What Happens If My Tooth Gets Infected?

Tooth infections can be painful and scary! Fortunately, your dentist in Castle Rock, CO can help you. Knowing a little bit about tooth infections and what can be done about them can help. In this article, we’ll discuss what it means if your tooth is infected, how to tell if your tooth is infected, how to get rid of an infection and how a tooth infection can be stopped. Here’s what to know.

What Does It Mean If My Tooth Is Infected?

When a tooth gets infected, the delicate pulp inside the tooth enamel becomes compromised by bacteria. An infection of this nature can spread to other parts of the body, if it’s not treated. In addition, if your tooth isn’t treated, you could lose your permanent tooth.

How Can I Tell If My Tooth Is Infected?

The best way to tell if your tooth is infected is to visit the dentist. Your dentist can examine your tooth and determine whether your tooth is infected. Your dentist will also be able to recommend treatment for your tooth. However, you’ll be able to tell if your tooth is infected by the following:

  • Severe pain in the tooth
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Tooth is discolored
  • Tooth has a crack or chip in it
  • Tooth is sensitive to heat and cold

If you’re noticing any of symptoms like the ones above, see the dentist to get treatment as soon as possible. An infection in your tooth can cause problems if it’s not treated as soon as possible.

How Can I Get Rid of an Infection In My Tooth?

Your dentist will use an emergency dental procedure called a root canal to get rid of the infection. During the root canal, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and then fill the tooth full of sealant. Finally, the dentist will protect the tooth enamel with a crown.

How Can A Tooth Infection Be Stopped?

Tooth infections often happen when a tooth becomes chipped and bacteria enters the tooth through the chip or crack in the tooth. You can help avoid a tooth infection by taking care of your teeth and going to the dentist regularly.

If you believe you have an infected tooth, call Castle Valley Dental root canal in Castle Rock, CO.

dentist-visit

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

Seeing the dentist on a regular basis can help you take good care of your teeth. Knowing how often to visit the dentist in Castle Rock CO, and sticking to that schedule, can help you avoid dental problems like gum disease, stains on your tooth enamel, dental infections and other problems. How often should you visit the dentist? Read on to find out.

See the Dentist Twice Per Year

Most dentists ask that their patients come in for dental cleanings twice per year. Patients who have special needs or who have a dental problem that requires special care may need to see the dentist more often.

Patients who are very young or who have very good oral hygiene and dental health may only be asked to see the dentist once per year. Either way, following your dentist’s recommended treatment plan and examination schedule is important.

Call the Dentist With Signs of a Problem

Even if you’re going to the dentist twice annually for your regular cleanings, you may need to go to the dentist for an additional visit if you’re noticing signs of a dental problem. Signs of dental disease include:

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away, even if you brush your teeth
  • Pain in your teeth or in one particular tooth
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Swelling around your tooth, in the gums, or your cheeks
  • Black or brown spots on your teeth or discolorations on the tooth enamel
  • A hole or crack in your tooth enamel

See the Dentist During a Dental Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency, see the dentist as quickly as possible. For example, if you lose a permanent tooth, see the dentist within half an hour if you wish to save the tooth. If you have severe tooth pain, you could be in need of an emergency procedure called a root canal. Call the dentist for advice and to make an appointment.

Whether you have a dental emergency or you simply need to see the dentist for your usual cleaning and examination, contact Castle Valley Dental for a dental appointment in Castle Rock, CO. Call today.