You now know that the pain you are experiencing is an abscessed tooth, and you’ve got to live with the abscessed tooth pain another day or so before your antibiotic starts working or you can seek additional medical treatment from your dentist. You are probably thinking, “Is there anything else that I can do to alleviate some of the pain?”

Again, you must remember that it’s always imperative that you consult your physician before trying anything drastic. However, it may be beneficial for you to try some over-the-counter medications to alleviate some of the pain. Make sure you take the medication as directed and don’t think just because you take more than what is prescribed it’s going to make the situation any better because it isn’t. Another way to gain some temporary relief is by rinsing warm salt warm in your mouth around the area that is bothering you. This method has been known to give some people temporary relief from the pain.

However, your main source of relief is going to come from the actual abscess being drained or popping the pus-filled pocket on your gum.  It is possible for the abscess to rupture by itself and if this is the case, warm water rinses will help to promote drainage and flush out the area.  However, if you must go to the dentist the dentist will most likely attempt to drain the area by making an incision on your gums so that the area can drain.  If this method is not an option, then the dentist may recommend a root canal.  The root canal will allow the dentist to remove any root tissue and the pulp of the tooth that is diseased.  If your abscessed tooth is more severe, it may be necessary for the dentist to pull or extract the tooth, so that the area can drain from the actual socket of the tooth.  All of these methods related to fighting off the pain should be discussed with your dentist and a method will be chosen to best fit your individualized situation.