Table of contents:
- How to treat suppurating gums?
- 1. Drainage of the abscess
- 2. Root canal treatment
- 3. Pulling out the infected tooth
- 4. Painkillers
- 5. Antibiotics
Continuous cavities can cause the gums to fester. Pus appears from the formation of an abscess (pus pocket) in the gum tissue. The festering gums will cause unbearable pain, usually accompanied by swelling. Then how to treat festering gums?
How to treat suppurating gums?
If your gums become pus, contact your dentist immediately to find a way to treat the problem.
Your dentist may order one or a combination of these treatments:
1. Drainage of the abscess
The pus that appears must be sliced and opened so that the bacteria can escape and dry out. Before the doctor does this method of treating festering gums, you may be given a local anesthetic.
2. Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is performed if the infection is due to cavities or tooth death. The dead tooth will be perforated so that the pus can drain out. The damaged tissue will be removed from the tooth pulp. Then to prevent infection, the holes will be patched.
The pus will dry out and the hole will be cleaned. The surface of the tooth root will be smoothed by scaling under the edge of the gum. This will help the tooth heal and prevent infection.
3. Pulling out the infected tooth
This method of treating festering gums is done if the root canal treatment is unsuccessful. It could also be when the tooth has been decayed and damaged, so it needs to be removed.
4. Painkillers
Painkillers can help reduce pain while you wait for treatment. Painkillers are only there to relieve pain and cannot replace a visit to the dentist.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol are effective painkillers. However, there are some rules for taking these drugs.
- If you have (or have a history of) asthma and ulcers, it is not recommended that you take ibuprofen.
- Children under the age of 16 and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take aspirin.
- Consumption of this painkiller must be as directed by your dentist.
5. Antibiotics
Your dentist may give you antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection and they can be taken along with painkillers.
However, this is not a treatment to resolve suppurating gums, it can only reduce the effects and spread of the infection. Take antibiotics as directed by your doctor.
After giving antibiotics, the doctor will also recommend that you undergo such treatments root canal or pull a tooth. Both of these treatments can help inhibit disease progression as well as promote healing.
