Who gets tooth infections?
You are more likely to develop tooth infections if you:
- Smoke: Smokers are about twice as likely to get tooth infections compared to non-smokers.
- Have a dry mouth: Bacteria thrive in a mouth with a low amount of saliva.
- Have poor dental hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings reduce bacteria.
- Have a weakened immune system: Illnesses 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, a tooth infection 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 the brain (bacterial meningitis).
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
If your tooth is infected, your pain might be:
- Gnawing or throbbing.
- Sharp or shooting.
- Continuous or only during chewing.
- Radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear.
Other oral symptoms of infection include:
- Tooth sensitivity 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, draining sore on the side of the gum.
How is an infected tooth treated?
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 inner pulp is important while 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 the restored tooth properly, it can last a lifetime.
- Tooth extraction: Sometimes the tooth cannot be saved and the dentist may need to pull or extract the tooth, allowing the pus to drain from the socket.
- Antibiotics: If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, many of you do not need antibiotics, but sometimes the dentist may recommend them to assist with the dental treatment. It is important to know that while this medication can help fight remaining bacteria, it will not eliminate the cause of the infection, which is the affected tooth.
Infected Tooth Treatment
Your first visit
Many people who visit Dental Experts Albania have questions about aesthetic issues, including stained and discolored teeth. During your first visit, you will receive a complete set of X-rays, a thorough examination, cleaning, and time to speak with your dentist (expect to spend about 90 minutes in our office).
We will review your examination, talk about how you would like to improve the appearance of your teeth, and discuss a treatment plan.
First of all: Prevention
We believe that the best care is prevention; preventing is undoubtedly better than curing. When prevention is no longer possible, we try to address issues at the earliest stage.
Punctual appointments
Every appointment starts on time, with as little waiting as possible.
Care with a smile
We know that no one looks forward to going to the dentist. So we do everything to make your experience at our office one of a kind. See for yourself!
