Can a Dentist Remove an Infected Tooth?

Can a dentist remove an infected tooth? Learn more about how dentists treat infected teeth and what you should expect during an urgent visit.

Can a Dentist Remove an Infected Tooth?

A common misconception is that an infected or abscessed tooth cannot be removed until the infection has subsided. This is not always the case, as in many instances, the best way to get rid of the infection is to remove the tooth. Infection can occur in the nerves of the tooth, roots, or gum that surrounds the area. The method of treatment used to treat the infection depends on the area of the infection and how much it has progressed. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed prior to removing a tooth in order to make it safe to do so.

However, if the infection has not progressed too far, it can often be treated manually. If an abscess has formed under the tooth, a dentist can make an incision and drain it, then wash the space with saline to clean any remaining infected material. As long as bacteria are targeting the nerve of the tooth, the abscess or infection will persist - even if there is no pain, swelling, or other signs of infection. Antibiotics cannot prevent bacteria from entering the pulp chamber and therefore cannot eliminate the infection. To remove the infection, a root canal or extraction must be performed. If a root canal is done, infected tissue is removed, the area is cleaned, and then sealed to prevent more bacteria from entering.

Extracting a tooth removes it from the presence of oral bacteria. In either case, the immune system can take care of any remaining infections. A dentist will usually treat a tooth abscess by draining it and eliminating the infection. They may be able to save the tooth with root canal treatment, but in some cases extraction may be necessary. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.

Infection in the gum tissue surrounding a tooth can be painful and dangerous. Most dentists will recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth while retained maxillary canines are more likely to be treated and preserved. In most cases of tooth infection, a deep cavity, crack, or other defect creates a path that allows bacteria from the mouth to reach the dental pulp containing the nerve. Before extraction, dentists look for certain signs and symptoms to determine which course of treatment is best. If an abscess does not drain, it can spread to other areas of the head and neck. Regular visits to a dentist can help you recognize signs of infections in their early stages and remove a tooth before significant damage has occurred.

Teeth that are significantly damaged by decay are brittle, have visible holes or black spots, and are very vulnerable to infection. In certain situations such as excessive swelling of the face or stretching of oral tissue, a dentist may recommend not removing an infected tooth. If you have a dental emergency in Terre Haute and are wondering what to expect during an urgent visit to a dentist - yes, they can remove an infected tooth. It is possible to take care of it after infection has already taken place or before it occurs. If you have a tooth with visible decay, experience severe dental pain, or have other severe symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with a dentist right away. Infected teeth can be caused by a crack in the tooth that exposes underlying pulp or by a cavity that destroys outer layers of enamel and dentin.