How to Recognize a Dental Infection and When It’s Critical

How to Recognize a Dental Infection and When It’s Critical Tooth pain? Sensitivity? It’s tempting to shrug it off and hope it goes away, right? But don’t ignore these signs just yet. That discomfort could be pointing to something more serious, like a tooth infection or even an abscess. Keep reading to learn more about dental infections, how to recognize them, and when it's critical to seek emergency dental care in Lynnwood. What causes a dental infection? A tooth infection, or what’s called a dental abscess, is basically when bacteria settle in or near the root of a tooth. It is characterized by the presence of a pocket of pus that forms in or around the root of the tooth. This happens when bacteria make their way inside, often through a cavity, a crack in the tooth, or gum disease. Once there, the bacteria start multiplying, triggering inflammation and creating a buildup of pus. This pocket can lead to pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms like: ●

Sensitivity to hot and cold food

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Bad breathe

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A pimple-like bump on the gum

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Fever

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Enlarged lymph nodes on the neck or jaw

If left unchecked, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. When should you seek emergency dental care in Lynnwood? If you are dealing with severe pain, swelling, or trouble breathing, it’s critical to seek emergency medical care right away. These signs may suggest that the infection has spread and needs immediate attention.

In general, it’s important to see a dentist if you have persistent or severe tooth pain or other symptoms of a tooth infection. A dentist can assess the condition of the tooth and suggest appropriate treatments to address the infection and ease your discomfort. If you're ready to book an appointment for emergency dental care in Lynnwood, call Lynnwood Dental Studio at (425) 778 5665. Their team of experienced and caring dentists can help diagnose and treat tooth infections to relieve your pain.