Everything You Need to Know About a Tooth Infection

An abscess is a bacterial infection of the tooth. Abscesses can arise anywhere around a tooth for several causes, affecting the tooth and the surrounding bone and neighboring teeth. So What is a Tooth Abscess? Keep reading to find out why general dentistry will help you avoid these abscesses.

Types of Tooth Infection

Gingival: A gum infection. It usually doesn’t harm the tooth or its roots. Bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth through a fracture or cavity. The pulp includes nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria infect the pulp, they can travel to the tooth’s root tip, creating an abscess. It originates in the bone and tissues that support the tooth. Periodontitis (gum disease) causes periodontal abscesses, more prevalent in adults.
Infections are more likely to happen when you are a daily smoker. A dry mouth breeds bacteria. Lack of regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings minimize germs. Having a weaker immune system might make fighting pathogens more difficult. A tooth infection’s complications. Untreated tooth infections can extend to the jawbone, cheek, and soft neck tissues. However, acute endocarditis and cerebral endocarditis are uncommon (bacterial meningitis). Make sure you contact your dentist for proper teeth cleaning in Lexington KY.

Some Main Symptoms of a Tooth Abscesses and Why They Occur

Anything that allows germs to enter the tooth or surrounding tissues might cause an infection. Some causes: A cavity is the deterioration of the tooth’s hard surfaces. Bacteria convert carbohydrates into acid, which damages the enamel. Bacteria can enter a tooth through a chip or fracture and spread to the pulp.

Periodontitis: Encircling the teeth are the gums, which are infected and inflamed. Bacteria enter deeper tissues as gum disease worsens. Trauma to the tooth can harm the inner pulp even if no apparent break occurs. In addition, infection is possible due to the wound.

What Causes the Teeth to Get an Infection

Infected teeth cause discomfort in:

• Gnaw or shooting pain when chewing.
• Jawbone, neck, or ear radiating.

Other oral infection symptoms:

• Tooth sensitivity to heat and cold.
• Bad breath.
• Gum inflammation.
• Tooth loosening
• They have swollen upper or lower jaw.
• Open, draining gum sore.

You may also have broad symptoms like:

• Fever.
• Neck gland swell.
• General unease or a bad feeling.

Other Testing Options

X-ray is suggested that they can assist in determining the source of the infection better. X-rays can also show if the infection has migrated to other locations. Another option would be to use our modern-day 3D CT cone beams which help our dentist customize your dental needs. 

Can a tooth infection self-heal?

An infection won’t go gone by itself. This is because an infection kills the pulp within your tooth. The pain ends because the nerve quits working; therefore, you may not feel it. But the germs will keep spreading and destroying tissue.

What is an abscessed tooth?

Cure the infection and avoid consequences. Your dentist might make a tiny cut to drain the pus in the abscess. A small rubber drain may be inserted to allow drainage.  A root canal saves your tooth by removing the infection. This surgery removes the diseased inner pulp and seals the gap to avoid re-infection. The inner pulp is vital during tooth development, but the tooth may survive without it once it matures.

It should be normal after the treatment. However, you may require a crown to cover the root canal. A restored tooth can last a lifetime if properly cared for. If the tooth cannot be salvaged, your dentist will need to remove it and let the pus drain from the socket. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help with your dental treatment if the infection is only in the abscessed region. While this treatment may help kill residual germs, it will not remove the infection’s source, the infected tooth.

How to Prevent an Abscessed Tooth

Visiting your dentist in Lexington KY regularly for dental checkups and cleanings might help prevent tooth abscesses. Also, see your dentist if a tooth becomes loose or damaged. Dentistry requires good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss once daily at home.

How do I treat a tooth infection?

Toothache indicates a visit to the dentist. Warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain medications can help you wait. Remember, your dentist wants you to be healthy. They, like other medical experts, are part of the healthcare team. Keep up with frequent dental visits — prevention is crucial! A dentist can detect abnormalities early on, easier to fix. If you are in pain, consult the best dentist in Lexington KY right away.

Thank You

Our friends in Colorado would agree with us for wanting you to make sure you are taking care of your teeth. Bookcliff Family Dental is the best dentist in Grand Junction Colorado go check them out.