14
Mar
7 Ways to Manage a Dental Infection
A dental infection can cause severe pain, which impacts how you eat, speak, and even go about your everyday life. If infections go untreated, you risk losing the tooth. However, a dental infection can lead to serious health complications if the infection enters your bloodstream. If you have symptoms of a tooth infection, you must visit Drs. Chad Bodily and Ty Bodily at Seasons Dental in Burley, Idaho, immediately.
1. Recognize the Early Signs of a Dental Infection
Detecting a dental infection early is the key to effectively treating it. Look for any of these symptoms if you suspect one of your teeth is infected:
- Persistent and/or severe toothache that worsens with temperature changes or pressure.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- A discolored tooth that’s dark or gray.
- Gums around the area are swollen or red.
- Noticeable bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.
- Fever or fatigue, which can be signs that the infection is spreading.
If you have any of these symptoms, call Seasons Dental to see if you should schedule an emergency dental appointment.
2. Understanding the Root Canal Treatment
When our dentists perform a root canal procedure, they go into the root of your infected tooth and remove the inflamed or damaged tissue. Then, they clean the area and seal it up to prevent more infection from starting. Root canals are virtually painless because of advances in modern dentistry and anesthesia.
3. Don’t Ignore Persistent Tooth Pain
If you’re in severe or persistent pain, it’s important not to ignore it. Pain that continues to flare up is often a sign of an infection. Dental pain sometimes spreads to your jaw, other parts of your mouth, or your bloodstream.
4. What to Expect During a Root Canal
Before our dentists start working on your infected tooth, they will numb the area using local anesthesia. This will ensure that you’re comfortable and don’t experience pain. Once the infected tissue is removed, the canal is cleaned and filled with biocompatible material. If needed, the tooth will be covered with a crown that will help restore its strength and full functionality.
5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene to Prevent Infection
To keep your infection at bay, good oral hygiene is a necessity. Brush your teeth two times every day with fluoride toothpaste. Then, floss at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque. Equally important, visit Seasons Dental every six months for regular checkups.
6. Follow Post-Treatment Care Instructions
After you are treated for a dental infection, the team will give you instructions on caring for your tooth. This will include taking any prescribed medication, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and, of course, keeping up a solid oral hygiene routine.
7. Visit Seasons Dental for Dental Infection Treatment at the First Sign of Infection
When you need to learn more about treating a tooth abscess or infection, contact Drs. Chad Bodily, Ty Bodily, and the team at Seasons Dental. Our office is conveniently located at 425 N Overland Ave, Burley, ID 83318. To schedule your appointment, call (208) 430-9555 today.