The Importance Of Tooth Infection Treatment
A tooth infection or dental abscess is not something to be ignored. The symptoms may be bearable at the onset of infection but will become more painful and noticeable over time. But its the spread of infection that makes a tooth abscess so dangerous.
As recent as the early 1900s, tooth infections killed 10 to 40% of those diagnosed. Advances in dentistry have lowered those numbers but a tooth infection left unattended can spread into your jaw, head, neck, heart and other parts of your body. Untreated tooth abscess complications include , bone infections, soft tissue death, and even brain infections.
Tooth abscess symptoms are meant to warn your body that something is wrong. And treating an abscessed tooth early decreases the risk of necessary tooth extraction. It is indeed wise to be obsessed with treating your abscess.
A Tooth Extraction Is Usually The Last Line Of Defence But It Is An
In almost all cases, teeth can be removed, including ones that have been infected. Infections in a tooth encourage your mouth bacteria to get to the dental pulp to cause nerve damage. Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure, with two of the more common reasons for extracting a tooth being related to severe tooth decay and tooth trauma.
Dealing With Infected Teeth
When a tooth becomes infected, its usually because a cavity or crack has allowed bacteria to get into the tooth pulp. That infection can eat away at the tooth from the inside, creating more cavities or tearing open cracks that already exist. In severe cases, the tooth can even come apart.
Thats to say nothing of the damage an infection can wreak if it gets into the gum or the jawbone. A periodontal infection caused by an abscessed tooth can necessitate major oral reconstructive surgery.
In some cases, to remove a tooth safely the patient will have to take antibiotics beforehand. That will clear up the infection to the point where an extraction is safe. Often, though, the infection can be addressed manually if it hasnt progressed too far. If an abscess has occurred below the tooth, the dentist may make an incision and drain it, then wash out the space with saline solution to clean any remaining infected material.
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When Is A Tooth Infection An Emergency
A dental abscess infection is always considered a dental emergency. Any visible gum swelling can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
During emergency treatment for a dental abscess, the surgeon will open up the abscess and drain it. This will relieve pressure and reduce any pain associated with the infection.
You will also receive prescription antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Restorative Dentistry After Tooth Extraction
It will take time for your tooth extraction site to fully heal. The surface healing is usually completely in about two weeks, but it can take months for the trauma to your jawbone to heal. Your Chandler dentist will monitor this area closely, especially as you begin to discuss dental restorations to replace the missing tooth.
Even if the extracted tooth was a molar in the back of your mouth whose absence is not visually obvious, its still important to replace every missing tooth. Each tooth in your mouth has several jobs to do. Besides helping you bite and chew, your teeth maintain tooth alignment, jaw strength, and face shape.
Common dental restorations after tooth extraction include:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are the ideal repair for an extracted tooth because they replace both tooth root and crown for a permanent, natural-looking solution. The manmade root fuses with the jawbone, maintaining jaw health.
- Dental bridge: When one or two teeth are pulled from the same area, a dental bridge can be clasped in place and attached to the teeth on either side of the open space. This restoration is anchored with porcelain crowns to keep the restoration secure.
- Dentures: If you have multiple teeth extracted, you can get a full or partial denture depending on the area of your mouth and how many teeth you had removed that is implant supported and either fixed or removable.
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Common Signs Of Tooth Extraction Infections
Even though pain after a tooth extraction is normal, you need to know that the pain should not be excessive or long-lasting. This is frequently the absolute first indication of infection.
Furthermore, the signs of infection for all tooth extraction procedures are very similar in the beginning. The eight common symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction are:
- Swollen glands of the neck
- Bitter or foul taste in the mouth
- Extra sensitive teeth
- Pain that increases after extraction
Some signs and symptoms are severe enough to promote an immediate visit to the emergency room. Swelling in the jaw and fever, with or without trouble breathing, may imply you are encountering potentially fatal sepsis or are near it. Contact the nearest and most accessible medical provider in your area, like your emergency dentist or doctors from Omnicare Medical in Southbank, VIC. If they are not accessible, go quickly to the nearest emergency room.
