Tooth infections, also known as dental abscesses, affect the inside of teeth and surrounding tissues. Dental abscesses occur when bacteria enter a tooth through a chip or a cavity and reach the “pulp,” or soft, inner part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Dental abscesses are not only quite painful but, left untreated, can result in complications, including tooth loss and infection, which can spread to the jawbone, surrounding tissue, and throughout the body.
Today, we’re looking at the causes and symptoms of tooth infections and treatment techniques at your dentist’s disposal.
Why Do Tooth Infections Occur?
The most common cause of tooth infection is tooth decay resulting from plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which stems from poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay, left untreated, can reach and infect the dental pulp.
There are causes of tooth infections beyond poor oral hygiene. These include trauma-related fractures or breakage, the weakening of a tooth's protective layers by previous dental procedures, and gum disease spreading to the roots of a tooth.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
Common symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Bad breath
- A bitter taste in the mouth
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is strongly encouraged to seek prompt dental treatment to eliminate infection and ensure that a dental abscess doesn’t wind up posing a major threat to a person’s oral and overall health
How Is a Tooth Infection Treated?
The treatment of a tooth infection generally involves a combination of dental procedures and medication (typically pain medication and antibiotics) whose goal is eliminating infection while preserving the natural tooth.
In most cases, a root canal, in which the tooth’s infected pulp is removed and its inner chamber disinfected and sealed, is performed. In more severe cases, however, the damaged tooth must be extracted and subsequently replaced via dental implants or bridges.
Again, it’s vital that anyone suffering from a tooth infection seek prompt dental care in order to avoid further complications.
Tooth Infection Treatment in Durham, NC
If you’re in the Durham area and in need of treatment for an infected tooth, contact dentist Dr. Adam Sprigs and the team at The Smile Shop to schedule a consultation appointment.