Do you have frequent tooth throbbing or soreness? Have you noticed any unusual tooth pain, sensitivity, or sharp pains in your teeth, even if only slightly? If so, these may be the first signs of a tooth infection. These can occur in anyone, especially if poor dental hygiene measures are in place. Understanding how to self-diagnose your pain and how to treat a tooth infection on your own will allow you to maintain proper oral health. If you let the infection get too severe, alternate issues can form and require you to visit a dentist or endodontist. Avoid tooth infections and learn how to prevent them below.
Causes
Tooth Infections can appear for a variety of reasons. Most times, they are caused from untreated tooth decay or tooth cracks and chips. This means that if you first experience or see that you have a chipped or cracked tooth, visit the dentist or endodontist immediately to get these issues fixed.
These cause tooth infection because it creates an area for bacteria to harbor in. When bacteria pass the enamel and enter the tissue and dental pulp, dental abscesses can form. These are pus pockets that make it even more difficult for dentists to treat. Make sure to address your pain before your infection gets out of hand.
Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the tooth infection and the person, different symptoms may exist. There are, however, some common symptoms that exist across the majority of people who suffer from such infections. First of all, you may have a throbbing pain in the tooth, jawbone, or neck areas. This is caused from the initial damage telling your brain that there is an issue you should be addressing.
Additionally, you may experience swelling. Swelling is your body’s mechanism to heal by having excess white blood cells and fluids flow to the infected area. Other common symptoms include tooth sensitivity, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and even a fever. All of the above are signs you have a tooth infection and should have the issue addressed immediately.
Prevention of Tooth Infection
To ensure you don’t have to deal with tooth infections, make sure you maintain good oral health to prevent cavities. Cavities are small decayed areas of your teeth that can harbor bacteria. If severe enough and left untreated, these cavities can turn into tooth infection quickly.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once per day to get all of the bad bacteria out of your mouth. Also, be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Treatment Options
If your case has gotten past the point of personal prevention of infection from general hygiene, you may need to visit an endodontist. Here, your endodontist will first need to clean out the area of the infection. This is often done by performing a root canal. Root canal procedures involve removing the dental pulp and nerves from the root of your tooth.
Once these are removed, they will cleanse your existing root with an antibacterial solution. This is done to ensure no bacteria will remain in the area before it is closed off and the tooth is capped. If the case is not too severe, this can occasionally be avoided with an antibiotic prescription.
Visit an Endodontist Today
If you believe you may suffer from a tooth infection, it is vital to address the issue with an endodontist immediately. Precision Endodontics can help. With some of the top trained endodontists in the area, you can be sure you’ll be treated with both care and precision. Call or visit us to schedule an appointment and consultation before we begin the treatment process!
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