How Do I Know If I Have a Tooth Infection?

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A tooth infection’s symptoms can run the gamut, especially if you have a mild one. If you’re concerned, we’ll look at some of the tell-tale signs.

What to Know About Tooth Infections

Tooth infections in Foley, AL can present with any of the following symptoms:

  • Pain: Sometimes the pain is severe, but other times, it’s a dull ache that you may not even notice after a while. Some people may only feel the pain when eating.
  • Sensitivity: Even mild infections can bring about sharp sensitivity. This can be a tricky symptom to catch, though, if you already have relatively sensitive teeth.
  • Swelling: An infection can cause mild swelling of the gums, jaw, or face.
  • Fever: Tooth infections may present with a low-grade fever.

What Should I Do If I Have a Tooth Infection?

Ideally, you’ll call your regular dentist in Foley, AL because they’ll have your historical records on hand. The more information they have to start with, the easier it is to see what’s really going on. For example, if the dentist recently saw gum tissue inflammation, that could explain the new tooth pain.

Or you can call an emergency dentist if the symptoms present after-hours. Whatever you do, it’s important not to ignore tooth pain. In rare cases, a tooth infection can turn fatal if it escapes from the mouth and into the blood stream.

At Sand Dollar Dental, our staff meticulously tracks your oral health, so there’s less confusion if anything goes wrong. Whether you need a root canal to clean out the infection, antibiotics to combat the bacteria, or even a tooth extraction, we find solutions for our patients that take care of your immediate needs while looking out for your long-term health.