Tooth Infection

A tooth infection is a serious dental issue that requires immediate attention. Call your family cosmetic and implant dentist at Atlas Park Dental in Glendale, NY for treatment to keep the infection from spreading. Untreated, an infection can lead to severe health consequences. A tooth infection can seep through your gums to affect other parts of your body, especially those areas near the infection, like your neck and jaw. Untreated infections can lead to tooth loss as well. Emergency appointments are available if you need them for you or a family member in pain.

Despite your best efforts at keeping your mouth and teeth clean and healthy, you can’t be perfect. Some bacteria still can seep in, penetrating your teeth and gums. If you let bacteria grow by not going to your family dentist for regular professional cleanings, you can develop a tooth infection, also called an abscess.

As your body rushes infection-fighting blood to the abscessed tooth, you feel pain, throbbing soreness, swelling and tenderness. If the infection progresses further without treatment, you may also develop a fever. In rare cases, an infected tooth causes the infection to spread throughout your body, creating a dangerous, life-threatening condition called sepsis.

As your body protects itself against the bacteria, a pocket of pus forms either at the gum line, called a periodontal abscess, or at the tooth’s root, referred to as a periapical abscess. The team at Atlas Park Dental does everything they can to save the natural tooth, but their priority is eliminating the infection.

What Causes an Infected Tooth?

The hard coating of your tooth, called the enamel, acts as armor for the tooth nerve and root. When bacteria find a way past the enamel to access the dental pulp containing the nerve and root, an infection can result. Bacteria can access the pulp through a number of ways, including:

• Decay and cavities that erode the enamel
• Trauma or injury that cracks or breaks the tooth
• Gum disease that provides an entry point through bone loss
• Poor oral hygiene or infrequent dental checkups
• Lack of dental cleanings, which is the only way to remove stubborn plaque and tartar
• Previous failed dental work from another dentist, such as large fillings that come loose or fall out
• Impacted wisdom teeth that cause wisdom teeth infections
• A root canal infection after treatment
• Consuming significant amounts of sugary drinks and snacks consistently over time
• Dry mouth caused by certain medical conditions or medicines

Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

The team at Atlas Park Dental in Glendale conducts a thorough dental exam, including x-rays, to get the best picture of your teeth, gum tissue and the infected area. Your dentist will ask about your medical history and when you first felt the pain from the infection. Common symptoms associated with an infected tooth include:

• Severe tooth discomfort or throbbing nerve pain that doesn’t go away
• Swelling in your face, cheek, gums, tongue or jaw
• Noticeable discomfort when you eat or drink hot or cold items
• Unexplained fever
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes in your jaw or throat
• A persistent nasty, unpleasant or salty smell or taste in your mouth
• Problems swallowing or breathing due to swelling or pressure

These symptoms indicate that your body’s fighting an infection. Infections can become serious, so if you’ve been suffering from a toothache for some time — especially if you have a fever — take advantage of the emergency services available through Atlas Park Dental in Glendale, NY.

Tooth Infection Treatment

The best course of treatment may include antibiotics and the removal of the infected material, which may include the root and the nerve if you have a root canal infection. Your dentist at Atlas Park Dental performs a new root canal procedure. An extraction may be in order, especially for a wisdom tooth infection. If your dentist has to remove the tooth to treat the infection, you’re in good hands, as they also offer the best restorative dentistry options to replace it.
You may need a change in your diet or medication for a brief time until the infected area completely heals. To ensure that the infection doesn’t spread to other areas around your mouth and to prevent future infections, avoid the risks that lead to more complications. Listen to your family dentist’s instructions.

Preventing Tooth Infection

The best course of treatment is prevention. Your Glendale, NY dentist and their caring staff recommend best practices for you and your family. Protect your teeth and gums to spare you from future tooth infections. This includes:

• Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush that you replace once every three months
• Rinsing with plaque-fighting mouthwashes
• Daily flossing
• Bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings

A change in your diet — eliminating sugary foods and drinks — reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth that cause infections. Eating high-fiber foods like fresh fruits and vegetables strengthens your gums and gives your immune system the ammunition it needs to fight the onslaught of infection.

To find out if you have a tooth infection and to receive the treatment you need to beat it, contact the dental experts at Atlas Park Dental in Glendale, NY.