A dental infection begins when bacteria enter the inner portion of a tooth through decay, a crack, or trauma. An infected tooth may only cause mild discomfort initially, but the underlying issue should never be ignored. If left untreated, an infection can spread into the surrounding bone and tissues.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
When a dental infection reaches the jawbone, it can cause an abscess and become a more serious health concern that requires prompt professional treatment. At this stage, patients may experience symptoms including severe pain, swelling, tenderness, a bad taste in the mouth, fever, or facial swelling.
Jawbone infections can damage the structures that support your teeth. Without treatment, this increases the risk of tooth loss. In rare cases, severe infections can spread beyond the mouth and affect other areas of the body.
The good news is that early intervention can usually prevent these complications. Depending on the situation, treatment can involve root canal therapy, drainage of the infection, antibiotics, or tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine the more appropriate treatment approach.
Emergency Dental Infection Care in Long Beach, CA
If you're in Long Beach and experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or other signs of infection, prompt evaluation and treatment can protect your oral health and prevent a much larger problem.
Contact Dr. Raha Baghbanian and the experienced Golden Coast Dental Care team right away to schedule a consultation.