At Endicott Dental, we know how scary and painful tooth infections can be. Serious consequences, impacting both your oral and general health, might result from these infections if they are not addressed.
If you want to be an active participant in keeping your mouth and body healthy, we want you to know all there is to know about dental infections, from what causes them to what symptoms to how to treat them.
What is a Dental Infection?
Bacterial invasion of the dental pulp, which contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, causes a dental infection, abscessed tooth, or tooth infection. Bacteria can enter through cavities, cracks, or fractures in the teeth and spread to the root and surrounding areas, causing inflammation and pain.
Causes of Dental Infections
Dental infections typically stem from:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to cavities and gum disease, which are primary entry points for bacteria.
- Untreated Cavities: Cavities that are not promptly or properly treated can deepen, allowing bacteria to invade the pulp and cause infection.
- Dental Procedures: Occasionally, bacteria can enter the tooth during or after dental procedures, especially if the tooth’s protective enamel is compromised.
- Injury: An injury to the tooth, such as a crack or chip, can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the pulp.
- Periodontal Disease: Infections can also start in the gums and spread to the roots of the teeth and surrounding bone.
Symptoms of Dental Infections
Recognizing the symptoms of a dental infection can lead to prompt treatment, which is crucial in preventing the spread of the infection. Symptoms include:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache: This pain can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures: This sensitivity is often severe and lasts longer than typical sensitivity.
- Swelling in your cheek or face: This might also be accompanied by a general feeling of unwellness or fever.
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck: These are signs that your body is fighting an infection.
- Sudden rush of foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures: This requires immediate care to clean the area and prevent further complications.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing: These are signs of a severe infection that require emergency treatment.
Treatment Options for Dental Infections
At Endicott Dental, we offer a range of treatments for dental infections, depending on the severity and location of the infection:
- Antibiotics: If the infection is localized to the tooth and has not disseminated, antibiotics may be recommended to eradicate the bacteria responsible for the infection.
- Root Canal Treatment: This procedure is performed to save the infected tooth by removing the infected dental pulp and sealing the space to prevent re-infection.
- Tooth Extraction: If the tooth cannot be preserved, extraction may be required to prevent the dissemination of infection.
- Incision and Drainage: For an abscess, a small cut may be made in the gum to drain the pus, which helps relieve pain and pressure.
- Improving Dental Hygiene: Alongside treatment, improving your oral hygiene routine is crucial to prevent future infections.
Preventing Dental Infections
Prevention is always better than cure, especially with dental health. To prevent dental infections, we recommend:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting your dentist at Endicott Dental for regular check-ups can help catch problems before they lead to infections.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Engaging in a regular routine of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing on a daily basis, and utilizing an antibacterial mouthwash will greatly diminish the likelihood of developing dental infections.
- Healthy Diet: Limiting sugary foods and drinks helps prevent cavities and oral infections.
- Immediate Treatment for Dental Trauma: If you experience trauma to a tooth, getting prompt dental attention can prevent later infections.
A dental infection, while common, can become a serious issue if not addressed promptly. At Endicott Dental, we are equipped with the knowledge and technology to not only treat an existing infection but also to provide you with preventive care and education to keep your teeth healthy.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you notice any changes in your oral health, such as the presence or severity of a tooth infection. We care deeply about your well-being and will do all in our power to provide you with the compassionate treatment you require in a setting that is both professional and friendly.
