At Thompson Advanced Dentistry, we focus on preventing common dental concerns and 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, a dental infection can turn life-threatening. Dr. Joseph Thompson is a general dentist who can treat your 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 the 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about tooth infection treatment in Greeley, CO.
What causes a tooth infection?
A tooth infection happens when bacteria get inside your tooth, often through a crack or cavity. These germs reach the pulp, and start to grow. The infection causes pain, swelling, and sometimes pus. Not brushing your teeth, eating lots of sugar, or injuring a tooth will increase your risk of infection.
Can a tooth infection go away on its own?
No, a tooth infection will not go away on its own. If you have a dental infection, it means germs are inside your tooth or gums. Without professional treatment from your dentist, the pain will get worse.
A tooth infection can even spread to other parts of your body. You must see a dentist to treat it, usually with medicine or by fixing the tooth.
Is a tooth infection a dental emergency?
Yes, a tooth infection is a dental emergency. If a tooth gets infected, it can cause a lot of pain and swelling. The infection can spread quickly to other parts of your mouth or even to other parts of your body. When the infection spreads, you can get very sick.
Call us as soon as you think you have a tooth infection. Fast care can help stop the infection and save your tooth. Don’t wait to get help.
What can I do about the pain from a tooth infection?
If you have pain from a tooth infection, you should see a dentist as soon as you can. To help manage pain at home until you see our dentist, we suggest applying ice to your face to reduce swelling.
You can take pain medicine like ibuprofen to manage the pain and swelling. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods because they can make the pain worse.
Can a tooth infection spread to other teeth?
Yes, a tooth infection can spread to other teeth if you do not seek treatment. The germs that cause the infection can move from one tooth to the next through the gums or bone. If this happens, you may feel more pain or swelling in your mouth. Treating the problem early can help keep your other teeth safe.
Does poor oral hygiene cause tooth infections?
Yes, bad oral hygiene is the main cause of a tooth infection. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth properly, germs and food particles remain on your teeth and gums. These germs can cause tooth decay, holes, and gum problems.
Over time, decay can reach deep into a tooth and cause an infection. This can make your tooth hurt and sometimes swell. Taking care of your teeth each day helps keep your mouth healthy and stops tooth infections.
Relieve Your Tooth Pain and Treat Infection
Call us if you think you have an abscessed tooth as soon as possible. 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. We’re also proud to treat patients from Loveland, Johnstown, and the surrounding areas.