Accompanying symptoms

The accompanying symptoms are the typical signs of inflammation: Especially the swelling is the most prominent accompanying symptom in the case of an abscess. The swelling is visible from the outside and displaces the soft tissue. It feels soft, similar to a balloon filled with water.

Furthermore, the abscess is usually reddened and feels overheated. The accumulation of pus causes increased pressure. Pain in the area of the abscess, which can radiate into other regions of the head, is also likely. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and respiratory tract obstruction require immediate treatment.

Redness
Swelling
Overheating
Pain

Can one have pus in the jaw without further symptoms?

Usually the abscess causes the displacement of existing tissue by filling a cavity, which is associated with tension. The tissue is only able to expand to a certain degree. Thus, the accumulation of pus, the larger it becomes, creates a very strong pressure pain with a strong swelling, which is also visible from the outside.

As a result, the symptoms are usually associated with massive pain. An abscess formation without symptoms is usually not possible. Even soft swellings usually cause pain when touching. The pain can be so severe that a dentist is usually consulted as soon as possible.

Treatment of pus in the jaw

Therapeutically, an attempt is made to drain the pus depending on the extent of the swelling. In the case of an inflammation at the root tip, this can already be done by reaming the tooth, in which case the nerve tissue is removed and an irrigation disinfection is performed. The tooth is closed with a foam pellet to ensure that the pus can escape further.

Only when the tooth is completely free of symptoms is it then treated with root canal treatment and closed with a root filling. However, if the abscess is very pronounced, reaming is not sufficient as an outflow. In this case, a relief incision is made at the swelling, a so-called incision.

Here, a scalpel is used to cut open the previously anesthetized gums above the abscess so that the pus can escape. As a rule, a flap or gauze (gauze compress) is inserted into the cavity and rinsed so that the pus can drain away completely. Only when the patient is symptom-free is the strip removed from the wound and the wound heals on its own.

In case of an abscess after wisdom tooth removal, an incision is also made. The pus of the abscess must be drained through a relief incision to relieve the pressure and, if necessary, to expose the airways again. The massive nature of the abscess requires supportive therapy with antibiotics.

Aminopenicillins such as amoxicillin are used. Amoxicillin is taken three times a day for five days. In addition, ibuprofen can be taken as pain medication if required.

The maximum dose for adults is 2400 mg per day and should not be exceeded. If these painkillers are not sufficient, ibuprofen can be combined with Novalgin® if necessary. Ask your doctor for advice if you have jaw pain. In the case of an advanced abscess that develops into sepsis, you will be admitted to hospital or clinic immediately.