If bacteria enter the inside of a tooth and becomes localized in the area near the root, it can cause pain, swelling and teeth sensitivity, which is referred to as a tooth root infection. This type of infection may start off small and can get worse over time if not treated. There are many people who think that having a toothache is the same as having a toothache, and that they don’t need to be seen by a dentist until it gets worse. So let’s take those signs, causes and diagnostics and do so in a simple and easy way, so you know what to look for and when may it be time to go to a dentist?
What are the common symptoms of tooth root infection?
Common tooth infection symptoms include pain, swollen gums and hot or cold food sensitivity. Some may have a bad taste or a swelling on the gums, and that could be a sign of infection of the root in the tooth tissue that needs treatment as soon as possible.
The symptoms of a Tooth Root Infection include the following:
- Persistent or continuous toothache
- Redness and swelling of the gums or face.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- A bump or pimple that forms on the gum.
- Mouth, foul taste or odor in mouth
What causes an infection to occur around the root of a tooth?
A root infection in tooth typically begins when the bacteria gets into a cavity, crack or old dental work that has deteriorated over time. As soon as bacteria are able to invade the soft interior of the tooth, they can move toward the root and create inflammation, pain and ultimately a more advanced infection if not treated.
The causes of Tooth Root Infection are as follows:
- A tooth with a cavity or tooth decay that is not treated.
- Teeth that are cracked or chipped.
- Issues with dental fillings or teeth start to fill in, which causes them to fail or leak.
- Injury to the tooth or the jaw.
- Gum disease that has progressed to the gum area around the root of the tooth.
What is the difference between a tooth root infection and a normal toothache?
A regular toothache may come and go, while a tooth root infection will cause persistent, increasing pain and swelling or an unpleasant taste. These symptoms can be similar to one another, so it can be difficult to distinguish them at home, hence the need for professional guidance at times to be able to tell for sure.
Tooth Infection vs. Toothache
A simple toothache can be caused by pressure or temperature and will subside or disappear when the pressure or temperature is removed, and there will not be any pain afterward. Infection at the root area persists and can get worse over days; may have swelling, fever or a bad taste, indicating more than normal sensitivity which should be evaluated professionally soon.
How do dentists diagnose an infection of the root of a tooth?
A dentist will be able to be certain about a tooth root infection by performing a visual examination, tapping the tooth to assess its sensitivity, and taking dental pictures to see into the tooth root and surrounding bone. Early diagnosis is vital to determine the correct tooth root infection treatment; sometimes emergency dental care is necessary, depending on how much the infection has advanced beyond the tooth.
Tooth Root Infection Diagnosis
A dentist checks for swelling or drainage and takes x-rays to view beneath the gumline where problems cannot be seen with the naked eye. This will help to establish if the infection has extended into the root and how the infection could be treated moving forward to achieve permanent healing. If the damage is deeper, a Dead Tooth Filling might also be discussed with your dentist when infection has had a major impact on the inner structure of the tooth.
Getting the Right Care for a Healthy Smile
Infections around the tooth should not be ignored as a problem, as untreated infections can progress and may sometimes need emergency dental treatment. If any of the following happen sudden swelling, severe pain, or fever treatment will need to be sought as a matter of emergency care to keep you comfortable and secure rather than waiting to see if it improves. Depending on the situation and the stage of infection/degeneration, the team at LiT Dental in McKinney, TX can provide tooth fillings and crowns to support a tooth at risk.
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Dental Emergencies Can’t Wait!
- Immediate Pain Relief
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Conclusion
If you know the symptoms and causes of a tooth root infection, you can take steps to deal with it before it causes any real trouble. At LiT Dental in McKinney, TX, you can find fillings, crowns and cosmetic services that will help you maintain your smile throughout. An individual who is licensed by a dental professional will be able to help you decide what the next step is for your particular comfort level and needs. In addition to restorative care, patients can also choose cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers to take care of the overall appearance of their smile, after addressing all underlying dental conditions. Always the best place to begin is with a proper exam, as each tooth and each infection will be different.
