What is a dental infection?
At the most basic level, a dental infection occurs when harmful bacteria multiply in an area and your body cannot adequately control them. The surrounding tissues react, which can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus around the gums.
What causes a dental infection?
Dental infections generally develop from two main sources. The first is inside the tooth, often when the pulp becomes infected or dies because of deep decay, trauma, or other damage.
The second is in the tissues surrounding the tooth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and supporting bone. Bacteria accumulating beneath the gumline can contribute to periodontal infections and damage the structures holding the tooth in place.
What does dental infection pain feel like?
Dental infection pain can be chronic or acute. Chronic discomfort may be mild, persistent, and easy to dismiss. Acute pain is often more noticeable and may feel like a severe, throbbing toothache.
Some dental infections cause little or no pain, so the absence of discomfort doesn't necessarily mean your teeth and gums are healthy.
What are the warning signs of a dental infection?
Watch for tooth pain that doesn't go away, new or lingering sensitivity, throbbing discomfort that continues to worsen, or swelling around the gums, jaw, or face.
Swelling that feels warm or becomes increasingly painful can also indicate a problem that needs prompt evaluation. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist to determine what's causing them.
Why is bone loss a problem with dental infections?
Dental infections can damage the bone supporting your teeth. As inflammation and infection progress, the surrounding bone may gradually break down, compromising the stability of the affected tooth.
Once significant bone loss occurs, rebuilding that support can be difficult and may require additional treatment.
If your dentist has told you that you have a failing root canal, periodontal bone loss, or another infection-related concern, it's important to address the problem before additional damage develops.
When does a dental infection become an emergency?
A dental infection can become a medical emergency when it spreads beyond the tooth and surrounding tissues.
For example, an infection in the lower jaw can sometimes cause swelling that extends toward the neck and airway. In severe cases, dental infections can spread into deeper tissues or contribute to systemic infection.
If you're experiencing rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a serious infection, seek immediate emergency medical care.
How are dental infections treated?
The main principle of treating a dental infection is addressing the underlying cause.
If the infection originates inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and preserve the tooth. If the infection involves the supporting gums and bone, periodontal treatment may be needed to remove bacterial deposits and address the diseased tissues.
In some cases, an extraction or another procedure may be necessary if the tooth cannot be saved.
Antibiotics can help manage certain dental infections when they're indicated, particularly when there's spreading infection or systemic involvement. However, antibiotics alone generally don't eliminate the underlying source.
That's why it's important to have a professional examination and appropriate dental imaging before determining the treatment plan.
Why is early treatment important for dental infections?
Early treatment can often make a significant difference in the complexity and cost of dental care.
When an infection is identified before extensive damage occurs, treatment may involve periodontal cleaning, root canal therapy, or another procedure designed to preserve the natural tooth.
If the infection progresses and the tooth becomes non-restorable, extraction may be necessary. Replacing the missing tooth could then involve bone grafting and a dental implant, depending on your individual needs.
Addressing dental infections promptly can help preserve more natural tooth structure and reduce the likelihood of needing more extensive treatment later.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (305) 780-6089 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.
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