How to control swelling and pain due to a tooth abscess?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have an abscess behind my upper right tooth. It is really painful and swollen.

I cannot go to the dentist until next week.

How long will it take for the swelling to go down and the pain to reduce?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I have gone through your query, and I can understand your concern.

An abscess is due to a carious tooth with an infected pulp, and it generally causes acute pain.

I would advise you to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to salvage the remaining tooth for some conservative and endodontic treatment, and also to relieve your pain.

However, as you are saying that an appointment with the dentist is not possible until next week, I would advise you to take analgesics and antibiotics for pain and infection for the next three days.

If you do not have a drug history and allergies, I suggest you take tablet Amoxicillin Clavulanate 625 mg and tablet Ibuprofen 200 mg twice daily for three days. I would also advise you to maintain your oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.