Dental Infection Treatments in Knoxville, TN
Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain with Root Canal Therapy
Dental infections are not just painful—they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. At our Knoxville, TN, dental office, we specialize in treating dental infections with cutting-edge solutions like root canal therapy to save your natural teeth and restore your smile.
Call Dr. Niral Patel at (865) 687-8670 to schedule your consultation today. We proudly serve Knoxville and nearby areas, including Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville.
What Are Dental Infections?
Dental infections occur when harmful bacteria invade your tooth’s pulp, gums, or surrounding tissues. Left untreated, these infections can worsen, leading to dental abscesses, bone loss, or even systemic issues like sepsis.
Common causes include:
- Tooth Decay: Cavities allow bacteria to penetrate your tooth’s pulp chamber.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly increases bacterial buildup.
- Gum Disease: Infected gum tissue can spread to other areas of the mouth.
- Dental Trauma: Cracked or broken teeth provide an entry point for bacteria.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy can make you more susceptible.
Types of Dental Infections
Here are the most common dental infections and their symptoms:
- Tooth Abscess (Periapical Abscess): This forms at the tooth root due to untreated decay or injury. Symptoms include throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and swelling.
- Periodontal Abscess: Found in the gum tissue, this abscess can result from untreated gum disease, causing redness, swelling, and pus discharge.
- Ludwig’s Angina: A rare but serious bacterial infection under the tongue, often caused by an untreated abscess. It can lead to breathing difficulties and requires emergency care.
- Gum Infections (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Gingivitis is an early-stage gum infection that can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession and potential tooth loss.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, call our Knoxville dental office at (865) 687-8670 as soon as possible for treatment.
Symptoms of Dental Infections
A dental infection may present with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Persistent tooth pain or a throbbing toothache
- Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Fever or chills
- Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or breathing
Don’t ignore the warning signs! Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading.
How Root Canal Therapy Treats Dental Infections
Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to treat dental infections while preserving your natural tooth. Here’s how it works:
- Eliminates the Infection: The procedure removes infected pulp tissue from the affected tooth’s root canal system, stopping the spread of bacteria.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: By saving the natural tooth, root canal therapy avoids the need for extractions and costly replacements like dental implants.
- Relieves Pain: Removing the infected tissue alleviates pressure and discomfort.
- Restores Function: After the infection is cleared, a dental crown or filling protects the restored tooth for years to come.
Root canal treatment is often the best solution for treating dental infections while maintaining optimal oral health.
Preventing Dental Infections
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are key to preventing dental infections. Follow these tips to protect your teeth and gums:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly to remove plaque and food debris.
- Visit Dr. Patel for routine cleanings and exams.
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages that can lead to tooth decay.
- Address cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the bacteria causing infections can spread through saliva, dental infections themselves aren’t contagious. Maintain good hygiene to reduce risks.
Severe infections typically won’t resolve without professional treatment. Delaying care can lead to abscess ruptures or serious complications.
An untreated dental infection can worsen quickly, spreading to surrounding tissues or even other parts of the body. See a dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment Today
Don’t let a dental infection jeopardize your health. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms, call Dr. Patel at (865) 687-8670. Our Knoxville dental office provides high-quality dental care to treat infections and restore your smile. We proudly serve Knoxville, Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville, TN.
