Reasons to See a General Dentist About a Tooth Infection

General dentistry helps address issues like a tooth infection. A teeth infection typically occurs when a tooth’s pulp chamber has been opened up by decay or infection. This enables bacteria and the acids that they make to reach these soft tissues, leading to excruciating toothaches and significantly increasing the risk of infection.

General dentistry classifies teeth infections as dental emergencies that require immediate care. An infected tooth can be easily treated, but it can be life-threatening if the infection is allowed to spread to other parts of the body, like the brain.

How general dentistry deals with infected teeth

An infected tooth often causes enough pain to force even people with dental anxiety to seek dental care. Treatment starts with the general dentist evaluating the patient to determine the cause of their condition. A visual examination and probing of the patient’s teeth can help determine the extent of the damage. Diagnostics like X-rays can also be used to evaluate the affected tooth. Common ways to deal with a tooth infection include the following:

2. Extraction

This is often recommended as a last resort when an infection is too far gone to be treated, resulting in a high risk of spreading to other parts of the tooth. Local anesthetics are typically administered before extracting teeth with dental tools.

Extractions typically come with a moderate recovery period that can last up to two weeks. Patients are advised to stick to liquid and soft foods during this period to avoid irritating the surgical site. Extracted teeth can be replaced with oral restorations like implants, dentures, or bridges.

3. Medication

In some cases, a dentist might prescribe antibiotics to help fight off a tooth infection. These antibiotics should be taken as directed to be effective. Antibiotics can be combined with other treatments, like scaling and planing.