Dental infections occur when bacteria invade tooth structures or surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential complications if left untreated. These infections range from common cavities to severe abscesses that can impact your overall health. Understanding the progression, warning signs, and treatment options for dental infections empowers you to seek timely care and potentially save affected teeth from extraction.
At Liv Endodontics, our team of specialists treats dental infections throughout New Jersey, with offices in Livingston and Summit. All of our doctors are professors at NYU College of Dentistry, bringing advanced knowledge of infection control and root canal therapy to every patient. We collaborate with referring dentists to provide specialized care for dental infections that require endodontic expertise.
Common Causes of Dental Infections
Dental infections don’t appear suddenly—they develop progressively as bacteria gain access to vulnerable tooth structures or gum tissues.
The most frequent pathway for infection begins with tooth decay. When bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode enamel, they create cavities that, if untreated, deepen until reaching the dental pulp—the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Once bacteria access this area, infection and inflammation follow quickly.
Trauma to teeth can also lead to infections. Cracks, chips, or fractures create openings where bacteria enter tooth structures. Even seemingly minor injuries may damage dental pulp, leading to inflammation and eventual infection without prompt treatment.
Risk Factors for Developing Dental Infections
Several factors increase your vulnerability to dental infections:
- Poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate
- Diet high in sugary or acidic foods and beverages
- Dry mouth conditions that reduce protective saliva
- Previous dental work with compromised seals or margins
- Weakened immune system due to medical conditions or medications
Addressing these risk factors through preventive care and lifestyle modifications helps reduce your chances of developing dental infections. Regular dental checkups remain crucial for the early detection of potential problems before they progress to infections.
Recognizing the Signs of Dental Infections
Identifying dental infections early improves treatment outcomes and prevents complications.
The most common symptom is persistent, often severe pain, particularly when applying pressure to the affected tooth or when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. This pain may throb and radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck, or worsen when lying down. Unlike temporary sensitivity, pain from infections typically intensifies over time rather than resolving.
Other visible signs include swelling of the face, cheek, or gums near the affected tooth, redness or inflammation of surrounding tissues, and drainage of pus around the tooth or gums. Some patients may develop bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth from the infection.
Systemic Symptoms Requiring Urgent Attention
Beyond localized symptoms, dental infections may cause systemic effects requiring immediate care:
- Fever or elevated temperature
- General malaise or fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Facial swelling extending toward the eye or neck
These symptoms indicate the infection may be spreading beyond the immediate tooth area and require emergency treatment. Untreated dental infections can lead to serious complications, including cellulitis, Ludwig’s angina, or even sepsis in rare cases.
Treatment Approaches for Dental Infections
The appropriate treatment for dental infections depends on the infection’s location, severity, and extent.
For infections within the tooth pulp, endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) is typically the treatment of choice. During this procedure, the infected pulp tissue is removed, and the internal spaces are cleaned, shaped, and sealed to prevent reinfection. Despite misconceptions, modern root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed and effectively relieve pain while preserving the natural tooth.
Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside other treatments, especially if the infection has spread beyond the tooth or if you have systemic symptoms. However, antibiotics alone cannot resolve a dental infection—they temporarily control it until definitive treatment addresses the source.
Surgical Interventions for Advanced Infections
When infections develop in tissues surrounding the tooth root or don’t respond to conventional treatment, surgical approaches may be necessary.
An apicoectomy (root-end surgery) may be recommended when infection persists following root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth root and placing a filling to seal the canal from the root end. For abscesses, incision and drainage may be needed to release accumulated pus and relieve pressure.
In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved or the infection poses significant risks, extraction may be necessary. However, with early intervention, most dental infections can be treated successfully while preserving the natural tooth.
Preventing Dental Infections
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene forms the foundation of prevention against dental infections.
Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, reducing bacterial populations that could lead to decay and infection. Regular dental checkups allow for the early detection and treatment of small cavities before they reach the pulp. Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup that home care cannot address.
Prompt attention to dental injuries helps prevent infection development. If you chip, crack, or otherwise damage a tooth, seek dental evaluation even if you don’t experience pain immediately. Similarly, addressing tooth sensitivity or mild toothaches before they worsen may prevent full-blown infections from developing.
When to Seek Endodontic Care
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or other symptoms of dental infection, seeking prompt care improves outcomes and reduces complications.
At Liv Endodontics, our specialists excel in diagnosing and treating dental infections using advanced techniques and equipment. As professors at NYU College of Dentistry, our doctors bring research-based approaches to infection management, offering the highest level of care for even complex cases. Whether you need emergency treatment for an acute infection or management of a chronic issue, we provide expert care in our Livingston and Summit offices. Contact us today at (973) 577-6500 for our Livingston office, (973) 577-6500 for our Summit office, or through our contact form.
