The type of treatment a person receives for a tooth infection depends on several factors, including:

the initial location of the abscess

whether and to what extent the infection has spread

the extent of the immune system’s reaction to the infection

Some possible treatments for a tooth infection include the following.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment (RCT) may be necessary to treat an abscess deep inside the tooth.

The procedure involves drilling into the tooth to remove the tooth’s pulp, bacteria, and any accumulated pus inside the root.

The dentist then fills the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Once the tooth has healed, a dentist restores it with a crown or a permanent filling to prevent further infections.

Apicoectomy

Sometimes, RCT is not enough to treat a tooth infection. In such cases, a dentist may recommend an apicoectomy or a root-end resection.

This procedure involves opening up the gums, removing the end of the tooth root, and removing any infected tissue.

Antibiotics

A dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and stop it from spreading before administering a more permanent treatment.

If the infection has already spread, a person may need a longer course of antibiotic treatment, a switch to a different type of medication, or hospital admission to receive more potent antibiotics.

Drainage

In some instances, it may be necessary to drain pus directly from the site of the infection. For example, drainage may be necessary to remove pus from a dental abscess that has spread to the cheek.

To do this, a doctor or dentist numbs the area, creates a small incision, and drains pus and fluid from the gums.

Treatment of sepsis

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock. With septic shock, a person’s blood pressure becomes dangerously low, which can lead to organ failure and even death.

People with sepsis need treatment in an intensive care unit. Such treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

Other treatments, such as dialysis or surgery, may be necessary to support the body’s organs and limit the damage resulting from the infection.