Understanding When an Infected Tooth Requires Immediate Dental Attention
When faced with an infected tooth, it is crucial to determine whether it constitutes a dental emergency that demands immediate treatment from a dentist. If you’re in need of an emergency dental appointment in Swindon, please contact Victoria Road Clinic immediately. Our Swindon dental team are here to help.
When does an infected tooth become a dental emergency?
Failure to promptly and adequately address an infected tooth can lead to severe consequences, such as tooth loss and the potential spread of infection to other areas of the mouth. Moreover, an untreated infection can cause significant discomfort. The following scenarios highlight instances where an infected tooth demands immediate attention:
- Severe discomfort caused by the infected tooth: A tooth infection typically affects the deeper layers of the tooth, which contain nerves and blood vessels. Consequently, it often results in intense discomfort that is unlikely to subside without professional intervention. Any discomfort stemming from a bacterial attack on the tooth should be considered a dental emergency.
- Lack of improvement within 48 hours: In certain minor cases, an infected tooth may exhibit signs of improvement if the affected individual maintains proper oral hygiene and disinfects their mouth, such as using a saltwater rinse multiple times a day. If symptoms diminish, it may not qualify as a dental emergency. However, it remains crucial to visit a dentist to identify the root cause of the infection and prevent future occurrences.
- Impaired gums due to the infected tooth: In addition to an infected tooth, gum complications may arise, including swelling, sensitivity, and discolouration. If the areas surrounding the infected tooth begin to swell, it is imperative to contact us at Victoria Road Clinic to address dental emergencies promptly.
- Presence of fever and/or swollen lymph nodes: An infected tooth can lead to general health symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes, particularly when the infection begins to spread to other regions of the mouth. These manifestations indicate a severely infected tooth that necessitates immediate dental emergency treatment. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection, which can alleviate fever and other symptoms. In cases where the tooth is significantly damaged, a root canal or tooth extraction might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment for an Infected Tooth
Q: How can a dentist treat an infected tooth requiring emergency attention?
A: Our dentists have several treatment options for an infected tooth. They can prescribe antibiotics, drain abscesses, perform root canal therapy, or extract the tooth. Depending on the required treatment and the dentist’s specialization, they may recommend subsequent visits for comprehensive care or refer the patient to a specialist.
During the initial visit for symptom relief, the dentist can clean the affected area to eliminate as much bacteria as possible and provide a mouth rinse to maintain oral hygiene until restorative care is administered.
Q: Which treatment for an infected tooth is most suitable for me?
A: The dentist will assess the severity of the infection and tooth damage during the emergency visit and offer a professional recommendation for treatment. In most cases, dentists strive to save the tooth whenever possible, but there are instances where extraction becomes the only viable option.
Q: What are the risks of neglecting an infected tooth?
A: Apart from the significant discomfort associated with most infected teeth, failure to seek timely treatment often results in tooth loss. Conversely, prompt care for an infected tooth usually preserves the tooth in the long term and helps prevent reinfection.
Contact Victoria Road Clinic today for dental emergency treatment
If you are experiencing an infected tooth and require time-sensitive care, please reach out to our dental clinic immediately. We will promptly assess the severity of your tooth infection and provide the necessary treatment to alleviate initial symptoms while safeguarding the long-term health of your tooth.
To Request an appointment click here or call Victoria Road Clinic at 01793 534627 or 01793 480474 for an appointment in our Swindon Dental Clinic.
