Signs That Warrant A Return Trip To The Dentist
Here are some common signs and symptoms of a root canal infection that mean you should schedule another visit to your dentist:
- pain or discomfort ranging from mild tenderness to unbearable pain, especially when you apply pressure from eating or pressing on the tooth, or expose the tooth to extreme temperatures
- pus discharge thats greenish, yellowish, or otherwise discolored
- red, warm, swollen tissue near the tooth, especially the gums under or around the tooth in some cases, swelling can affect your face and neck, too
- tenderness or discomfort in swollen tissue, especially when you touch or apply pressure to it
- a bad taste in your mouth or a bad smell to your breath from infected tissue
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.
When To See A Doctor
A person should see their dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection. Early treatment will help prevent the infection from spreading into other tissues.
A tooth infection that has spread is a medical emergency. Such infections can quickly become widespread and severe. Systemic infections can be life threatening.
A person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. If there are no dentists available, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.
A dentist or doctor will provide treatments to target the infection and stop it from spreading further.
The type of treatment that a person receives for a tooth infection will depend on several factors, including:
- the initial location of the abscess
- whether, and to what extent, the infection has spread
- the extent of the immune systems reaction to the infection
Possible treatments for a tooth infection include those below.
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Can A Tooth Infection Be Painless
A tooth infection happens when bacteria cause an inflammatory response in your tooth and lead to the buildup of pus. If the infection has caused a pocketâwhich can be felt as a hard lumpâof pus, itâs called a tooth abscess. While tooth infections and tooth abscesses are generally painful, they arenât always.
Tooth infections can happen as the result of periodontal disease, cracked or otherwise injured teeth, and cavities, which cause holes in the teeth that allow bacteria to enter the tooth. For some people, the symptoms that typically come with a tooth infection, such as pain, swelling, sensitive teeth, and even fever, are absent.
Why Can Dental Infections Be Deadly
Most people arent aware that an infection in the mouth can spread easily. In fact in worst cases such an infection can migrate to the brain or other parts of the body. Once this has happened the infection is extremely dangerous and may even be untreatable. Even something as simple as a cracked tooth can put you at risk if infection spreads to the tooth pulp and beyond. Often, people are unaware that they have a chip or crack in their tooth that can allow bacteria inside. By the time the chip or crack is identified, the damage is already done.
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Types Of Tooth Infections & Abscesses
Periapical abscess: An abscess a the tip of your tooths root. It can be caused by a cracked tooth or cavity and spreads from the pulp inside of your tooth
Periodontal abscess: An abscess on your gum next to a tooth, caused by an infection that spreads to the bone and supporting tissues around your teeth.
Gingival abscess: An abscess resulting in an infection in your gums.
Osteomyelitis Of The Jaw:
Osteomyelitis of the jaw is an infection of the jawbone. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms of osteomyelitis of the jaw include jaw pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Treatment for osteomyelitis of the jaw typically involves antibiotics and rest. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
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The Tooth Infection Is Drained
It may be necessary in some cases to drain the pus directly from the site of infection. Drainage to remove the pus from an abscess at the back of the mouth may happen at your dentist office .
Even though most tooth infections can be easily treated, treatment should never be delayed. Untreated tooth infections can cause the tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. If a tooth infection spreads, it could become life threatening. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a tooth infection, seek immediate dental treatment. The most effective way to prevent a tooth infection is to have good oral health care. Limit your sugar intake, brush your teeth and floss twice daily, and have good dental care habits by visiting yourdentist for regular cleanings and exams.
Take These Steps Immediately If Your Tooth Is Infected
A tooth infection or abscess can spread the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and the pain can become more severe. If you are experiencing signs of an infected tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Though treatment is necessary to resolve the issue, you can take steps to manage your pain until then.
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What Are Root Canal Infections
Teeth arent solid all the way through theyre made up of layers. The hard, outer surface of a tooth is called enamel. The inner layer is called dentin and is a porous, almost sponge-like tissue. At the center of each tooth is a collection of soft tissue called pulp.
