What Are Dental Infections?

Dental infections usually involve an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that has formed either within the tooth or on the gums. The cause of a dental abscess is usually poor hygiene. Not correctly brushing your teeth, neglecting to floss, and skipping regular visits to the dentist can cause cavities and gum disease to progress into abscesses. Dental abscesses are dangerous if left untreated. Infections can become dental emergencies and can even create further medical issues throughout your body.

Telltale signs of dental infection

The most common indication for a dental infection is feeling any pain surrounding a tooth. If you have any of these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible.

• Toothache or tooth pain

• Fever

• Pain when chewing or biting foods

• Red or swollen gums

• Jaw swelling

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Are dental infections considered a dental emergency?

Infections can be considered a dental emergency. Don’t put off visiting Springs Village Dentistry if you are in pain. We keep time in our schedule open for those that need to see a dentist immediately. Our team can examine your teeth and determine the root cause of the problem. We see patients for dental emergencies if they have any of the following issues:

• Mild to severe toothache

• Inflamed or infected abscess on gums

• Broken or chipped teeth

• Knocked-out teeth

Treatment options for dental infections

Here are some standard options to get rid of dental infections. Your treatment will be tailored to your specific issue so not all of these might apply.

• Drain the abscess: A small cut will be made into the abscess to remove the pus. Our dentist can adequately remove the abscess while not reinfecting the area.

• Root canal therapy: Root canals sound intimidating, but they provide relief from pain. A small hole is created on your tooth to remove the interior, infected pus.

• Tooth extraction: If you went a long time with an infected tooth, the damage might be too severe to save the tooth. An extraction will allow you to create space for an implanted tooth and a healthier mouth.

Need an emergency dental appointment?

Our office is always ready to help with dental emergencies. Please call us to schedule an appointment. We can often see you on the same day to provide the relief that you need.

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