Final answer:
An equally important aspect of treating an acute apical abscess, aside from establishing drainage, is debriding the canal system of necrotic tissue to prevent further infection and promote healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Establishing drainage is a crucial step in the emergency treatment of an acute apical abscess. However, an equally important aspect of treatment is D. debride the canal system of necrotic tissue. This is vital to remove any dead tissue that might be the source of infection and to allow space for regenerative processes. Surgical debridement may be required in more severe cases, such as those involving gas gangrene, where necrotic tissue removal is essential to control the spread of infection caused by Clostridium spp. In dental cases like the acute apical abscess, debridement is part of a root canal procedure which aims to clear the infected and necrotic pulp tissue preventing further spread of infection. Subsequently, efforts to maintain a sterile environment, such as introducing antimicrobial medicaments into the pulp space, contribute to the successful resolution of infection.