Dental infections can cause severe discomfort and lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Luckily, there’s a wide range of dental infection treatment options available. These include salt water rinse, prescribed antibiotics, incision and drainage, and root canal treatment, amongst others.
In this article, we’ll discuss these dental infection treatments. We’ll also explore how to keep your teeth healthy and keep dental infections at bay.
But before we get into all that, it’s important to first try to identify whether you do have a dental infection.
What is a Dental Infection?
A dental infection, often called a tooth infection, occurs when bacteria invade the innermost part of the tooth or the surrounding gums.
This typically occurs through cavities, cracks in the tooth, or gum diseases—all of which provide a pathway for bacteria to reach the pulp or surrounding tissues.
Once the invasion is complete, you may exhibit the following signs:
- Persistent pain in the affected tooth or gums.
- Swelling in the face, neck, or gums. This may lead to difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Fever or general discomfort.
- Formation of an abscessed tooth (a pocket of pus).
- Foul breath and bitter taste.
Types of Dental Infections
There are different types of dental infections. Although they all share the same label, they exhibit different traits and possess unique symptoms.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a severe tooth infection caused by bacteria gathering in the tooth’s pulp or surrounding tissues.
Its symptoms include intense, throbbing pain, swelling in the face, and fever. Due to pus drainage, an abscess may also produce a foul taste in the mouth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild yet significant form of gum disease resulting from the build-up of plaque along the gumline. Common symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.
If not addressed promptly, gingivitis can advance to a more severe condition known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis
This is an advanced stage of gum disease. Periodontitis leads to gum recession, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. It is often accompanied by persistent bad breath and pockets forming between the teeth and gums.
Pericoronitis
This infection occurs around a partially erupted tooth, often what one calls a wisdom tooth. Its symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Understanding these infections and their symptoms can help you identify problems early and seek timely dental care. Read more about the types and signs of gum diseases.
Causes of Dental Infections
Since you already know what dental infections are, along with their types, it’s time for you to learn what causes them.
- Bad Oral Hygiene
Neglecting to brush and floss regularly allows plaque and bacteria to build up in your mouth. This directly leads to tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Untreated Cavities
Exposed or untreated cavities can deepen and will allow bacteria to reach the tooth’s pulp, and this can cause an infection. Cavities can be fixed with fluoride treatments, dental fillings, tooth extraction, and more.
Learn More: Cavity treatment measures in 2024..
- Gum Disease
Conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis create pockets where bacteria can thrive. The presence of these pockets significantly increases the risk of infection.
- Dental Trauma
If there are cracks or chips in a tooth caused by injury, then bacteria in the mouth have an automatic entry point.
- Compromised Immune System
Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections, including those in the mouth. So if you fall into that category, ensure you maintain maximum dental cleanliness at all times.
Being aware of these causes can help you take proactive measures to maintain your dental health.
Common Dental Infection Treatments
To prevent any potential complications, you must treat your dental infections as soon as possible. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to conditions like cellulitis, jawbone damage, or even life-threatening issues like sepsis.
Below are some standard dental treatments:
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is often performed when the infection has reached the tooth’s pulp, the deepest layer of your dentition.
During the procedure:
- The dentist removes the infected tissue.
- The canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- The tooth is filled and sealed to prevent further infections.
Incision and Drainage
If you have an abscessed tooth, draining the abscess may be necessary to eliminate the infection.
This involves making a small incision to remove the pus. After the mild pain during the incision, the patient will feel immediate relief.
Prescribed Antibiotics
Antibiotics are another effective dental infection treatment. For severe cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
Always follow the prescribed dosage to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Home Remedies and Pain Management
Sometimes, a few home remedies can help reduce the discomfort of living with a tooth infection—albeit temporarily.
These home remedies include:
- Cold Compress: This reduces swelling and numbs the area.
- Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: This provides temporary relief from the pain.
- Saltwater Rinse: This helps reduce bacteria and soothes inflamed gums.
Keep in mind that these do not qualify as replacements for professional care. They’re mostly useful for times when it’s near impossible to reach your dentist at a given time. They’ll help you hold out until you see your dentist, which, of course, should be soon.
Preventing Dental Infections
Dental infection treatment should be your top priority after the fact, but if you haven’t yet developed this dental problem, it’s wise to take preventative steps.
These steps will ensure an infection never has the chance to grow in your mouth.
