Can I Wait to Treat a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection is a medical issue that needs to be addressed due to the nature of its ability to spread. Tooth infections often start out as what may seem to be a harmless toothache. However, a toothache can turn into a tooth infection quickly if left untreated. A tooth infection is referred to as a dental abscess and can be hazardous for your health if it’s not treated immediately. Other words, do not wait to treat a tooth infection.

Can I Wait to Treat a Tooth Infection: Tooth Infection Symptoms

Tooth infections start when bacteria get into your teeth through cracks or cavities. Below are some of the common symptoms of a tooth infection. If you experience any of these, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

• Sensitivity to pressure or temperature
• Throbbing in the tooth or jawbone area
• Tooth or jaw pain
• Cheek swelling
• Fever

If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body which can cause major issues. This can be serious and even life-threatening if not taken care of. Below are some of the symptoms that should alert you that your tooth infection has spread.

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Sweating
• Chills
• Flushed skin
• Facial swelling
• Dehydration
• Increased heart rate
• Diarrhea or vomiting

Can I Wait to Treat a Tooth Infection: Dangers of Untreated Tooth Infections

Leaving a tooth infection untreated is problematic and can cause more health concerns than just your tooth. Below are some of the common dangers that can occur if you leave your tooth infection untreated.

• Tooth Loss: If you get treated early you can save your tooth. Root canal therapy and a crown can allow your natural tooth to remain in your mouth. However, the infection can cause tooth loss if you are not careful and fail to get treatment early on.
• Bone Infection: A tooth infection can impact and infect the surrounding bone area in your jaw and face. Facial bones are not equipped to withstand an infection long term.
• Septicemia: This occurs when your blood becomes infected by the tooth infection. This is highly dangerous and requires hospitalization.

Root Canal Treatment Arcadia

Your dentist will likely do whatever possible to save your natural tooth. However, some infected teeth cannot stay in your mouth as they could cause more harm. With that, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to ensure that the infection does not spread to the rest of your body. Root canals sound much worse than they are, and it is an important treatment option that can help keep you healthy. Oftentimes the procedure is painless, and the recovery time is fairly fast. This is especially true if you have a skilled dental professional with experience.

Preventative Care

Avoiding dental issues is beneficial for your dental and overall health. It’s important to focus on preventative measures to ensure optimal oral health. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. You should also floss at least once a day and use mouthwash with fluoride to further protect your enamel. Lastly, you should be visiting the dentist at least every six months. This is vital for your oral health, heart health, and overall health. Talk with your doctor as you may need to visit more often, depending on your unique dental needs.

Dentists Near Arcadia

If you think you have a tooth infection and need treatment, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure you get the right treatments for your unique dental needs. Their goal is to get you back to health quickly and effectively. Contact their office and make an appointment today!