Signs You Have an Infected Tooth

If you show any of the symptoms listed below, please visit us at your earliest convenience. It’s likely you have an infected tooth.

  • Fever
  • Swelling in cheek or face
  • Increased sensitivity to chewing, biting, hot or cold
  • Severe throbbing toothache
  • Pain that radiates to neck, jawbone or ear
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes in neck or jaw

You may also show signs of an abscess rupture such as a sudden rush of foul-tasting and smelling fluid in your mouth followed by pain relief.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common treatment given to patients who have a badly decayed tooth or a tooth that becomes infected. During root canal therapy, we remove the pulp and nerve from the tooth. We then clean out the canal and seal it with filling material. If the tooth suffers significant decay or needs additional strength and protection, we will place a dental crown on top of your tooth. The dental crown will help your tooth stay healthy and strong for years to come. Without a root canal, the infection in the tooth can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart or brain. It can also cause the tooth to fall out. If you want to maintain your overall health and save your tooth, a root canal is completely necessary.

How to Prevent Root Canals

If you don’t like the thought of needing a root canal, don’t worry, there are ways to prevent needing one. To start, it’s important to take proper care of your oral health. This means visiting us bi-annually for dental exams and cleanings. During this time, we will look for signs of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and other potential dental problems in your mouth. If we find any problems, we will treat them immediately to prevent them from turning into an even larger problem. This means you will likely avoid a root canal!

You can also prevent the need for a root canal by taking proper care of your teeth at home. All you need to do is brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. It’s also helpful to avoid eating foods high in sugar or carbs to prevent plaque from forming.

Lastly, you should take preventive measures to protect your teeth from damage. This means not chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy or non-food items. You should also wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports to avoid injury. In addition, if you’re prone to grinding or clenching your teeth when you sleep, wearing a night guard can also help you prevent a root canal.

If you think you might need a root canal, BKS Dental is here to help. Please contact our dental office in Fort Atkinson for a consultation by calling (920) 563-7323 or using our online contact form.