If tooth decay progresses to the point of infection, a dentist may recommend removal. Extraction can help a dentist get to the infected or dead tissue, remove it, and successfully alleviate the pain.
In case the tooth has been infected beyond repair, there is no choice but to remove it. After the tooth is removed, some infection may still be present inside, which has to be drained or targetted with the help of antibiotics.
The dentist will open the gums to access the teeth. The extraction isn't a painful process, but you may experience pain and soreness after the procedure. These symptoms should subside within 2-5 days, but it is crucial to follow all post-extraction care instructions provided by your dentist.
A bone infection after tooth extraction is a dangerous ailment. If not treated, a patient can go into sepsis. Sepsis is an infection caused by anything (virus, bacterial, fungal) that enters the bloodstream and can impair flow to the vital organs in your system.
All dentists are qualified to perform emergency tooth extractions if and when necessary. Tooth extractions are a relatively common oral surgical procedure and may be necessary if your tooth is severely damaged or infected.
2. How long does a tooth extraction take? This procedure is quicker than you'd think. The entire process of pulling a tooth—from administering the anesthetic to applying stitches if needed—typically takes anywhere between 20-40 minutes.
Dangers of Pulling an Abscessed Tooth
Extracting a tooth can lead to other issues First, bone shrinkage in the area of the missing tooth can happen. Also, the adjacent teeth will start to drift into the position of the missing one. If your teeth drift then your bite can be affected.
If a tooth infection goes untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body over a period of weeks or months. This can cause serious symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing. Death can occur quickly without immediate care.
Rinse with salt water
Rinsing with salt water creates a saline mixture to safely begin sterilizing the infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Repeat every few hours if needed.
Most people feel mostly pain-free by the third or fourth day. Some swelling and soreness can continue throughout the first week. Throbbing pain during the first 24 hours after your extraction is likely just a sign that your body is healing.
Whether you get a simple or surgical extraction, the process will begin with an anesthetic for the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue. At this point, you may feel a slight “bite” from the needle. However, many patients find it to be painless and for the discomfort to only last a split second.
After extraction the gum oozes out some blood at the blank tooth socket. This blood clots and stays there causing pain. If the clot by chance gets removed due to your food or drinks or is removed intentionally, then nerve endings at the socket gets exposed. And this causes more discomfort and pain.
Make use of a cold, wet washcloth or medical gauze to grip and remove a loose tooth. If you think the tooth is not loose enough to come out painlessly, slightly wiggle it while holding it with a gauze or wet cloth. This will help the loose tooth come out quickly and stop the bleeding if any.
Garlic is widely used for infections due to its germ-fighting properties. They are considered natural antibiotics. This common cooking ingredient contains a component called allicin, which has been shown in scientific research to kill bacteria. Fresh garlic may also soothe pain from a tooth infection.
Signs of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially food and drinks. Pain that radiates from the tooth outward. Swelling in the cheeks or gums. Constant bad breath.
Infections in the mouth
Bitter taste in the mouth. Fever. Pain. Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold.
Symptoms of a dental abscess
pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep. redness and swelling in your face. a tender, discoloured and/or loose tooth.
After you undergo a tooth extraction, you will need to replace the missing tooth or teeth. If the teeth are not replaced, the bones in your mouth can weaken and lose density. Other teeth also might shift, and you might experience trouble eating. Fortunately, you have several replacement options for missing teeth.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
Nerve injury
Although far less common than dry socket, injury to sections of a nerve called the trigeminal nerve is another possible complication of wisdom tooth removal. It can cause pain, a tingling sensation and numbness in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth and gums.
A simple extraction without insurance costs between $75 and $250. For a surgical extraction, however, prices can go up to $300 a tooth or more. The price you pay depends on factors like your tooth's condition and the type of extraction and anesthesia you need.
A general dentist can clean and treat the infected area, or remove the rotten tooth, if necessary. If the tooth does need removing, the dentist may use a sedative (like laughing gas) alongside the local anesthetic, which numbs the treatment area.