How to Know If You Have an Infected Tooth

Tooth infections, also known as dental abscesses or dental infections, can be a painful and concerning dental issue. An infected tooth can occur when bacteria enter the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Identifying the signs and symptoms of an infected tooth is crucial as early detection and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe complications. Here is how to know if you have an infected tooth and whether you need emergency dental treatment.

Tooth Pain

One of the most common and prominent signs of an infected tooth is pain. The pain is often severe and can be constant or intermittent. It may range from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing pain. The discomfort may be localized to the infected tooth or radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. The act of chewing and applying pressure on the infected tooth can intensify the pain. This can make eating difficult and uncomfortable, especially if the infection has progressed.

Swelling Around the Tooth

In many cases, an infected tooth can cause swelling in the affected area. You may notice swelling in the gum around the tooth, which can become red and tender. The swelling is often a sign of inflammation as the body’s immune response tries to contain the infection.

Sensitivity to Temperature

An infected tooth can become extremely sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Drinking or eating hot or cold foods and beverages may trigger sharp, intense pain in the affected tooth.

Pus or Abscess Formation

In some cases, an infected tooth can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. An abscess can be visible as a bump or pimple on the gums near the infected tooth. It may also rupture, releasing foul-tasting and foul-smelling pus. An infected tooth can cause a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath. This is due to the release of bacteria within the pus as a result of the infection.

Fever and Enlarged Lympth Nodes

In more severe cases, a dental infection can lead to fever and other systemic symptoms. Along with a fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw can be an indication that the body’s immune system is responding to the dental infection. If you experience fever, chills, nausea, or general malaise along with dental pain, it’s a sign that the infection may have spread beyond the tooth and requires immediate attention.

If you suspect you have an infected tooth, it’s crucial to seek prompt dental care. Ignoring an infected tooth can lead to more serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, including the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.

At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, our dentists can diagnose and treat an infected tooth through various methods, which may include draining an abscess, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction, depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed to control the infection. Early intervention and proper dental care can effectively address the issue and relieve your pain, preserving the health of your teeth and gums. If you have signs or symptoms of an infected tooth, contact us right away to schedule an emergency dental appointment at our clinic in Elk Grove, CA.