That persistent throbbing pain in your tooth isn’t just annoying – it could be a sign of a serious tooth infection. Also known as a dental abscess, a tooth infection occurs when bacteria invade the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), often due to untreated decay, cracks, or injury.
A majority of Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga will tell you that ignoring a tooth infection is dangerous, as it won’t resolve on its own and can lead to severe complications. Recognizing the symptoms of tooth infection early is crucial for seeking timely dental treatment.
Common Signs You Might Have an Infected Tooth
While symptoms can vary, here are key indicators that you may need to see a local Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga urgently:
- Severe, Persistent Toothache: Often described as throbbing or shooting pain, it can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear. Pain might worsen when lying down or chewing.
- Sensitivity to Temperatures: Increased pain or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling in your gums near the affected tooth, or even swelling in your cheek, jaw, or face.
- Bad Taste or Smell: A persistent foul taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath, potentially caused by pus draining from the infection.
- Pain When Chewing or Biting: Discomfort or sharp pain when applying pressure to the tooth.
- Fever: A sign that the infection might be spreading.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Tender or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.
- Visible Pus: A small pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gum near the painful tooth, which may ooze pus if it ruptures.
Why You Can’t Ignore a Tooth Infection
A tooth infection is a serious condition. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to your jawbone, surrounding tissues, and even other parts of your body. In rare but severe cases, this can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Prompt dental treatment is essential to eliminate the infection, relieve pain, and prevent further health issues.
Tooth Infection Treatment Options
Seeing your dentist is the only way to properly diagnose and treat an infected tooth. Treatment aims to eliminate the source of the infection and save the tooth if possible. Common tooth infection treatments include:
- Root Canal Treatment: This procedure removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then fills and seals the space. Often, a crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth. This is the preferred method for saving the natural tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: If the infection is too severe or the tooth cannot be saved through a root canal, your dentist may recommend extracting (pulling) the infected tooth to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Incision and Drainage: If there’s a significant abscess causing swelling, the dentist may make a small incision to drain the pus, relieving pressure and pain. This is often done in conjunction with other treatments.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection and prevent it from spreading, especially if you have swelling or fever. However, antibiotics alone are not a cure; the source of the infection (inside the tooth) must still be treated.
Don’t Delay – Seek Dental Care From A Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga
If you suspect you have a tooth infection based on these symptoms, don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. Contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation and appropriate tooth infection treatment. Early intervention is key to relieving pain, saving your tooth, and protecting your overall health.