Why You Shouldn’t Ignore That Tooth Infection
A nagging toothache can be easy to dismiss — until it isn’t. What starts as mild discomfort can quickly turn into an infection that spreads far beyond your tooth if left untreated.
What Causes a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection (also called an abscess) happens when bacteria enter the inner part of a tooth through deep decay, cracks, or gum disease. The infection can cause swelling, pain, and a buildup of pus at the root of the tooth.
Sometimes the pain comes and goes — but that doesn’t mean the infection is gone. Once bacteria reach the pulp or root, they don’t clear up on their own.
Signs You Might Have an Infected Tooth
Tooth infections don’t always look dramatic at first. Some warning signs include:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Fever or swollen lymph nodes
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. An untreated infection can spread to nearby teeth, bone, or even other parts of your body.
Why Seeing an Oral Surgeon Can Help
Mild infections can sometimes be treated with a root canal. But in cases where the infection is severe, the tooth is badly damaged, or there’s an abscess that keeps coming back, extraction is often the safest solution.
Dr. Pollock and his team are trained to remove infected teeth and treat surrounding tissue safely and comfortably. Sedation options are available to keep you relaxed during the procedure.
What Happens if You Ignore an Infection?
If you put off treatment, the infection can spread through your bloodstream and lead to serious health problems, including:
- Bone loss around your jaw
- Sinus infections
- Systemic infections that affect your heart or other organs (rare but dangerous)
Prompt treatment protects not just your oral health — but your overall health, too.
Don’t Wait — Get Relief Now
If you’re worried about a possible tooth infection, don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. Early treatment can save you time, money, and discomfort — and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you treat the problem before it turns into something bigger.
