Infection / Abscess

Learn More About Tooth Infections

Have you been suffering from a chronic toothache that keeps you up at night, and causes dental sensitivity or headaches? You might have a dental infection or abscess, which is a serious oral health condition.

At Lakewood Smiles, Dr. Abraam Girgis and Dr. Nancy William can help you treat this issue, and restore your mouth to health.

What Is A Dental Infection (Abscess)?

A dental infection is caused when bacteria in the mouth make their way into the nerve of the tooth, which is surrounded by pulp. When bacteria enters your tooth, it slowly begins to destroy your pulp and nerve material, which causes severe oral pain, and will eventually result in the loss of the affected tooth.

If the infection escapes from the tooth, this is known as a dental abscess. Bacteria can build up around the tooth and surrounding tissue, causing your gums and face to swell, and putting you at risk of further infections.

Dental infections can also cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which is linked to a higher risk of issues like stroke, heart attack or diabetes.

Typically, dental infections are caused by tooth decay, cavities and caries. When the tooth breaks down due to a severe cavity, bacteria can enter the nerve pulp and begin destroying it. However, dental infections can also happen in teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken.

How Are Dental Infections Treated?

Usually, there are two treatment options for dental infections and abscesses. If you get fast treatment, you can usually save your tooth. However, if you delay treatment, you could end up losing it entirely.

Root canal therapy is the preferred treatment method. In this treatment, Dr. Girgis or Dr. William will create a small opening in your tooth, exposing the infected nerve tissue. This tissue is removed, and the tooth is filled with “gutta percha” a rubber-like material that replaces the pulp. Then, the tooth is capped with a dental crown to protect it from further damage.

Tooth extraction is the other treatment method, and is usually used only if the abscess or infection is too severe to be treated with root canal therapy. The affected tooth will be pulled, and it will need to be replaced by a dental implant, bridge, or a false tooth (partial dentures).

What Are The Benefits Of Treating Dental Infections?

The biggest benefit of treating a dental infection is pain relief. Dental infections cause extreme pain, and this pain can often radiate throughout your head and jaw, which is very uncomfortable indeed.

Early treatment of a dental infection also allows you to save your natural tooth with a root canal, which is much cheaper than tooth extraction and replacement.

Finally, treating your dental infection will ensure that it does not spread to other parts of your mouth, and destroys harmful bacteria that may enter your bloodstream and cause a variety of health issues.

Got A Toothache? Don’t Ignore It – Come To Lakewood Smiles Dentistry Right Away!

Even a minor toothache should be checked out. The earlier you catch a dental infection or abscess, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat. At Lakewood Smiles Dentistry, we can help treat your dental infection. Contact us at (562) 866-0406, or visit us in-person at 5220 N. Clark Ave. Suite 435, Lakewood, CA.