What is a tooth infection and how does it develop?
A tooth infection is an infection from a tooth that has expanded beyond the tooth into the soft tissue and the bone.
What are the most common symptoms of a tooth infection?
Pain, achiness, and sometimes you have that little pimple in the gum that looks like pus is coming out of it.
How can a dentist tell the difference between a cavity and a tooth infection?
An infection most often comes from a cavity. Once a cavity becomes very large and reaches the nerve, the nerve gets infected. One way to tell is if you're eating something sweet and it starts hurting, you most likely have a cavity. But if you start to feel cold sensitivity from ice water, ice cream, or even breathing in cold air, that could be a sign that the tooth is getting infected. If that discomfort lingers for more than 10 seconds, most likely you do have an infection.
What are the risks if the tooth infection is left untreated?
It can spread. Upper teeth infections can spread to your sinuses or even your brain. Lower teeth infections can spread to the area right underneath your chin, which has many important structures, and it can block your airway.
Are treatment options available for tooth infections?
Yes, of course. Typically, we get rid of the source, which is either extracting the tooth or performing a root canal.
Do I need antibiotics to be prescribed for a tooth infection?
Yes and no. Antibiotics are only needed when you have significant swelling. Most of the time when patients come in, I try my best to either treat the tooth with a root canal or have it extracted. If the infection and swelling are too large and we can't get the tooth numb, then yes, antibiotics would be prescribed for patients to take until the swelling goes down.
How is an infected tooth or wisdom tooth treated and when is extraction necessary?
A couple of things. If a wisdom tooth comes in decayed, most likely that wisdom tooth will be extracted. If it is any other tooth, especially one of the molars that you need, then we would try our best to do a root canal. However, sometimes the tooth is just too far gone, and that's when extraction is necessary.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Smiles of Virginia Beach, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (757) 231-3728 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.