dental disorders
How To Drain a Tooth Abscess
Aftercare
Instruct the patient to apply warm, moist compresses frequently, take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such asibuprofen400 mg every 6 hours), and rinse the mouth with warm salt water every 2 to 3 hours for 3 to 5 days (or until follow-up appointment) to stimulate local blood flow and help relieve pain. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar carefully. Unless the infection was very localized, give an oral antibiotic (eg,amoxicillin500 mg 3 times a day for 7 days, orclindamycin300 mg 4 times a day for 7 days). Encourage patients with significant infection to consume extra fluid and nutrition (ie, to compensate for poor oral intake prior to treatment of the infection and aid healing) Arrange dental follow-up in 1 to 2 days, to evaluate the drain for removal. 