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://testcummingsfamilydentist.dgdevnext.com or call Cumming's Family Dentist at (770) 205-9226 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
General dentistry offices are responsible for the primary dental care of people of all ages. Dentists perform routine care and maintenance to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. The visits also help dentists diagnose dental issues that may not have obvious symptoms yet. Many people wonder how often they should see their dentist. The answer…
If someone has a broken tooth, it is important to get it repaired. A crack makes it easier for bacteria to get into the tooth, and since it may be almost impossible to brush or floss the area, it can quickly lead to decay or infection. Depending on the location and severity of the break,…
For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…
Asking a general dentist for guidance on what to do when experiencing tooth pain is a great idea. General dentists are dental professionals who often provide their patients with helpful tips when experiencing dental problems. Since there are many reasons for tooth pain, understanding the reasons is also necessary.Visiting a general dentist allows patients to…
You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…