Tooth Infection

Tooth infections do not hide – they are visible and painful and can threaten oral health as well as overall well-being. Any pain in your teeth, mouth, or jaw could signal an infected tooth root or dental abscess. At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions in Manhattan Beach, CA, we tend to these dental emergencies quickly and gently so you can be freed from discomfort and save your teeth and gums from lasting damage. A tooth infection will not go away on its own and will only get worse the longer you go without dental care.

Signs of a Tooth Infection

No one wants a tooth infection. Feeling dental discomfort in any way can send panic through just about anyone at the thought of having to see the dentist for an emergency. But it’s best to face dental problems head on so your Manhattan Beach dentist can address the circumstances quickly and prevent complications.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, they could be signs of a tooth infection:

• Severe pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Tender gums
• Swollen gums
• Red bump on the gums
• Tooth or gum discoloration
• Fever or chills
• Sensitivity
• Bad breath

A bump on your gumline is the telltale sign of an abscess, a swollen area filled with pus. This is a problem you want your dentist to address quickly – do not try to pop the abscess yourself. If the raised area ruptures under uncontrolled conditions, the bacteria will spread through your mouth and system.

The symptoms of a tooth infection are an indicator of severe tooth decay, which can damage the pulp and enamel of your tooth and turn into an abscess. Even if there aren’t noticeable signs of an infection, like an abscess, pay attention to the discomfort, pain, and other problems – they won’t go away on their own.

Emergency Dentistry for a Tooth Infection

Never assume that your dental problem isn’t important enough to warrant an emergency dentist visit. If you’re in pain or have that feeling in your gut that something isn’t right, call your Manhattan Beach dentist right away.

If you are suffering from an abscess – the most common cause of which is untreated tooth decay – it will be safely drained and you will be given antibiotics so your mouth can heal. The damage from the abscess is then likely to be corrected in one of the following ways:

• Root canal therapy: The bacteria from the abscess is cleaned out of the tooth roots and the canals are filled so further infections cannot develop. A porcelain crown is placed over the treated tooth for additional protection.
• Tooth-colored filling: If the infection is on the small side, the decay can often be corrected with a natural-looking tooth-colored filling.
• Tooth extraction: Some teeth are so compromised by infection that they cannot be repaired and need to be extracted to eliminate pain and damage. This will need to be followed by a dental implant, dental bridge, or other tooth replacement solution.

Get Treatment for a Tooth Infection in Manhattan Beach

Tooth enamel is an incredibly strong and durable substance, but bacteria can eat away at the enamel and leave a tooth susceptible to infection, threatening its exterior and the pulp of its interior. The severe pain that follows cannot be ignored – listen to your mouth when it tells you something isn’t right. You may not want a root canal or any other restorative dentistry treatment, but getting help immediately is better than waiting for the condition to get worse and much more difficult to manage.

If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, a dental abscess, a cavity, or any other oral health problem, contact Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions immediately for an emergency dental appointment.