Preventing A Tooth Infection
There are several things that you can do in your daily life to help prevent a tooth infection from occurring. Examples include:
- brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice each day
- flossing between your teeth each day
- reducing your intake of sugary or starchy foods and drinks
- scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams
- seeing a dentist promptly following any tooth pain or injury, such as a chip or crack
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A Swelling Caused By Infection May Limit Your Dentists Ability To Access Your Tooth
This is a simple enough reason to understand. Its possible that the level of swelling stemming from an infected tooth makes it challenging or even impossible for the dentist to have the access or visibility they feel they must have to remove it. This can be especially true if the swelling restricts the patients ability to open as widely as usual.
With these types of cases, the swelling will need to be managed before the tooth can be extracted.
Can A Tooth Abscess Be Prevented
Practising good dental care can reduce your risk of a tooth abscess. This includes:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- using floss or an interdental brush daily
- avoiding having too much sugary food and drinks, and limiting them to mealtimes where possible
- visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- cutting down on sugary foods and drinks
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What To Tell Your Dentist Before You Have A Tooth Pulled
Although having a tooth pulled is usually very safe, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Before having a tooth pulled, let your dentist know your complete medical history, the medications and supplements you take, and if you have one of the following :
- Damaged or man-made heart valves
What Are Some Signs Of Infection After A Tooth Extraction
While it is normal for the area surrounding the extraction to be red and swollen, signs that could indicate a possible infection include:
- Pus: A white or yellow pus may be discharged from the socket.
- Swelling: Initial swelling is normal, but continued swelling could be cause for concern.
- Pain: Pain should diminish after the first few days. If it increases, there may be an infection.
- Fever: Although a fever could come from other sources, it can be one indicator of a tooth extraction infection.
- Bad Breath: If others tell you that your breath does not smell right, even after rinsing, bacteria could be the cause.
- Unusual Taste: There is some bad taste for a short while after the extraction, but a continued acrid or bitter taste is not normal.
- Ongoing Bleeding: Most bleeding will stop once the blood clot forms. If your mouth continues bleeding, take further steps to control the possible infection.
- Return of Discomfort: If you initially start to feel better, and then start feeling discomfort again, it may be a sign that an infection is taking hold.
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C Concerns About The Extraction Of Infected Teeth Spreading Infection
Generally, for routine cases involving healthy people, the belief that pulling an infected tooth will lead to the spread of infection does not pose a significant concern and therefore does not constitute a reason to not go ahead and extract the patients infected tooth immediately.
Historic opinion.
Most sources that discuss this issue explain how the opinion of the dental community has vacillated over the last 100 years.
Fortunately, nowadays, current practices are more likely guided by empirical findings from research studies. And they show that the removal of an infected tooth does not pose a significant risk of spreading infection.
When swelling is present, various protocols are used
The following sections explain various protocols that are typically used when extracting infected teeth and managing their accompanying infection/swelling.
Post Tooth Extraction Infections & How To Beat Them
Once a tooth has been extracted, bacteria will still be alive in the mouth, even more so with those who have bad oral hygiene. Infections are very common following extractions. Depending on how bad the tooth was that the dentist removed, he may prescribe you some antibiotics to take that will greatly reduce your risk of getting an infection. In some cases though, even antibiotics cant prevent an infection.
If you go to the dentist before the extraction experienced swelling of the face, swollen gums, pain in your teeth under light pressure, or bleeding around the extraction site, then you may already have an infection. If you indeed have an infection before you get the tooth treated, the dentist will prescribe you antibiotics to use following treatment. If you have a really bad abscess, youll need to use antibiotics to treat the infection before the dentist will remove the tooth.
In some cases, people develop an infection after the extraction, even though they may not have been infected beforehand. The reason for this, is bacteria. Following an extraction, bacteria will be more alive in the mouth than ever before. With the extraction site being exposed, the bacteria will be able to get into the site. This can lead to an infection due to the site being exposed and the fact that you are unable to use mouthwash or brush during the first 24 48 hours. Not being able to sterilize your mouth means that you are unable to kills the germs responsible for bacteria.
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Signs Of A Tooth Extraction Infection
Pain after tooth extraction is not uncommon but should be neither excessive nor long-lasting. This is often the very first sign of infection.
