Signs of a Severe Tooth Infection

September 28, 2022

Children and adults alike usually go about their day without giving much thought to their oral health. Yet, if teeth are left uncared for, they will develop symptoms that may be difficult to ignore.

Learn why this happens and when it’s time to visit your nearest oral healthcare professional in 23233 to get root canal therapy. 

Why Do Tooth Infections Happen?

The surface of a tooth is made of enamel and dentin, which protect the tooth pulp and nerves under them. Enamel can erode or crack without good oral habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. This condition can, in turn, damage the internal structure of a tooth, creating an abscess and letting bacteria spread to other parts of your body. 

When the case is severe, an oral healthcare professional usually needs to check the tooth and assess if they can salvage it through root canal therapy or if they need to remove and replace it.  

How Do I Know if My Teeth Are Severely Infected?

  • Tooth pain. When an infection reaches the inner part of a tooth, it comes in contact with the nerve. This creates an intense pain that is very hard to ignore, so it is one of the primary signs of a possible tooth infection and the need for root canal therapy. 
  • Fever. When bacteria reach the center of the tooth and enter your system, it triggers the body’s immune response, causing a fever. Although fever itself is not a symptom of tooth infection, when combined with other signs, it is a clear indicator of a problem. 
  • Swollen gums. In extreme cases of tooth infection, the soft tissue in your mouth gets swollen as a reaction to an abscess. Redness and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures are signals that your tooth is in trouble. 

Want to Know if You Need Root Canal Therapy in 23233?

If you have been experiencing one or more of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us to see if root canal therapy is the solution to your problem.

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