Can a dentist pull an infected tooth? This is a question that many people ask when they are experiencing dental pain. In most cases, the answer is yes. However, typically dentists use this as a last resort as they would much rather save the tooth than remove it. It is always best to leave nature’s designed tooth in your mouth, and consider alternative treatment options, as nothing can completely replace the function and appearance of your own tooth. If you are experiencing severe dental pain, it is important to consult with your dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of action. In this article, we discuss how a dentist decides if pulling an infected tooth is the right option and the different ways that a dentist can save an infected tooth.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection is caused when bacteria from your mouth invade the tooth and its surrounding structures. The bacteria can come from many sources including plaque, food, and dental procedures. Once the bacteria are inside the tooth, they can begin to multiply within your pulp (the innermost part of your tooth) and cause an infection.
If left untreated, a tooth infection can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. The infection can spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, and damage to your teeth. In some cases, the infection can even spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems. This is why it is important to treat a tooth infection as soon as possible.
Luckily, most tooth infections can be treated with a combination of antibiotics and dental procedures. In some cases, the infection can be so severe that the tooth needs to be removed. However, in most cases, dentists can save the tooth and prevent further damage.
How Does a Dentist Know if I Have a Tooth Infection?
There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate that you have a tooth infection. However, these symptoms are very common for many other dental problems as well, so it can be difficult to diagnose a tooth infection without further testing.
Some of the most common symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling in your gums
- Swelling in your face
- Redness in your gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Fever
To further diagnose a tooth infection, your dentist will likely take X-rays of the affected tooth. The X-rays can show if there is any damage to the tooth or if there is an infection in the surrounding tissues. In some cases, your dentist may also order blood tests or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Once your dentist has diagnosed a tooth infection, they will develop a treatment plan to help get rid of the infection and prevent it from coming back.
How is a Tooth Infection Treated?
The treatment for a tooth infection revolves first and foremost around getting rid of the infection. A dentist will usually first check if the bone and tooth structure surrounding the infected tooth can support treatment. If these structural elements can support treatment, the dentist will most likely recommend a root canal.
Unlike tooth extraction, a root canal can save the tooth and prevent the infection from coming back. This involves removing the infected pulp from inside your tooth and cleaning the inside of your tooth. Once the tooth is clean, it will be filled with a special material, and topped with a crown, to prevent bacteria from entering and causing another infection.
In some cases, the tooth may be too damaged to save with a root canal. If this is the case, the dentist will likely recommend extracting the tooth. If the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues, the dentist may also recommend antibiotics to help clear the infection. To replace the missing tooth, the dentist may recommend a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
No matter what solution the dentist picks remember, it is important to treat a tooth infection as soon as possible, as the longer it goes untreated, the more damage it can cause.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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