There are many conditions that can cause tooth pain. Two very common issues are an infected or impacted tooth. It is important to understand the difference between these conditions so you can determine what kind of issue you are having. If you have an immediate problem, a periodontal or dental expert can also accurately diagnose the cause of your pain.

Signs of a Tooth Infection

When you are having severe pain in your mouth, an abscess may be present. Many describe this pain as sharp or gnawing. An abscess is a tooth infection that spreads to the root. It usually begins in the pulp where numerous nerves and blood vessels reside. As bacteria invades this location, it multiplies and spreads. 

The most common reason behind a tooth infection is decay that is left untreated. As it enters the enamel and grows deeper, it will reach the pulp and start a problem. Other causes of an abscess are a tooth injury or a dental treatment that is close to the pulp.

Any tooth may become infected, but wisdom teeth are often affected.  Since they are at the back of the mouth, they are difficult to clean properly and tend to develop decay.

Treatment for a Tooth Infection

A dentist’s main goal is to preserve your tooth. Many times, they will perform a root canal. According to the American Dental Association, this is the best way to save a tooth with a deep infection. During the procedure, your doctor removed the tooth’s nerves, seal the tooth, and place a crown on top. This way, the tooth is free of decay and remains functional.

Signs of an Impacted Tooth

Normal teeth lie above the gum line. An impacted tooth is either partially or totally unerupted from the gums. This occurs from crowding in the mouth or misalignment. The most common impacted teeth are wisdom teeth.

Impacted teeth are quite common. Although they are not always painful, they may cause trouble beneath the gums. Dentists believe that impacted teeth may push against neighboring teeth and cause misalignment. Also, when teeth have partially erupted, food may become trapped, which can lead to decay or inflammation.

Treatment for an Impacted Tooth

If you have an impacted tooth that is not causing problems, you may not require treatment. However, if you are in pain or there is no room for the tooth in your mouth, an extraction may be the simplest solution. For a total impaction, a dentist will cut into the gum line to gain access to the tooth. He or she will rem0ve the bone in layers to make the crown visible. At times, it is necessary to break the tooth before removal. After the tooth is removed, a suture may be used to close the gum for recovery.

For more information on impacted teeth and teeth infections, contact our office. We can provide an accurate diagnosis of your problem and offer the best solution. If an extraction is necessary, we will create an individualized plan of action for the procedure and filling the gap afterward. If you are concerned about an infected or impacted tooth, call our office for a consultation today.