The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that allow the tooth to grow. Its full of cells called odontoblasts that keep the tooth healthy.
A root canal removes the pulp of a tooth thats been infected or damaged by tooth decay or other injuries. Root canals can save teeth and are considered very safe.
Root canal infections arent common, but theres a small chance of a tooth becoming infected even after a root canal is performed.
What Is A Root Canal
A root canal is the treatment needed when the pulp, or the soft tissue inside of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue deep inside of the root of the tooth, becomes infected. Infections usually occurs due to an injury, a chip or crack in the tooth, or a severe, untreated cavity. The root canal consists of creating an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp and then sealing the tooth to prevent against future infection.
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The Silent Danger Of Untreated Dental Infections
by Dr Thomas Choi | Mar 20, 2018 | Dental Article, Dental Infections
An infected tooth or infection of the gums is known as a dental abscess. Just as any infection, a dental abscess can cause a wide range of dangers if left untreated.
Most people have their abscessed teeth treated as the pain caused by an abscess can be extremely intense, even to the point of interfering with daily life. Others, however, dont feel a great deal of pain or choose to suffer through the pain hoping that the problem will go away on its own.
At West Ryde Dental Clinic we know that the avoidance strategy is extremely dangerous, and we urge our patients to learn more about the threat of dental infection/abscess.
Signs Your Tooth Is Infected
If youve ever experienced a tooth infection, you know it can be very uncomfortable. A tooth infection is typically accompanied with a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can be found anywhere in the mouth.
There are two types of abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums, usually near the side of the tooth.
A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity. If the interior of your tooth , encounters any unknown substance, it can inflame the blood vessels and nerves, impacting the tooth enamel. Endodontic treatment helps treat tooth decay and other infected materials to help seal and fight future infections.
Rick Davis, DDS, and Rick Schwartz, DDS, are experts in endodontics at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, visit a specialist who can diagnose and help treat it.
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When Should I See A Dentist
You should see a dentist regularly for check-ups. If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, or you have a toothache, see your dentist as soon as possible. A tooth abscess will not get better on its own in fact, an untreated abscess might get worse and lead to life-threatening complications if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.
You should also see a dentist for a check-up as soon as you can if you have chipped or broken teeth.
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 Happens Once An Abscess Develops
Once an abscess has formed, you typically begin to experience swelling and intermittent, throbbing pain around the affected tooth. This is a warning sign that something is wrong. However, you will probably have dental pain in your tooth from the cavity before it progresses into an abscess.
Casestudies of serious illness or death from tooth infections often describe persistent toothaches that go on for weeks or months before seeking urgent or emergency care.
In many case studies, the toothaches were treated with antibiotics during this timeframe. However, antibiotics alone arent typically effective for treating a dental abscess. The tooth decay needs to be treated, too, either with an extraction or root canal if your tooth is salvageable.
When a dental abscess remains untreated for weeks or months, it may spread to other areas like the jaw, neck, and brain. This can cause serious symptoms like trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, and an inability to open your mouth.
At this point, if care isnt received, death can occur quickly, sometimes in a matter of days.
What Happens In This Procedure
Do not be dread about it! Your oral surgeon handles it with GREAT EFFICIENCY.
Normally the following steps are done during this procedure:
- Cut in the gum to expose the tooth & bone after having flaps
- Remove the bone that blocks access to the target tooth
- Either split the tooth into sections for your ease of removal
- Remove the tooth
- Clean the surroundings of tooth & bone
- Stitch the wound close enough to accelerate the healing
- Set the gauze over the wound to overcome the bleeding to buzz the blood clotting
For the maximum positive results must follow the aftercare of the surgery within the normal recovery timing of 2 weeks.
Take in a lot of water after the surgery. Do not smoke. Take yogurts and other smoothies. Do not forget to use a straw etc.
Be regular to surgeon follow up in case of any need.
