A tooth infection can be easy to overlook in the beginning stages of the problem. Still, much like many other mouth and teeth diseases, such as gum disease, it is important to see a dentist as soon as the symptoms and signs of tooth infection are recognized. If left untreated for too long, simple cleaning treatments and a prescribed antibiotic may become more invasive through root canal services or implants.
Dental extractions can even become necessary if the infection is severe enough. Reach out to Supreme Dentistry today to better understand the signs of a tooth infection and the next steps for your oral health.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
If a tooth is infected, there will be a progression of symptoms to pay attention to. Some signs of a tooth infection may include:
Persistent Toothaches
If your teeth ache consistently over time or on and off, seemingly without cause, this is one of the first indicators that a tooth could be infected. Teeth aren’t supposed to hurt naturally, so there is often a reason for it if they do.
Sudden Sensitivity to Temperature
Sensitivity to hot or cold food often indicates something wrong with a tooth. It usually signals thinning or damage to a tooth’s enamel, exposing the tooth’s root closer and closer to the elements. When infected, a tooth and surrounding soft tissues will be extra sensitive to extreme experiences like coffee or ice cream.
Overall Pain and Tenderness
Even if it can’t be deduced which tooth is the issue or if it even is the tooth itself, there will most likely be pain, swelling, and tenderness in or around the infected area. Swollen gums and inflamed tissue indicate excess blood flow, a common occurrence with any infection.
Fever
An elevated temperature is the body’s way of stimulating the immune system to fight an invading body, such as foreign bacteria, viruses, and microbes. If a tooth is infected, blood filled with white blood cells and antibodies will rush to the area, causing even more swelling. The entire system is involved, and it is imperative to see a dentist or a healthcare professional, depending on the severity of the fever.
Swelling and Tender Lymph Nodes
Much like if someone were to have the flu or another viral infection anywhere in the body, the lymph nodes would swell and become tender to the touch. This is another systemic response to infection, much like the presence of swollen gums, and an excellent time to seek help.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Supreme Dentistry at
844.966.2333 to schedule an appointment. Our team of experienced professionals can help determine if your tooth infection is serious and what treatment plan is best for you.
Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Signs of a Serious Tooth Infection
Ignoring the signs of a tooth infection can have severe oral and overall health consequences. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Here are some key reasons why you should never avoid signs of severe tooth infection:
- Pain and discomfort – An untreated tooth infection can lead to persistent and often excruciating pain, making it difficult to eat, drink, or sleep.
- Tooth loss – The infection can damage your tooth and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to tooth loss.
- Spread of infection – If not promptly treated, the infection can spread to your jawbone, neck, or brain.
- Systemic infections – In severe cases, a tooth infection can lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition that spreads throughout your body.
- Increased risk of heart disease – Some studies suggest a link between untreated oral infections and heart disease.
So, seek immediate dental care if you’re experiencing symptoms such as severe toothache, sensitivity, swollen gums, or facial swelling. Early detection and treatment alleviate your discomfort and protect your overall health.
Ways to Treat a Tooth Infection
You have some options when it comes to treating a tooth infection, such as:
Drain Any Pus or Material from the Infected Tooth
If an abscess has formed around the infection, the tooth will need to be drained of the harmful material for the root of the tooth and the infection itself to be cleaned with saline solution.
Perform Root Canal Services
If the root canal and pulp have died or are otherwise untreatable, root canal services may be required to treat the infection and keep more damage from being done. The death of a tooth’s pulp happens very quickly with a tooth infection, which makes it very important to take proper, daily care of your teeth and discuss any changes in your oral health with a dentist.
Teeth Extraction
If an infection so badly damages a tooth, it may be necessary to remove the entire tooth to stop the infection from spreading to other teeth or tissues. At this point, any remaining infectious substances will be flushed out and removed from where the tooth and infection had previously been.
Remove Any Foreign Object
Suppose a foreign object has entered the tooth or surrounding areas, causing the infection. In that case, a dentist will remove the object, clean the area with saline, and observe any further necessary treatments depending on the state of the tooth.
Call Supreme Dentistry for Help Healing a Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can become a serious issue very quickly, so it’s important to recognize the signs of an infection as soon as possible. Even if it’s not entirely confirmed as an infection, dental professionals like those at Supreme Dentistry can help diagnose and treat tooth infections at whatever stage they’re at.
Contact Supreme Dentistry at
844.966.2333 to make a preventative health visit today.
