When it comes to tooth infections, you may not categorize them as emergencies at first. But did you know that if you leave them untreated, a simple tooth infection can become life-threatening? The speed at which a tooth infection can spread varies from person to person, but one thing is certain: immediate treatment is crucial to avoid serious consequences.
20 Screaming Signs Of Tooth Infections
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Dehydration
- Dark urine
- Breathing or swallowing issues
- Redness
- Severe swelling of gums
- Loosened tooth
- Lump on gums
- Face and cheeks swelled to a considerable extent
- Mouth and tongue in constant discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gum or mouth skin itching
- High fever
- Confusion
- Persistent headache
- Doubled or loss of vision
- Droopy eyelids
- Increased heart rate
- Lightheadedness
Tooth Infection – Treatments
Although a tooth infection can spread fast, if it is caught in the early stages, it is easily treatable with the help of targeted medicines. However, if that does not make a difference, your dentist will choose other ways to deal with your tooth infection.
The final call depends on certain few factors, like the severity of the spread, how fast your symptoms are showing up, and how your body reacts to it. So, here are some possible treatments to fix your abscessed, infectious tooth.
1. Antibiotics
It is a good case scenario if your infection has not spread to other areas of your mouth. The dentist can fix the issue with antibiotics. These medications kill bacteria and stop their spread. However, if your case has reached a severe level, they may offer you antibiotics through IV drips at the hospital for faster relief.
2. Root Canal Therapy
It is the most sought-after treatment that eliminates tooth abscesses that travel deep within your tooth. Your dentist will start by drilling a hole into your infected tooth to get rid of the bacterial buildup and pus in the roots.
After thorough cleaning, the hole is then filled in with the help of an appropriate filler or a crown to prevent further infections.
3. Apicoectomy
There are certain cases in which root canals are not enough to completely eradicate tooth infection; if that happens, your dentist chooses an apicoectomy. This treatment makes sense once your infection spreads to the roots and tooth tissue. For this, a cut is made to slice the gums and remove roots entirely from the tooth with the abscessed tissue.
4. Treating Sepsis
If your condition has reached this stage, it is a life-threatening situation and requires an intensive care unit for treatment. Dentists have IV (intravenous) antibiotics and other fluids to kill bacteria and flush them out of the system.
Closing Note
If you can spot one or more of these signs, you can contact us immediately. We have years of experience and know what it takes for a successful and healthy recovery. In case you have any questions or concerns, contact experts from Smile Time Dental today and discuss your healing and sleeping options after wisdom teeth removal. Call us at 281-245-0711