If you’re worried about a tooth infection, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist. Tooth infections happen when bacteria get into the pulp of your teeth, causing painful swelling. Tooth infections can come from several sources, from decay to periodontal disease. If left untreated, tooth infections can cause the pulp of your teeth to die, leading to a root canal or total tooth extraction.
Tooth infections, while treatable, can cause further dental issues if left untreated, as well as cause pain and discomfort. Here, we discuss the crucial signs of a tooth infection and how your dentist can help treat tooth infections at the source.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
If you have persistent, throbbing pain in your jaw or mouth, sensitivity or sharp pain in a tooth, redness, pus, a bad smell or taste, red gums, or fever, these are all signs you have a tooth infection. A tooth infection can quickly develop into an abscess, a pocket of pus that causes discomfort and pressure. These are all signs you need emergency dental care. In addition, if you cracked a tooth in the past or have significant dental decay, these can open you up for potential tooth infections.
A tooth infection left untreated can spread and lead to the death of your tooth and other dental and overall health complications. If you have a tooth infection, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
How Do Dentists Treat Tooth Infections
First, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help clear the infection. Next, they will drain the pus and remove dead tissue. However, a root canal may be needed if the infection is due to a cracked tooth or dental decay. In this case, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic.
During a root canal, your dentist removes any pulp inside your tooth and decayed enamel. Once your dentist cleans the area, they seal the remaining space in your tooth to prevent further infection. A root canal, while no one’s favorite dental procedure, is a way to save your tooth if you have an abscess or cracked tooth, or a severe dental infection. Sometimes, your dentist may wait to fully seal the tooth until the infection passes to avoid reinfection.
After a tooth infection, follow all dental instructions and take your antibiotics even if you feel better. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medications to help with pain and will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to check your tooth and ensure the infection is gone. Remember, a tooth infection is a dental emergency. It can lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as losing the tooth and the infection progressing to other areas of your mouth.
If you’re looking for a dentist, contact Bright Value Dental at (713) 668-1600 or request an appointment here online. Our team of dental professionals can walk you through the best dental care for your unique needs and work diligently to make sure our patients feel comfortable and supported at our office.
Source(s):
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/abscess
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/