Who has tooth infections?
He is more likely to develop tooth infections if:
- Smoking: smokers are about twice as likely to get tooth infections as nonsmokers.
- Having a dry mouth: bacteria thrive in a mouth with a low amount of saliva.
- Having poor dental hygiene: regular brushing, flossing and dental cleaning reduces bacteria.
- Having a weakened immune system: diseases or medications can lower the immune response, making it harder to fight germs.
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Questions & Answers
What are the complications of a tooth infection?
If left untreated, an infection of the tooth can spread to the jawbone, the soft tissues of the face and neck, and beyond. In extremely rare cases, the infection can reach the heart (endocarditis) and brain (bacterial meningitis).
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
If your tooth is infected, your pain may be:
- Gnawing or throbbing.
- Sharp or shooting.
- Continuous or only during chewing.
- It radiates to the jaw, neck, or ear.
Other oral symptoms of infection include:
- Sensitivity of teeth to hot or cold temperatures.
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
- Bad breath.
- Redness and swelling of the gums.
- Loosening of the tooth.
- Swollen area in the upper or lower jaw.
- Open and draining pain on the side of the gingiva.
How do you treat an infected tooth?
The goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. Treatment options include:
- Incision and drainage: the dentist makes a small incision (cut) in the abscess to drain the pus. Sometimes a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage.
- Root canal: this option helps eliminate the infection and save the tooth. This common procedure removes the infected inner pulp of the tooth and fills the space with material to prevent another infection. The internal pulp is important when the tooth is growing, but once mature, the tooth can survive without the pulp. After the procedure, your tooth should return to normal, although a crown may be needed to protect the root canal. If you care for your restored tooth properly, it can last a lifetime.
- Tooth extraction: sometimes the tooth cannot be saved and the dentist may have to pull or extract the tooth allowing pus to drain from the socket.
- Antibiotics: if the infection is limited to the area of the abscess, many of you do not need antibiotics, but sometimes your dentist may advise you to assist with dental treatment. It is important to know that while this medication may help fight the remaining bacteria, it will not eliminate the cause of the infection, which is the affected tooth.
Treatment of Infected Teeth
Your first visit
Many people who visit Dental Experts Albania have questions about cosmetic problems, including stained and discolored teeth. During your first visit, you will receive a full set of x-rays, a thorough examination, cleaning, and time to talk with your dentist (plan to spend about 90 minutes in our office).
We will review your exam, talk about how you would like to improve the appearance of your teeth, and discuss a treatment plan.
First of all: Prevent
We are of the view that the best cure is prevention; prevention is undoubtedly better than cure. When prevention is no longer possible we try to nip it in the bud.
Timely appointments
Every appointment starts on time, with as little waiting as possible.
Cure with a smile
We know that no one looks forward to going to the dentist. So we do everything we can to make your experience at our office one of a kind. See for yourself!