Acute Apical Abscess Treatment with an Iranian Folk Remedy: A Case Report

Background: There are only a few treatment approaches for periapical abscess as a prevalent complication and as the most common type of dental abscess. Drainage and/or antibiotic therapy is the first step to treat this infection, depending on its severity and symptoms.

Case Presentation: Amoxicillin/clavulanate (TID for 3 days), clindamycin (QID for 3 days), and a single local dose of an Iranian home remedy called metmeto, a mixture of toasted flour and ghee covered with a sterile piece of cotton fabric-, were respectively prescribed, for a 32-year-old male patient with a spreading periapical abscess. The first two antibiotics were not able to mitigate the symptoms (pain, inflammation,infection, etc.), while the abscess disappeared remarkably the morning after using a single dose of metmeto “as a dressing” for 6 hours. To eliminate the possible riskof recurrence, the patient underwent an endodontic retreatment after 2 weeks.

Conclusion: Some folk home remedies such as metmeto can be considered for treatment of dental problemsas noninvasive and safe choices. Further studies are necessary to conclude a causal association.