A tooth infection can cause a variety of dental and health issues if it is not promptly taken care of. An infected tooth, sometimes referred to as an abscessed tooth, involves a pocket of pus inside your tooth. It is the result of a bacterial infection and can be found in different parts of your tooth. Prompt dental treatment is vital when it comes to a tooth infection as it can be life-threatening. You may wonder, can tooth removal help an infection? Below will find helpful information on the symptoms of a tooth infection and what you can do to treat it.
Can Tooth Removal Help an Infection?
There are three main types of tooth infections, including periapical, periodontal, and gingival. A periapical infection is found at the tip of your tooth’s root. It is most often caused by bacteria entering the pulp (innermost portion) of your tooth through a cavity. A periodontal infection is on your gum next to the root of your tooth. This can result from an injury or gum disease. One of the major risks of a periodontal infection is that it can spread to the surrounding tissue and bone near the affected tooth. Lastly, a gingival infection is found on your gums. This is most often caused by a foreign object (usually food) getting stuck and embedded into your gums.
Depending on the location of your tooth infection, you may experience a combination of the following symptoms. If you experience one or more of the following, contact a dental professional as soon as possible.
- Pain
- Redness and swelling in your face
- Red or swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes (in your neck or under your jaw)
- Fever
- Foul taste in your mouth
Tooth Infection Treatment
While people often think that a tooth cannot be removed while it is infected, that is not the case. In some cases, the most effective treatment option for a tooth infection is tooth removal. This is because an infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your jaw, head, or neck. This can be lift-threatening which is why prompt treatment is necessary. While most dentists will try to save your natural tooth, an infection that has reached the nerves of your tooth is beyond repair.
Tooth extraction in Los Angeles is necessary in order to ensure your oral and overall health stay in good shape. Many people have fears and anxiety around tooth removal, but the advancements in modern dentistry have made the procedure much more comfortable. In fact, the procedure can be painless. This is because you can have either local anesthetic or even IV sedation if needed. The extraction itself is smooth, fast, and pain-free.
After Treatment
After your tooth is extracted, you may experience minor symptoms such as soreness, discomfort, and swelling. These should subside within just a few days and your dentist will provide you with icing instructions and pain medication is available. Patients often eat soft foods or maintain a liquid diet for a few days before they transition to solid food. Once you have fully recovered there are tooth replacement options so you can get your oral health back on track for good.
Endodontist in Beverly Hills
If you have experienced any of the symptoms above and are concerned you may have a tooth infection, contact the team at Maz Endodontics. They are skilled in tooth removal and can ensure your process is pain-free as they offer IV sedation. They also offer emergency dentistry services in case you need an appointment the same day. Schedule your appointment with the top endodontist in Beverly Hills today!