A tooth infection occurs when plaque has breached your tooth's enamel and becomes infected. Often a dental abscess or pocket of pus forms within the tooth or surrounding gums, causing pressure and moderate to extreme pain. Without professional dental help, a dental infection can become severe, even life-threatening.

While tooth infections can be painful, they tend to heal quickly with immediate professional treatment. When avoiding dental treatment, a dental infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and jaw and cause life-threatening complications.

At Severance Dental, located in the heart of Severance, CO, we focus on prevention and early dental treatment to avoid dental complications. Although we strive to help you avoid tooth infections, in the event a dental infection occurs, we are here to help.

Dental Tooth Infection Causes

Poor oral hygiene, dental decay, gum disease, dental trauma, and even common dental procedures can lead to tooth infections or a dental abscess. An infection typically forms when decay invades a tooth's pulp through an opening in the enamel or with an infection that starts in your gum tissue and spreads to the root of your tooth.

Tooth Infections Symptoms

When a tooth infection occurs, there are several signs and symptoms to be aware of. Besides tooth pain or discomfort, an infection can cause a dental abscess within the tooth or gum. An abscess within the gum can expand, causing a visible "bubble" or swelling. Tooth pain is typically continuous and often described as sharp, shooting, or throbbing. Other symptoms include:

• Tooth pain when chewing
• Pain that radiates to the jaw
• Bad breath and bitter taste in the mouth
• Increased dental sensitivity
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes

When a tooth infection has been prolonged, a patient may experience:

• Fatigue and feeling unwell
• Annoying headaches, jaw pain, or earaches
• Facial swelling
• Dizziness
• Fever or chills
• Lightheadedness
• Unexplained stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with our dentist immediately. The longer a dental infection persists, the more damage it can cause.

Treating a Tooth Infection

Our dentist strives to cure the tooth infection, save the tooth, and prevent further complications. Our dentist will start with a course of antibiotics and pain relievers. Depending on the severity of the infection, the area will be cleaned and filled. Root canal therapy is sometimes required to save an infected tooth. And in more severe cases, surgery may be needed to drain the dental abscess and/or extract the tooth.

Tooth Infection Prevention

Prompt dental decay or dental cavity treatment can reduce the chances of developing tooth infections. Employing routine oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing thoroughly can help prevent tooth decay which can lead to tooth infections. Scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams also helps identify undetected issues before they become a problem.

If you have tooth pain or experience any symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment with Severance Dental today. We care about your health and have the expertise to treat tooth infections.;