A dental infection is no laughing matter. It is a serious oral issue that can be fatal when left untreated. Dental infections arise from the bacteria that live inside the mouth. When a person has good oral health, bacteria cannot penetrate the teeth and gums.
However, when a tooth's structure becomes compromised or gets beneath the gumline, the patient becomes vulnerable to infections. Most cases of oral infections are the result of a person failing to take care of minor dental issues.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of dental infections. It starts with the enamel of a tooth becoming damaged by the acids present in the mouth. The acids come from foods the person eats and bacteria that live in the mouth.
Once weakness forms in the enamel, a cavity can develop on the tooth. Cavities are holes that form on the tooth surface, and dentists treat them with fillings. When a person chooses to ignore cavities, the hole will continue to expand until it reaches the pulp chamber. This is where the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth are located. Bacteria and acids in the mouth attack the nerve and blood vessels through the compromised pulp.
The first sign of a compromised pulp chamber is reoccurring toothaches. Food and drink often hit the nerve and triggers the pain. Over time, bacteria will eventually infect the pulp chamber.
As was mentioned earlier, dental infections can be life-threatening. Once a tooth is infected, the bacteria will begin to spread to other areas of the tooth. It goes down into the root until it eventually reaches the jawbone. The final destination is the patient's bloodstream. Through this, the infection can spread to vital parts of the body like the brain, liver and heart. Treating a dental infection is easier than treating an infection in any of these vital organs.
The go-to treatment for a tooth infection is a root canal. During this procedure, the dentist will give the patient a shot of anesthetic, then clean out the pulp chamber using files. The dentist will apply medication to treat the infection, and the hole is then sealed. The patient receives a crown to protect the tooth further. The dentist may decide to prescribe antibiotics to deal with the infection.
If the infection has already made its way to the tooth's root, the best course of action is to extract the tooth. This will prevent the infection from reaching the person's jaw. The dentist may install a dental implant after the tooth extraction.
As you now know, most tooth infections start as a tiny cavity. Visiting a dentist twice a year and getting regular checkups is the best way to deal with dental infections. When was the last time you saw a dentist? Schedule an appointment with one of ours today.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalstudiocolleyville.com or call Dental Studio Colleyville at (817) 885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Infection in Colleyville, TX.
Whether caused by an accident, biting on something hard, or untreated decay, quickly addressing a broken tooth can prevent further complications. With prompt attention, a dentist can restore form and function to a broken tooth. Dentists offer several treatment options to repair damage, protect the tooth, and maintain oral health, and understanding these options can…
Preventative dental care is important for optimal oral health. It prevents bad breath, oral disease, tooth loss, among others.The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth. It is a white visible part above the gum. It is the part seen when you smile. The enamel is also the strongest layer of the tooth. It…
Part of preventative dental care is not only regularly maintaining your dental routine at home but also visiting your dentist twice a year. During this visit, they will look at the condition of your teeth and gums. Things they look out for are any sensitivities, bleeding, soft spots, or areas where bacteria are more likely…
Preventative dental care is essential for a healthy mouth. The health of a person's teeth and gums says a lot about their overall health. Regular dental checkups and a proper oral hygiene routine are two of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.Oral health will also aid in preventing…
Whether caused by an accident, biting on something hard, or untreated decay, quickly addressing a broken tooth can prevent further complications. With prompt attention, a dentist can restore form and function to a broken tooth. Dentists offer several treatment options to repair damage, protect the tooth, and maintain oral health, and understanding these options can…
Preventative dental care is important for optimal oral health. It prevents bad breath, oral disease, tooth loss, among others.The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth. It is a white visible part above the gum. It is the part seen when you smile. The enamel is also the strongest layer of the tooth. It…