The Most Common Signs of a Tooth Infection and How Your Dentist Can Help
An infected tooth is not fun. The soreness, sensitivity, and sharp pains from an infected tooth can resonate in many parts of your body, making you feel just miserable. Your teeth are jammed pack with nerves, which is the reason why a seemingly small toothache can cause pain in different parts of your body like your jaw, face, neck, and ears. For some, this pain is so intense that it can become debilitating. A better understanding of the root of the problem and how to rid yourself of the dreaded pain comes with good oral habits along with the assistance of your dentist.
Tooth infections are never convenient, and if left untreated can become dangerous. Often times, bacteria-ridden, decayed teeth are the culprits behind these nasty infections. Infections should never be ignored; if left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone, bloodstream, and even the brain. If you suspect you may have some of the signs of an infected tooth, it is wise to schedule an appointment with a reputable and highly-skilled dentist who can properly treat and diagnose your infection.
For men and women in Plano, TX, the dentists at Parker West Dental Associates have earned the trust of their patients time after time due to their expertise and the highest level of quality standards in dental care that they provide. Below features some of the most common signs of a tooth infection and how Parker West Dental Associates can help.
Common signs of infection
The most obvious sign of a problem is a sore or persistently throbbing tooth. The longer the tooth goes untreated, the more likely you are to feel pain and have redness, swelling, and even fever as your body's immune system kicks into overdrive to fight the infection. Other symptoms experienced by men and women in Plano, TX may include a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. Tooth infections can quickly and stealthily spread deep into the core of the teeth. When an infection occurs due to an untreated cavity, symptoms may include, tooth pain, swelling in the cheek, temperature and pressure-related sensitivity, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Patients who have a fever and swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing need immediate medical attention.
Causes of tooth infections
More times than not, an infection is the result of untreated tooth decay or a cracked tooth.
These cracks and crevasses allow for bacteria to penetrate the enamel, resulting in infection.
When the infection spreads deep within the nerves of the tooth's inner pulp, this is referred to as abscessed tooth. When this occurs, immediate dental treatment is required to stop the infection from spreading even deeper, into the jawbone, which requires oral surgery to treat.
Treatment
The dentists at Parker West Dental Associates in Plano, TX most often perform a root canal as the first line of treatment. During this procedure, our dentist will clean out the tooth by actually removing the infection, cleaning the tooth's interior, sealing the tooth, and placing a protective crown over the tooth. In particularly bad cases, the tooth may have to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant and natural-looking prosthetic tooth that will help preserve a patient’s smile. A course of antibiotic medication is also usually recommended to fight the bacterial infection.
Preventing tooth infections
Tooth infections can be a big pain, literally. Educating yourself on the preventative measures to avoid infections is crucial. While broken or cracked teeth are sometimes unavoidable, employing good oral hygiene is something you can proactively do to help ward off those cavities which can lead to infection. Brushing your teeth twice a day along with daily flossing helps rid your teeth and gum line of the buildup of decay. Also, seeing your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings is the first line of defense in warding off further problems.
Tooth infections are often preventable with proper oral care and regular dental checkups. The first sign of tooth pain is typically your clue that there could be an issue. Unfortunately, tooth infections cannot be resolved on their own, and they need the attention of an experienced dentist. While a visit to the dentist may not be the first thing you want to do, putting it off can result in serious health complications that may require additional expensive and complicated treatments.
We encourage you to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning at Parker West Dental Associates Plano, TX office to help keep tooth infections at bay. If you do have the beginning of an infection, our dentists are committed to providing patients with state-of-the-art treatments that will help to prolong your healthy smile.