A tooth infection is a serious dental concern that needs treatment as soon as possible. The infection will continue to spread beyond the tooth. This is when a tooth abscess will form. An abscess is a very painful dental condition that may cause you to lose your tooth. If treated promptly and effectively, it won’t progress to an abscess. Dr. Paul Karpovich is a talented dentist who offers treatments for a tooth infection in Timonium, MD.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection develops when trauma, damage, or decay causes bacteria to enter the tooth and kill the nerves in the tooth. The outer layer of your tooth, the enamel, is a very strong and hard mineral that protects the inner tooth. When compromised, the tooth can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
While the enamel is very strong, it can decay from a lack of proper oral hygiene. When a cavity forms, it will eat away at the enamel. If not treated, the hole will grow deeper and larger to expose the inner tooth.
Other ways the inner chamber of a tooth can become exposed include gum disease, large chips or cracks in the tooth, or any kind of damage to the tooth. These problems make it easy to develop an infection.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
An infection in your tooth will affect the nerves, and this is very painful. Most people with an infection will know because of the pain. It can also cause inflammation, which leads to swelling. A full list of tooth infection signs and symptoms includes:
- Tooth pain
- Swelling around the tooth
- Unable to chew food due to pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
Treatment for a Tooth Infection in Timonium, MD
A tooth infection is a bacterial infection and will not go away on its own. You must seek emergency dental care from a trained dentist. Because the nerves die due to the infection, some people think they no longer have a problem with their tooth. However, the infection is still present and must be treated before it spreads to other parts of your body.
If Dr. Karpovich catches the infection in time, he will perform a root canal. This is a conservative treatment option that will remove the infected tissue from the inner chambers of the tooth. It will also save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal can typically take place in a single appointment. Dr. Karpovich will numb the area around the tooth to prepare you for treatment. He will begin by drilling a hole in the tooth to access the inside chamber. Using special tools, he will remove all the infected tissue.
Then, he will clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth. Dr. Karpovich will fill the inside chambers of the tooth with a material called gutta-percha and seal the tooth shut. After a root canal, most patients will need a dental crown to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
Tooth Infection FAQs
Do you have more questions for us? Learn more about dental decay and tooth infection treatment in Timonium, MD.
How can I prevent dental infections?
Preventing dental infections is all about taking care of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Drink water
- Visit our dental office twice a year
- Wear a custom mouthguard for sports
Can a tooth infection go away on its own?
No, a tooth infection will not go away on its own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems. See our dentists as soon as possible if you think you have a tooth infection.
Does it hurt to treat a tooth infection?
Treating a tooth infection shouldn’t hurt, but feeling nervous is normal. We will make sure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Our dentist will use a local anesthetic, like a numbing shot, to ensure you don’t feel pain during the treatment. We will also prescribe pain medication for you to take as you heal.
Can sugar increase the risk of a tooth infection?
Yes, eating too much sugar can increase your risk of getting a tooth infection. The bacteria in your mouth love sugar. When you eat sugary foods or drink sugary drinks, these bacteria use the sugar to produce acids. The acid from the bacteria weakens your tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth). This can lead to cavities.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a painful infection that forms a pocket of pus in or around a tooth. It usually happens when bacteria get into a damaged tooth, gum, or the area around the root.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- Severe, throbbing toothache
- Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Fever
- Pain when biting or chewing
Do I need a root canal or tooth extraction?
Whether you need a root canal or a tooth extraction depends on how damaged or infected your tooth is. Our dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to decide which option is best for you.
A root canal is a treatment to save your tooth by removing infection from within the dental pulp. You may need a root canal if you have a damaged tooth, but a healthy root, or a deep cavity that reaches your tooth’s nerve.
A tooth extraction removes your tooth if it can’t be saved. You may need an extraction if your tooth is too damaged for repair. You may also get a tooth extraction if you have overcrowded teeth or a severe infection that a root canal can’t fix.
What should I do at home if I think I have a tooth infection?
If you think you have a tooth infection, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
You can also take over-the-counter pain relief if needed. If you feel swelling, hold a cold pack or a cloth wrapped in ice against your cheek near the infected tooth. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or acidic drinks, which can worsen the problem.
Will a tooth infection cause tooth loss?
Yes, a tooth infection can cause tooth loss if left untreated. The infection can damage the tooth and the tissues around it, including the gums and the bone that supports the tooth. Over time, this damage can cause the tooth to become loose and eventually fall out or require removal.
Treat Tooth Decay
Do you have throbbing tooth pain? Dr. Paul Karpovich offers treatment for a tooth infection in Timonium, MD. Book an appointment online with him today if you think you may have an infection. You can reach our dental office at (410) 221-3085.