Abscess in the cheek
An abscess of the cheek can develop directly on the skin or under the skin. It can be caused by bacteria on the skin or in the oral cavity. It can also be related to an abscess of the jaw.
A cheek abscess usually shows the same signs of inflammation as abscesses on other parts of the body: Swelling, pain, redness and warming. The treatment is also similar. The aim is to fight the bacterial infection with antibiotics and to drain the pus through a surgical procedure.
Pain
In the dental medical history it often turns out that the patient had severe toothache months before. This was followed by a pain-free period. When the formation of a jaw abscess is complete, pain may reappear.
Pain with an abscess often occurs in a later stage. The pain can be caused by pressure and touch. This is called pressure-tolerated pain.
This can occur during eating, brushing teeth or during a dental examination. The pain can also occur without external irritation. In this case it is called pain at rest.
In some cases the pain can be very strong and pulsating. The pain can also radiate to the ear and/or the temple. Ear and headaches can also occur. Since the perception of pain is very individual, the pain can be perceived to very different degrees. In addition, a so-called gangrene pain can develop.
Treatment
The earlier the jaw abscess is treated, the better. The bacterial infection is treated with medication. Antibiotics are used.
Depending on the causative pathogen and individual factors, a certain active substance is selected. The corresponding active substance should kill the pathogens that caused the infection. However, treatment with antibiotics alone is not sufficient to combat the abscess.
The aim is to remove the pus. In very favourable cases, it can be drained without surgical intervention. But often surgical measures are necessary.
Often a small incision with local anesthesia is sufficient to remove the abscess and to make sure that the bacteria do not spread further into the oral cavity. In advanced stages, the procedure is more complex. In some cases the abscess can no longer be reached through the oral cavity and must be made accessible through the opening in the skin.
In addition, the affected tooth area or root or the underlying disease must be treated. After the treatment, the wound needs to heal. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions.
If an abscess has formed in the jaw, it usually has to be treated surgically. If the abscess is advanced, various measures are necessary. Since an abscess is an inflamed area, local anaesthetics can only have a limited effect.
Local anaesthetics have a local anaesthetic effect. However, due to their properties, they can only have a limited effect in inflamed tissue. It is possible that pain continues to be felt during the procedure.
A short anaesthetic is therefore recommended. Prior to this, information and education is given orally and in writing. After the operation, you should be picked up by a person.
No cars should be driven and no machines operated on the same day. Furthermore, important decisions should be postponed to another day. If possible, the patient should take a rest after the procedure.
The abscess can be split or opened painlessly under short anaesthesia so that the pus can escape. A drainage system can then be placed in the area. Afterwards an antibiotic therapy, measures for wound healing and progress control are carried out.
In some cases, home remedies may be advisable for preliminary stages of an abscess. Certain home remedies can also support the healing process of the jaw abscess in addition to other measures. This can be warmth from a red light lamp or warm compresses with warm water, or chamomile or sage tea.
Mouthwashes with sage and sea salt can also have a healing and prophylactic effect. In addition, drinking nettle tea can support the healing process. In addition to surgical and medicinal treatment, homeopathic remedies can in some cases have a supportive effect.
Their use should be discussed with the treating physician. Depending on the symptoms, different homeopathic remedies are recommended for abscesses in the jaw. For example, Hepar sulfuris, Ledum, Mecurius solubilis or Silicea are recommended.
According to homeopathic physicians, potency C12 is recommended for all active ingredients during self-treatment. As a rule, it is recommended to take 2 – 3 globules up to 4 times a day. The globules should be allowed to melt in the mouth. If possible, nothing should be eaten or drunk for 15 minutes before and after taking them.
