There is nothing as painful as an infected tooth. From dull, throbbing pain to having difficulty eating, the smallest tasks can become impossible to carry out. At times, you just want to pull the tooth out yourself and get rid of the pain once and for all. But is that even possible? Can a dentist pull out an infected tooth? To find out whether or not you can get your problem tooth extracted, continue reading this blog.
Before you get around to removing the tooth, it is important to know how the infection came to be. In most cases, tooth infection occurs due to bacteria growing inside your teeth and gums. This can happen due to an unattended cavity or a crack in your tooth. The bacteria tend to slip inside such small crevices and take root, eating through the tooth’s enamel.
Once it reaches the core, where the pulp, connective tissues, and nerve endings are, it can do great damage to your teeth. The deeper it goes, the worse it gets for your dental health. In retaliation, your body sends white blood cells to fight away the bacteria, which ends with a pus pocket on your gums. Ultimately, this is what categorizes a tooth infection as severe and painful.
Can a Dentist Pull an Infected Tooth?
Yes, a dentist can pull out an infected tooth. However, not all situations call for extraction in the first place. That is to say, even though it is possible to remove the tooth, most dentists advise against it due to the dangers lurking beneath. The moment the infected tooth is removed, it will leave behind the bacteria since it has eaten through the tooth’s shell. Thus, it puts you in danger of further infections as the bacteria can easily move from one tooth and find its home in the other.
Tips to Spot an Infected Tooth
The best way to prevent a tooth infection is by maintaining good oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush and floss your teeth daily. The moment you think something is wrong with your oral health, visit a dentist immediately. You can also keep an eye on the following crucial signs to look out for in case of a tooth infection:
- Bad breath coming from the mouth.
- Swollen jaw and cheeks
- Excruciating pain
- Pus or a dental abscess formation on your gums
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Fever
- Pain radiating from the jaw to ears and neck.
- Odd taste in your mouth that won’t go away
- Not being able to move your mouth or chew because of the pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
What’s Next?
A tooth infection is not something you should take lightly. Even if a dentist can pull an infected tooth out, it is better to leave it as is and remove the bacteria first before moving on to dental treatment. For more information on the matter, feel free to contact Smile Designs Dentistry at any of the following locations in California:
- Manteca Location: 295 Spreckels Ave, Manteca, CA 95336
Contact Number: (209) 780-4777 - Pleasanton Location: 1400 Santa Rita Rd, Suite# D, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Contact Number: (925) 234-4421