New Patients 970.205.9614

Current Patients 970.351.6500

5150 W 20th St Greeley, CO 80634

Tooth Infection Greeley, CO

At Thompson Advanced Dentistry, we focus on preventing common dental problems such as tooth infections with routine dental care. However, it is important to understand the signs of an infection just in case. When left untreated, an infection can turn life threatening. Dr. Joseph Thompson is a general dentist that can treat your tooth infection in Greeley, CO.

We provide treatment for a tooth infection in Greeley, CO

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection, also called a tooth abscess, is a buildup of pus in the teeth or gums. It is a bacterial infection that forms when bacteria are able to enter the tooth due to an untreated cavity, crack, or break in the tooth. In some cases, the infection is due to lack of proper oral hygiene. It can also be from an injury to the tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

A tooth abscess is likely to cause symptoms that are hard to ignore. Dr. Thompson encourages his patients to contact him as soon as possible if they are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms of a tooth infection:

  • Constant pain that may spread to the jaw, neck, and ear
  • Stinging pain when consuming hot or cold food and beverages
  • Unable to bite to chew due to severe pain
  • Fever
  • Swelling from the infection
  • Difficulty breathing from swelling
  • Bad smelling breath
  • Bad taste in your mouth or rush of salty fluid in your mouth if the abscess bursts
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Treatment for a Tooth Infection in Greeley, CO

Dr. Thompson will thoroughly examine your tooth to determine if you have a tooth abscess. The best treatment for you will depend on how bad the infection is. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have at saving your tooth.

Root Canal

A root canal procedure is the most conservative treatment we offer. It will effectively treat the infection and save the save. Dr. Thompson will drill a small hole in your tooth to access inside chamber. Using special dental tools, he will remove the infected tissues and drain the abscess. After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, he will fill the root canals and tooth chamber. In most cases, he will suggest capping the tooth to protect it.

Tooth Extraction

If the infection is very severe, Dr. Thompson may need to extract the tooth if he feels he cannot save the tooth. He will gently remove the tooth, drain the abscess, and clean the area around the extraction site. He will also discuss how you would like to replace the tooth.

How Can I Avoid a Tooth Infection?

The best way to avoid a tooth infection is to properly care for you oral health. In doing this, you will lower your risk of gum disease and dental cavities. If you do suffer from tooth damage (cracks, chips, cavity, breaks, trauma to the tooth, etc.) you will need to have your dentist treat it right away.

Proper oral hygiene consists of brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting our Greeley, CO dentist office every six months.


Call our office as soon as possible if you think you have an abscessed tooth. Dr. Thompson can treat your tooth infection in Greeley, CO to help you find relief from the pain. You can reach our office at 970.205.9614.