Here are some ways to prevent dental infections:
- Brushing: You should brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Regularly: Regular flossing helps remove debris and plaque from between your teeth.
- Avoid Sugary Foods: Shocking as it may be, sugar is one of the many things that bacteria thrive on. So, ensure you eat it less.
- Regular Dental Checkups: If you keep a regular checkup appointment with your dentist, your chances of developing dental infection drop significantly.
Where to Treat Dental Infection: Medical Tourism in Turkey
Türkiye is a favored location for all things medical, and going there for your dental infection treatment is as right as any other decision.
The reason? You’ll soon find out.
World-Class Renown for Dental Care and Medical Procedures
Türkiye is one of the foremost countries in the dental and medical fields. They earned this reputation in more than one medical field, and their experts are proud of it.
Affordable Medical Expenses
In Türkiye, medical expenses are approximately 90% lower compared to the average costs in Europe and other countries. Additionally, restorative medical procedures are about 70% less expensive here than in many other nations.
Medical Security and Legal Safeguards
If you’re traveling to Türkiye for medical treatment (including an infection), you are considered a medical tourist. As such, you benefit from the safeguards provided by the Health Tourism Regulation.
This legislation, coupled with the ethical guidelines enforced by the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Ministry of Health’s quality standards, ensures a high level of care and protection for international patients.
Türkiye Prioritizes Its Foreign Patients
The country’s medical system also attends to its foreign patients as quickly as possible. How? The average standby time for their patients to have their reports ready is fourteen days after registration.
Cutting-edge Medical Technology and Health-Improving Infrastructure
To bolster its lead in the medical field, the country has invested heavily in procuring the best and latest tools, equipment, and technologies in the world of medicine.
It also provides social amenities and infrastructural improvements designed to help tourists enjoy their stay as they improve their health. These provisions include luxurious accommodations, well-maintained roads, and reliable transportation services.
FAQs About the Treatment of Dental Infections
Can a Dental Infection Go Away on Its Own?
No, dental infections require professional treatments. If, or when left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the sinuses, jawbone, or even vital organs like the heart and brain. This can potentially lead to complications that are not only more severe but also require more time and money to address.
What are the Early Signs of a Tooth Infection?
Early signs include persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and redness in the gums. If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Needless to say, you should contact your dentist regardless.
How Is An Abscessed Tooth Treated?
An abscessed tooth is typically treated through drainage, antibiotics, or a root canal procedure. In severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Are Home Remedies Effective for Treating Dental Infections?
Home remedies like saltwater rinses and cold compresses can reduce the pain and symptoms temporarily but do not cure the infection. Professional care is necessary for dental infection treatments.
How Can I Prevent Recurrent Dental Infections?
Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid sugary foods, and schedule regular dental checkups. With a dentist in your corner, you’ll be able to identify and address any potential issues early.
Why Choose DentSpa to Treat Your Dental Infection?
If you’ve set your sights on Turkey and are now looking for a clinic to treat your tooth infection, DentSpa may just be your best bet. Why? Well, there are several reasons.
For one, you should know that when we said they’re your best bet, we meant it as a matter of fact. After all, DentSpa was named the best dentistry clinic of 2024 at the European Award in Medicine. The title is a testament to their dedication to excellence in dental care, exceptional patient experiences, and groundbreaking innovation.
But that’s not the only reason why people choose DentSpa for their dental infection treatment.
Team of Certified, Skilled, and Experienced Dental Experts
The institution is home to some of the most capable dentists around. These experts hold multiple doctorates and have honed their skills through their experience working in teaching hospitals and various governmental universities.
Every Patient’s Case is Thoroughly Analyzed
DentSpa is composed of dental teams, who have it under protocol to discuss and evaluate every dental case that comes into the institution.
This means your dental infection case has already been reviewed by oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and other levels in the dental hierarchy before your diagnosis and treatment procedure are finalized and given to you.
Comfortable Daily Living is Guaranteed
Very few dental institutions can boldly say your daily living won’t be affected by their procedure. Luckily for you, DentSpa falls in with these few.
The clinic’s treatment measures for each dental infection will ensure you can still eat your favorite foods and communicate comfortably after the procedure is done.
What are you waiting for? Book an appointment with us today. We’ll provide you with the best dental infection treatment so that you can reclaim your smile, comfort, and overall good oral health.