For all types of tooth extraction infection, the signs are similar in the beginning. Look for the following eight signs of infection:
Patients who develop an ear infection as a result of tooth extraction may also experience ear pain and dizziness. Other common symptoms include pain or pressure across the sinuses and a feeling of fullness in the head.
A deep neck infection may come with the same symptoms but must be diagnosed with an MRI.
There are a few symptoms that are serious enough to trigger an immediate trip to the emergency room). Fever and swelling in the jaw together, with or without difficulty breathing, means you may be experiencing potentially fatal sepsis . Call your emergency dentist, and if they are not available, go immediately to the closest emergency room.
How To Prepare For A Tooth Extraction
Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you take, as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Tell your dentist if you will soon be treated for another medical condition with an intravenous drug called a bisphosphonate. If so, the extraction should be done before the drug treatment, or your jaw could be at risk for osteonecrosis .
Also, tell your dentist about any of the following conditions:
- a congenital heart defect
- an impaired immune system
- a history of bacterial endocarditis
Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:
- your surgery is expected to be long
- you have an infection or a weakened immune system
- you have a specific medical condition
Its helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:
- If you will be receiving intravenous anesthesia, wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitted clothing, and dont eat or drink for six to eight hours before your appointment.
- Dont smoke beforehand.
- Tell your dentist if you have a cold, as you may need to reschedule.
- Tell your dentist if you had nausea or vomiting the night before, which may require different anesthesia or rescheduling.
- If youre receiving general anesthesia, have someone with you to drive you home.
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What Helps An Infected Tooth Extraction
Treatment
- Open up and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water .
- Perform a root canal. This can help eliminate the infection and save your tooth.
- Pull the affected tooth.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can Infection Set In
A tooth infection can stay for several weeks after tooth removal. It begins when bacteria enter the space where the tooth used to be. The infection starts once the bacteria get into the bloodstream.
All dental patients must follow the post-operation guidelines of their dentist very carefully. They need to quit taking prescribed antibiotics too early because it helps them stay away from infection.
On the other hand, the lingering infection will disappear when they take all their medication. But the patients must take antibiotics until the infection is gone to prevent the bacteria from developing and becoming anti-toxin safe.
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When To Worry About A Tooth Infection
If you suspect you have a dental abscess, dont wait until it ruptures to seek treatment. Dental infections should be treated promptly to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common symptoms of a dental infection that requires urgent dental care include:
- Noticeable sore under the gums
- Swelling and inflammation near the affected tooth
- Bad taste in the mouth
- A severe, throbbing toothache that doesnt go away
- Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck
- Pain when chewing or biting down
Summary
Tooth abscesses are dental emergencies. They need to be drained by a professional quickly to prevent spreading. A noticeable sore and severe, throbbing pain are the most common symptoms.
Infection From Tooth Extraction: Symptoms Treatments And Prevention
Having a tooth pulled in adulthood is sometimes necessary. In fact, there is a chance of complications, even if the procedure you get is straightforward. One of the more severe complications is developing an infection from tooth extraction. This is a painful condition that can lead to a much more threatening situation. So, if you think you have an infection from your recent dental treatment, or visit this website right away to get the help you need. In any case, heres what to look for if you are worried about complications developing after your tooth extraction, including the treatment and prevention you need to know.
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How Long Does It Take For An Abscess To Develop
Abscesses due to tooth decay can take several months to develop. This is because the can take a while to reach and damage the pulp at the center of a tooth.
Meanwhile, injury or trauma to a tooth may allow bacteria to enter the tooth more quickly. This can happen due to injuries like a cracked or chipped tooth.
How Can I Prevent Infection After Tooth Extraction
It is vital to see a dentist to prevent the infection after one or more teeth are extracted so that the expert can recommend anti-infection medicines. The dentist will initially perform a careful examination to understand what is happening in the mouth.
They will then decide which antibiotic will best accommodate the specific infection-fighting needs of the patient. There are several steps you can take to prevent infection after tooth extraction. The most fundamental strategy is to follow all guidelines given by your oral surgeon.
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What Is The Most Common Complication Following A Tooth Extraction
Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of third molars . Over-the-counter medications alone wont be enough to treat dry socket pain. Your dentist or oral surgeon can offer treatments to relieve your pain.