Briefly, wisdom tooth extraction is 100% beneficial for anyone to be with potential health for the future.
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Symptoms Of An Infected Tooth
If you have a toothache, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms
- A severe, persistent, or throbbing toothache
- Tooth pain when biting, chewing, or eating
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature change
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure
- Breathing or swallowing difficulties
- A tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body including your jaw, neck, sinuses, and brain.
Use Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil has great antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This makes it very useful for reducing swelling and pain caused by a tooth abscess.
For this method, you need to mix oregano with a carrier oil so it doesnt irritate your gums. Then, apply the mixture to the infected area with a cotton ball or similar. Leave the mixture on the area for ten minutes and then spit it out.
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What To Do If You Suspect You Have An Infection
As you can see, an untreated tooth abscess is no laughing matter. If you suspect you might have deadly tooth infection symptoms, call your dentist to set up a same-day emergency appointment. If you cant reach your dentist or if you cant get an appointment, you should head straight to the nearest emergency room for treatment.
What To Do About An Infected Tooth
If you suspect you have an infected tooth, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. If you have severe pain, are having trouble breathing, or notice any signs of sepsis, an emergency room can provide you with more prompt care. Never ignore an infected tooth, because it will not go away on its own, and the symptoms and pain will likely worsen quickly.
Once your infected tooth has been treated or is healing from the infection and any subsequent procedure, you may experience a little pain or tenderness. You can gently clean the area by swishing salt water in your mouth, and over the counter pain relievers will help ease any discomfort. Follow any instructions that your dentist gives you.
Are you looking for a dentist near you who can treat tooth infections? Klement Family Dental is happy to help! Our caring, compassionate team of professionals understands that sometimes, patients may be nervous when visiting the dentist, especially for a problem like an infected tooth. We strive to make you comfortable and help you relax during your procedure. Oral health is such an important component of your overall health, and we believe you should never avoid the dentist because youre scared. If youre in the St. Petersburg, Florida area,contact us to learn more about the services we offer. We have two convenient locations and a team of expert staff ready to make your next dental visit a pleasant experience.
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Effects Of The Spread Of Tooth Root Infection To Your Body
Once the disease-causing bacteria from your infected tooth enters the bloodstream, various health conditions may arise. Our body reacts differently when its attacked by bacteria and viruses. While some healthy individuals may go unharmed with untreated tooth infections, other patients may suffer from the following health conditions:
What To Do If You Have A Dental Abscess
You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess. Avoid visiting your GP, as there is little they can do to help.
You can get help from:
- your registered dentist if it’s out of hours, they should have an answerphone message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment
- NHS 24 service who can give you details of dental services in your area
- your local clinical commissioning group who can tell you the phone number of your local dental access helpline
- your local accident and emergency department if there are no other options or you’re having difficulty breathing
You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances. Read about NHS dental charges.
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Why Antibiotics Dont Cure Tooth Infections
Oral health is vitally important to your overall health. When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics wont cure your tooth infection.
Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth. Often times they look like swollen tissue or a pimple on your gums. This usually occurs near the base of the tooth where the roots are. Tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene, failing dental work, trauma or a cracked tooth are ways bacteria can infect your tooth. When bacteria enter the roots, they use your nerve tissue and blood vessels as a food source. They begin to multiply and spread, and the result is a dental infection.
At this point, most patients believe antibiotics are necessary, however, your endodontist knows differently. Due to the anatomy of the tooth, bacteria become trapped in the roots. Without proper cleaning, such as through root canal therapy, the infection will remain and potentially spread to the jaw or even the brain. A draining, cleaning, or possibly even tooth extraction is needed to fully remove a bacterial tooth infection.
Why not antibiotics? There are several reasons antibiotics alone will not cure the infection. The blood vessels that once supplied the inside of the tooth with your bodys antibacterial defenses have been destroyed. Therefore, the antibiotics cannot reach the inside of the tooth to cure your infection.