An important factor is whether the involved tooth is to be extracted or retained. Although the pulp is usually still vital, a history of recurrent<unk> es and significantly compromised<unk>  support indicate that the prognosis for the tooth is poor and it should be removed. The initial management of a<unk>  involves pain relief and control of the infection. The pus needs to be drained, which helps both of these aims. If the tooth is to be removed, drainage will occur via the socket. Otherwise, if pus is already discharging from the<unk>  pocket, this can be encouraged by gentle irrigation and scaling of the pocket whilst massaging the soft tissues. If this does not work, incision and drainage is required, as described in Dental abscess#Treatment. Antibiotics are of secondary importance to drainage, which if satisfactory renders antibiotics unnecessary. Antibiotics are generally reserved for severe infections, in which there is facial swelling, systemic upset and elevated temperature. Since<unk> es frequently involve anaerobic bacteria, oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clindamycin (in penicillin allergy or pregnancy) and/or metronidazole are given. Ideally, the choice of antibiotic is dictated by the results of microbiological culture and sensitivity testing of a sample of the pus aspirated at the start of any treatment, but this rarely occurs outside the hospital setting. Other measures that are taken during management of the acute phase might include reducing the height of the tooth with a dental drill, so it no longer contacts the opposing tooth when biting down; and regular use of hot salt water mouth washes (antiseptic) that encourages further drainage of the infection. The management following the acute phase involves removing any residual infection, and correcting the factors that lead to the formation of the<unk> . Usually, this will be therapy for<unk>  disease, such as oral hygiene instruction and<unk>  scaling.
Periodontal abscess
Dental abscess
Dental plaque
Gingival cyst
Posthitis
Oral mucocele
Salivary gland fistula
Cuffitis