What to do for infected tooth
An infected tooth needs dental assessment to identify the source, drain infection when needed, and preserve or remove the tooth.
The short answer
For an infected tooth, arrange prompt dental care because treatment must remove or control the source, usually through root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction. Pain relief and antibiotics alone do not remove infected pulp or a collection of pus.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Infection commonly begins when bacteria reach the dental pulp through deep decay, a crack, or injury. The pulp can become inflamed or die, allowing infection to extend through the root tip into surrounding bone and soft tissue.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean, and use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician. Do not place aspirin, alcohol, or concentrated oils on the gum, and do not try to puncture a swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
Contact a dentist promptly for severe toothache, pain on biting, gum swelling, pus, fever, or a bad taste. Go to emergency care for rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the tooth can be restored, whether the pulp is involved, and whether drainage, root canal treatment, or extraction is indicated. Ask what signs after treatment should trigger a return visit.
Frequently asked questions
Will an antibiotic cure an infected tooth?
An antibiotic may be prescribed for selected spreading or systemic infections, but it does not remove infected pulp or repair the tooth.
Can an abscess drain by itself?
Drainage can reduce pressure while leaving the source untreated, so dental treatment remains necessary.