How to Deal with Severely Infected Teeth

Experiencing a tooth infection can be a distressing time. It’s important to know that it’s considered a dental emergency that requires urgent action from a dentist. According to an experienced emergency dentist at an advanced emergency dental clinic in Toronto, Dentistry on King, when it is determined that tooth infection is the underlying reason for your dental pain, an exceptional treatment called root canal therapy will be done to save your natural teeth. Dentistry on King has been recognized as one of the top clinics providing professional dental emergencies in Toronto and is listed on dentistrynearme.ca. In some cases, where most of your teeth are infected, your urgent care providers will stop the growth of infection by extracting the damaged tooth. If you have questions about a tooth infection, the clear signs to look out for, and when to seek dental treatment, this article will provide complete information on tooth infections and what to do next.

The Necessity of Quickly Treating a Tooth Infection

Tooth infections can pose several risks and dangers. Firstly, they can cause pain and discomfort, greatly affecting daily activities such as eating and sleeping. Additionally, these infections can spread to other body members, such as the heart, lungs, and brain, which can result in severe and life-threatening complications. Ignoring a tooth infection can lead to permanent damage, which may be irreversible and result in tooth loss and other dental health problems.

When Tooth Infection Occurs?

A tooth infection may occur in the tooth’s pulp or root due to bacteria. The tooth tissue, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, is susceptible to hosting the bacteria. When the bacteria enter the pulp area, they can cause an infection, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pus formation.

Neglecting dental hygiene, untreated cavities, gum disease, or tooth injuries can all contribute to the development of tooth infections. The pulp space within the tooth can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to the formation of an abscess or a pocket of pus around the tooth’s root. This can cause severe pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, can result in further complications and tooth loss. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices and seek timely dental care to prevent and treat tooth infections. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help to identify and address any dental issues before they develop into more significant problems.

Symptoms of a tooth infection can vary from patient to patient but may include severe toothache felt not only in the mouth but also in the jaw, ear, or neck, swelling of the gums or face, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, chills or fever, bad taste or odor in the mouth, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, visiting a dentist is important. Delaying treatment can lead to additional problems, and urgent dental treatment may be necessary.

Treatment Options

The treatment for a tooth infection depends on the severity and level of damage to the tooth. Typically, dentists will perform a root canal procedure to remove and clean the tooth’s infected portion. They may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation. In rare cases, the tooth may need to be extracted entirely.

Good dental hygiene practices are the best way to prevent tooth infections.

As mentioned, visiting emergency dentists is the best way to deal with a dental infection. However, if immediate emergency treatment is not possible, there are temporary solutions to minimize or stop dental pain. For instance, rinsing the painful area with salt water or taking pain relievers can help alleviate the discomfort temporarily.