If your tooth is abscessed, seeing the dentist for treatment can determine whether or not you need surgery. For those who wish to avoid dental surgery, prompt diagnosis and a regimen of antibiotics is necessary. Don't wait until it is too late. Read on to understand avoid surgery for a tooth abscess.
Instructions
See Your Dentist
1. If you have dental pain or are experiencing pus, drainage or swelling in your mouth, contact your dentist immediately.
2. Don't wait or tough out the pain. Waiting to see what happens can land you in the surgeon's chair.
3. During your visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and set up a treatment plan.
4. If you have a tooth abscess, the dentist may drain any pus pockets or abscesses. This is a normal procedure and is the best way to alleviate swelling and infection.
Take Your Medicine
5. After you see the dentist, she may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. A common medicine used is Bactrim. Its generic names are trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.
6. While at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to go over the instructions for taking your medicine. Let him know about any other medicines you are currently taking.
7. Take your antibiotic as recommended. If you miss a dose, call the pharmacy for instructions on what to do next.
8. If you are prescribed pain medication, take as directed. Do not operate machinery or drive while taking narcotic drugs.
9. Drink plenty of fluids and rest up. A tooth abscess is like any other infection you might get. Allow your body to heal and take its time.
Follow Up Visits And Home Care
10. If your dentist recommends a follow up visit, be sure to make the appointment and show up.
11. A follow up visit may include just a routine check or it may involve more. Do whatever your dentist prescribes as the next course of treatment. If you need to take more antibiotics, do so. If further drainage of the abscess is necessary, let your dentist take care of the problem.
12. Home care of tooth abscesses can include gargling with warm salt water and regular rinsing of your mouth. To make the solution, take 6 ounces of warm water and mix in a teaspoon of sea salt. Gargle and gently swish the water around your mouth. Spit out the water when done.
13. If you need pain relief and your doctor did not prescribe anything, take over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Both of this drugs assist with inflammation and pain.
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