment, this infection can spread to surrounding tissues, bone, and even other body parts.

If you have an abscess and you are searching for abscess gum relief treatment, this blog is for you. Explore why you need a dentist and how they treat it.

Read on!

What Causes a Gum Abscess?

It is a bacterial infection caused when bacteria are trapped beneath the gum tissue. It might happen due to:

  • Tooth decay or untreated cavities
  • Gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Food particles are lodged deep between the teeth and gums
  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Trauma to the gum area

The infection can grow quickly without professional gum abscess treatment by a dentist.

Types of Gum Abscesses Dentists Diagnose

There are two types of gum abscess:

Gingival Abscess

It is a localized infection caused when food particles become lodged in the gum tissue, leading to the formation of pus. It doesn’t impact the surrounding tissue or bones.

Periodontal Abscess

It is a more severe form of abscess that occurs under the gum line due to untreated gum disease. If not treated in time, it may impact the bone and surrounding tissue, requiring extensive treatment for the abscessed gums.

Step-by-Step Gum Abscess Treatment Procedure

Here is the detailed step-by-step gum abscess treatment procedure:

Step 1: Dental Examination and Diagnosis

The dentist will conduct a preliminary examination of your mouth, including X-rays, to determine the type of gum abscess. It’s crucial to choose the right gum abscess treatment procedure.

Step 2: Drainage and Infection Control

It is a quick process where the dentist will gently drain the pus to reduce pain and swelling.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning and Root Planing

For deeper infections, especially periodontal abscesses, scaling and root planing are performed. It removes built-up plaque, tartar, and bacteria beneath the gumline.

Step 4: Antibiotic and Pain Management

Pain relief medications and antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. 

Step 5: Follow-up and Preventive Care

Your dentist will schedule follow-up visits to ensure that the infection doesn’t return. It is a vital step. 

Advanced Abscess Gum Treatments Dentists May Recommend

Additional treatments might be required for more severe cases:

  • Gum surgery to remove diseased tissue
  • Root canal therapy if the infection spreads to the tooth pulp
  • Tooth extraction for cases where the tooth cannot be saved
  • Laser therapy for sterilization and improved healing
  • Periodontal pocket reduction to prevent re-infection

These treatments are essential to ensure that the infection is treated at the root cause level and doesn’t return.

How to Get Quick Abscess Gum Relief Before Visiting the Dentist?

A gum abscess is an emergency, but if you can’t visit the dentist right away, here are some home remedies that will provide temporary abscess gum relief:

  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Maintain gentle brushing and flossing

These are only temporary pain-relief solutions. You need professional treatment to treat the infection. 

Finding a Gum Abscess Dentist Near Me

When searching for a gum abscess dentist, here is what to look for:

If you are in Chandler, schedule an appointment with Peace of Mind Dental Studio, the best emergency dentist in town.

What Does Abscess Gum Treatment Cost Near Me?

The cost varies based on multiple factors, such as:

  • Severity of the infection
  • Location of the dental practice
  • Whether deep cleaning or surgery is required
  • Additional procedures (such as root canal therapy)
  • Medication costs

A simple drainage procedure typically costs $100-$250, while advanced periodontal treatments can range from $200 to $1,000 or more. Check your dental insurance policy to see if dental abscess treatment is covered by your insurance.

Preventive Oral Care After Abscess Gum Treatment

Here are a few tips to prevent dental abscesses:

  • Daily brushing and flossing
  • Regular dental cleanings
  • Managing gum disease early
  • Avoiding tobacco
  • Using antibacterial mouthwash
  • Treating cavities promptly

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help keep your teeth healthy and minimize the risk of dental infections.

Conclusion

A gum abscess is not a problem to be ignored. Instead, it requires prompt treatment to reduce pain, swelling, and the risk of further infection. 

For professional abscessed gum treatment, visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio today. We aim to provide you with the treatment and support you deserve, while also protecting your oral and overall health.

For an emergency, book an appointment now!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: What is the fastest abscess gum relief treatment at home?

Ans: Warm saltwater rinses and cold compresses can provide temporary relief from pain until you see a dentist.

Que: How long does the gum abscess treatment procedure take?

Ans: It is a quick treatment that takes 15-20 minutes and may extend to 45 minutes for severe cases. 

Que: Is gum abscess treatment painful?

Ans: No. Local anesthesia is administered to curb the pain and make the procedure comfortable for you.

Que: Can a gum abscess go away on its own?

Ans: No. The swelling may have subsided, but it may still affect the surrounding tissue. It requires draining by a dentist to achieve complete healing.

Que: How much does an abscess gum treatment cost near me?

Ans: The treatment cost depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the infection. The cost typically ranges from $100 to $ 1,000.

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

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