Treating an infected tooth with an old dental crown helps ease some of the pain and discomfort associated with a toothache. If the tooth under the crown is infected, chances are the infection is putting pressure on the root and nerve endings. A dentist or orthodontic surgeon can get at the source of the infection and drain it away, possibly saving the tooth. Until you can get to a dentist, try these steps for treating an infected tooth with an old crown.
Instructions
1. Ask your doctor or dentist to call in a prescription for antibiotics to your pharmacy. If you have a family doctor or dentist, these medical professionals may be willing to prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infected tooth until you can be seen in the office. A prescription for antibiotics is usually the first course of treatment before any corrective work can be done on the tooth. Antibiotics will also help you feel better within as little as 24 hours.
2. Gargle with warm saltwater. A solution of 2 cups warm water and 4 tbsp. salt attacks the infections and washes some of it away if the infection is draining. This eases some of the pain and makes your mouth feel cleaner.
3. Gargle at least twice a day with an antibacterial mouthwash. This kills bacteria, reduces the spread of infection and helps prevent new infections with regular use.
4. Rub clove oil along the gumline of the infected tooth to ease pain, or place one or two whole cloves between the gum and cheek.
5. See a dentist as soon as possible for professional treatment. Unchecked tooth infections can spread, leading to fever, tissue decay and serious complications.
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