An infected or abscessed tooth can be painful, but it can also risk your entire mouth's health. Untreated oral infections can even enter your bloodstream and affect your general health, leading to cardiac or respiratory complications. Clayton Smiles is your partner in preventing and treating tooth infections in Clayton, NC.
Our team is gentle and experienced in effectively remedying these issues without adding to patients' discomfort. If you have a tooth infection, please call us to learn how we can help you.
How Do Teeth Become Infected or Abscessed?
Bacteria can enter the tooth's innermost part through a deep cavity or a crack or chip in the tooth. Resulting inflammation and infection can cause an abscess––or pocket of pus––at the tooth root's tip. Teeth can become infected due to poor oral hygiene, trauma, dry mouth, diet, and more.
Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
Please see your dentist as soon as possible if you think you might have an infection or if you experience the following:
- Fever
- Constant, throbbing, severe toothache
- Pain or discomfort in the jawbone, neck, or ear
- Pain or discomfort with cold or hot temperatures
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Swelling in the cheek, face, or neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Foul odor or taste in the mouth
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or beneath the jaw
- Sudden rush of foul-tasting or foul-smelling salty liquid and pain relief if the abscess ruptures
If you have a fever, swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing and can't reach your dentist, we recommend going to the emergency room. These symptoms can indicate the infection has spread deeper into the jaw, throat, neck, or other areas of the body.
What Is a Root Canal and What Does It Involve?
Our team at Clayton Smiles can identify and treat tooth infections and abscesses using modern technology with a personal touch. One of the treatments we offer is root canal therapy, commonly called a "root canal."
A root canal removes the infected and damaged tooth pulp and nerves from the tooth's root canals or passageways. The dentist numbs the area to prevent you from experiencing pain or discomfort, cleans and shapes the tooth's canals, and fills and seals the space with a custom-made dental crown. A crown protects and restores the tooth to its natural function and appearance.
Gentle Root Canals in Clayton, NC
Do you have a throbbing toothache or notice a bump on your gums? Call us today to schedule an appointment. Regarding your health, it's always better to be safe than sorry! Our team can help relieve your discomfort, determine the source of the problem, and provide you with the best treatment available.