Infected Tooth Damage that May Lead to Extraction

Infected tooth damage is painful and distracting. Relieving it may involve the removal of the affected tooth. Your endodontist may suggest this solution if the tooth is too damaged to save. If you want to know how infected tooth damage can lead to dental extraction, here are the details.

Extraction and dental infection

Many people believe that a dentist cannot extract an infected tooth until the infection goes down. This is not true at all. Most cases of dental infection achieve relief only after dental extraction. This seems to be the most effective way to remove the source of pain and infection.

The infection may develop in the nerves, surrounding gums, and dental roots. Bacteria may find their way to the dental nerves and damage them. That is why dental extraction must happen. This procedure can prevent such damage. The dentist can only use root canal therapy if the tooth does not have that much damage.

Signs of infected tooth damage

The endodontist will check the tooth for signs and ask the patient for symptoms. This will help determine the proper dental treatment. The signs of infected tooth damage vary in each person. A patient experiencing swelling and pain in and around the tooth is a sign of infection.

The dental X-ray can also reveal the infected dental roots. There will also be pus coming out of the affected area upon squeezing. The dentist will also notice the tooth’s distinct look. These signs will indicate the need for dental extraction.

Reason for dental extraction

The infected tooth damage may be extensive enough to spread the infection to the different parts of the head, like the neck and head. Severe infection can become life-threatening. That is why proper and immediate treatment is important. The endodontist can remove the infected pulp or remove the tooth to stop the infection.

Taking antibiotics is not enough anymore if the infection has reached the nerves. The dentist will suggest dental extraction if the infected tooth damage is too severe. Removing the infected tooth may leave some infection behind. Draining the area and taking antibiotics can remove it.

When dental extraction is not a good thing

An endodontist will not suggest dental extraction right away if the oral tissue is stretched and the face is swollen. The dentist must drain the infection first. Taking antibiotics should happen at the same time. Then, dental extraction will take place.

Preventing infected tooth damage

The dentist must remove a tooth if it has a severe infection. Dental extraction must happen right away. This situation can be prevented with regular dental checkups. The dentist could detect early signs of dental infection and provide treatment. Proper dental care at home can reduce the risk of dental infection as well. Staying away from activities and items that can harm teeth can also help maintain dental health.