Infections are known to be excruciating, and a tooth infection is no exception. That is to say, an infected tooth is extremely painful and can also cause a lot of discomfort. So much so that it might want to make you pull out the tooth from its roots. But can a dentist pull an infected tooth out? Is it even safe? To find out, keep on reading this blog.
Can A Dentist Pull Out an Infected Tooth?
The easy answer is yes. A dentist can definitely pull out an infected tooth. But it mainly depends on the severity of the case. That is to say, if the dental abscess surrounding your tooth is deep-rooted, the dentist might suggest other treatment options instead of extracting it. This can include draining the abscess of all pus and prescribing antibiotics.
The reason why dentists opt for prescription medications is because taking them consistently can help minimize the infection. So, once the intensity of the infected tooth has reduced, you can easily pull it out without any harmful consequences.
Similarly, draining the abscess can prevent major repercussions. It can keep the bacteria from swimming over to other teeth and contaminating them.
What Causes a Tooth Infection?
Usually, a tooth infection is caused by bacterial growth inside your tooth or gums. The bacteria finds its way inside your pearly whites through a chip or crack, which results in a cavity. Moreover, once the cavity deepens, the bacteria eat their way through the enamel to the dentin and then, finally, the pulp.
It’s only when the bacterial growth advances to the innermost center of your tooth, reaching the nerves and connective tissues, that the situation truly worsens. In some cases, if the effect of the bacteria is too deep, the dentist might refuse to extract it right away. Otherwise, it could potentially cause the bacteria to spread to the nearby teeth and gum area.
How to Spot an Infected Tooth
The instant you spot an infection taking root, contact a dentist immediately. This will prevent the infection from getting worse. You can also try swishing around salt water solution in your mouth due to its antibacterial properties. Nevertheless, if you notice any of the dental abscess signs mentioned below, be on the lookout. Pay close attention to the slightest shift in your oral health, especially the following:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Throbbing pain around a tooth
- Pain spreading to your jawbone, neck, or ear
- High fever
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Unable to properly chew or bite on anything due to the discomfort
- Swollen cheeks and neck
- Swollen lymph nodes at the base of your jaw
- Bad Breath
- Pus leakage
What’s The Takeaway?
To summarize, a dentist can easily pull an infected tooth out. However, to prevent the bacteria from infecting other sites, dentists prefer to either drain the abscess or reduce the infection with the help of antibiotics first. This way, there won’t be any alarming results after.
If you’re looking for a good dental office, contact Smiles on Greatwood at (281) 937-7530 to schedule an evaluation today. You can also visit us at 19875 Southwest Fwy #120, Sugar Land, TX 77479, inside the Greatwood Professional Center.