If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or sensitivity in a tooth, you may have an infection. This might make you anxious and make you wonder, “Can a dentist remove an infected tooth?”
We know that dental procedures — and especially tooth extractions — can cause a lot of fear and stress. Don’t worry. Our dental team is here to guide you through the process of caring for your teeth with compassion and expert care.
Keep reading to learn more about the signs of infection, some of your treatment options, and what to expect if you do need the dentist to remove your infected tooth.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
Not all tooth pain is caused by an infection. You may be experiencing pain in your tooth for several reasons. But if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you’ll want to make an appointment with our dental team right away:
- Persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away (i.e., spontaneous pain or pain that wakes you up at night).
- Swelling around the tooth, in your gums, or facial swelling
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Fever or feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms
- A bad taste in your mouth or unusually bad breath
- Pus or drainage from the area around your tooth
Our dentist can verify that you have an infection and then discuss treatment options with you. You don’t want to delay treatment if you do have an infection. An untreated infection can spread to other parts of your body, making you feel even worse.
Can a Dentist Remove an Infected Tooth?
Yes, a dentist can remove an infected tooth, but it’s not always necessary. Tooth extraction is usually considered to be the last resort. The goal is to save your natural tooth whenever possible, and in many cases, an infected tooth can be treated without removing it. Often, this means taking a course of antibiotics or having a root canal to clean the infected area and seal it against further infection.
However, extraction might be the best option if the tooth is damaged or if it does not have enough remaining tooth structure. We give patients time to explore all of their options before making a decision that’s best for them. Our dental team will thoroughly assess the tooth and discuss with you whether a root canal, antibiotics, or an extraction is the best course of action. Whatever you decide, we’ll do everything possible to make the process as stress-free as possible.
What Happens When a Dentist Removes Your Tooth?
Many people feel anxious at the thought of a tooth extraction, even if they don’t normally experience anxiety about going to the dentist. Knowing what to expect during the procedure can make you more comfortable, and our dental team stays by your side throughout the extraction to answer questions and ensure you are comfortable.
Here’s what happens:
Before the Extraction
To help alleviate your pain, the dentist will start by numbing the area around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic. This treatment will prevent discomfort and help you stay relaxed.
During the Extraction
Once the area is numb, the dentist removes the infected tooth. You might feel pressure or movement in your jaw during this process, but you shouldn’t feel pain. If you are feeling any discomfort, let our team know so we can take steps to make you more comfortable.
After the Extraction
Once the tooth is removed, we will guide you in caring for the extraction site at home. You can use cold compresses to reduce swelling or take over-the-counter medications to relieve discomfort (be sure to follow the instructions on the label). You should also avoid certain foods until the site heals.
Our dentist will also work with you to determine any follow-up care you might need, such as replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant. Our first goal is to manage and treat the infection, and then we can focus on helping you restore your smile.
Are You Dealing With an Infected Tooth?
If you have an infected tooth and are concerned that you might need it removed, don’t wait. For patients in Rochester, New York, contact Full Heart Dentistry. We understand the anxiety that can come with dental procedures, but our team is committed to making your visit to our office a positive experience. We’ll assess your tooth, discuss your options, and do everything possible to make you comfortable during your treatment.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our compassionate, friendly dental team. We’re here to help you keep your beautiful smile and improve your oral health.