A tooth infection won’t clear up on its own. Left untreated, it can damage the tooth beyond saving, lead to an abscess and, in rare cases, spread into your jaw, face or neck.
Why Tooth Infections Should Not Be Ignored
Toothache is easy to put down to sensitivity, a cavity or something that will just settle on its own. However, an infection inside a tooth needs professional attention. Delaying an assessment can allow the underlying problem to progress further, even if symptoms initially seem manageable.
A dentist can examine your tooth, identify the likely causes and explain the appropriate treatment options.
What Causes a Tooth Infection?
Tooth infections can develop when bacteria gain access to the inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp. This can happen when tooth decay becomes advanced, but cracks, fractures and dental trauma can also provide a route for bacteria to enter.
Once the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, the problem may require root canal treatment to prevent further damage.
Common Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
Symptoms can vary depending on the person and the underlying cause. Persistent toothache is a common sign, while some people experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, pain when biting or chewing, swelling around the tooth or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
It is also worth remembering that an infection doesn’t always cause obvious or severe pain, particularly in its early stages. Changes that seem unusual should always be discussed with your dentist, rather than allowing them to get worse.
What Can Happen if an Infection is Untreated?
If an infected or damaged pulp is not treated, inflammation can progress, and the pulp may become increasingly damaged. In some cases, an abscess can develop around the tooth as the infection progresses.
An untreated infection can also affect the bone and gum around the tooth. In some cases, it spreads further, into the jaw, face or neck. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but when it does it can become serious, which is why any suspected infection should be checked quickly. The longer it’s left, the less likely it is that the tooth can be saved.
How Dentists Can Treat an Infected Tooth
Treatment depends on the condition of your tooth and the extent of the problem. Where the natural tooth can be preserved, root canal treatment may be recommended.
This involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and treating the root canal system, and sealing it to help prevent any further infection. Dental endodontics focuses on conditions affecting the dental pulp and tissues around the roots, including treatment such as root canal therapy.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
If you think you have a tooth infection, contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you can’t reach a dentist, call NHS 111 for advice on urgent dental care.
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have:
- swelling that makes it difficult to breathe, speak or swallow
- swelling around your eye, or problems with your vision
- significant swelling in your mouth
- severe difficulty opening your mouth
Don’t try to manage these symptoms at home.
Protect Your Natural Tooth with Professional Care
A tooth infection isn’t something you can diagnose or treat at home. Having it assessed early by a professional can help you establish what is causing the symptoms and whether your natural tooth can be preserved.
If you are experiencing toothache, sensitivity, swelling or another worrying dental symptom, get in touch with Sharrow Dental for a professional assessment and advice. We’ll explain what’s causing the problem and talk you through your treatment options.
