An infected tooth can often be saved with a root canal procedure. In this procedure, the infected tissue is removed from the inside of the tooth and the tooth is then sealed. This can help to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage.
What are the treatment options for an infected tooth?
There are many different treatment options for an infected tooth. The most common treatment is a root canal. This procedure involves cleaning out the infected tissue and filling the tooth. Other treatments include extraction, which is the removal of the tooth, and antibiotics, which can help to clear the infection.
How long does it take for an infected tooth to heal?
It depends on how you define "healing." The infection will eventually be eliminated from the body, but the tooth may never be the same. A tooth that has been damaged by an infection may require a root canal or other treatment to restore it to its full function.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that you have an infected tooth. One is a throbbing or sharp pain in the tooth that gets worse when you bite down. You may also have pain when you chew or when hot or cold drinks touch the tooth. The pain may radiate from the tooth to your jaw, ear, or neck. Your gums may be swollen and tender around the tooth, and you may have a foul taste in your mouth. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure. You may also see pus coming from the gum near the tooth.
How can you prevent an infected tooth?
There are a few ways that you can prevent an infected tooth. First, you can brush and floss your teeth daily. This will help to remove any plaque or tartar that may be build up on your teeth. Second, you can see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will allow your dentist to catch any problems early and treat them before they become serious. Lastly, you can avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks. These can erode the enamel on your teeth and lead to cavities. If you do have an infected tooth, you should see your dentist right away.
What is the prognosis for an infected tooth?
The prognosis for an infected tooth is generally very good. The infection will usually resolve itself within a few days to a week with the help of antibiotics. However, in some cases the infection can become more serious and require a root canal procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when tooth infection cannot be saved?
If tooth infection cannot be saved, the dentist may have to remove or extract it, enabling the pus to leak from the socket.
Is it possible to save your tooth?
There may not be a way to preserve your tooth if it’s cracked or broken, due to trauma. With infection and decay, the decision can be tricky.
What is root canal treatment for tooth infection?
Root canal treatment for tooth infection involves removing the affected inner pulp of the tooth and filling the area with a substance to avoid reinfection.
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
No, a tooth abscess requires the services of a dentist to resolve.
What happens if you don’t treat an infected tooth?
If an infected tooth is not treated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body. The most common places that an infection will spread to are the gums and the teeth behind them (dentists call this the pulp chamber). If left untreated, this infection can lead to gum disease or even tooth decay.
