Will a Dentist Pull an Infected Tooth?

Infected teeth should never be taken lightly. Also known as an abscessed tooth, a tooth infection is generally caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay, or a cracked tooth. When these dental problems develop, the damage allows bacteria to enter the pulp where sensitive blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues are present. Over time, pus can build at the root tip in the jaw bone, forming a pocket known as an abscess. If not promptly treated, an abscess can lead to a more serious infection in the surrounding tissues, teeth, and jaw bone.

With a tooth infection, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms like pain, swelling, fever, redness in the gums, and a bad taste in the mouth. To feel quick relief, you may make the decision to have the tooth pulled. However, this is not always the best option.

Can the Dentist Pull an Infected Tooth for a Patient?

One of the most common questions that patients ask when dealing with an infected tooth is whether it’s safe to pull it while the infection is still present. The short answer is it depends. Most dentists strive to save natural teeth whenever possible. Therefore, your dentist may recommend antibiotics to first get rid of the infection before deciding how to proceed with treatment.

If the extent of the damage is not too severe, your dentist may be able to save the tooth with a root canal

During a root canal, the infected pulp and nerve located in the root of the tooth are removed. The root canal is then cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed to prevent bacteria from reentering the tooth. Finally, your dentist may place a crown on the tooth to restore its original function.

If damage to the tooth has progressed too far, an extraction may be necessary. It is possible for your dentist to pull an infected tooth which will often provide the patient with quick relief. Pulling an infected tooth typically involves rocking the tooth back and forth until it comes loose. A hard to pull tooth may require the dentist to cut back the gum or cut the tooth into sections before removal.

In some instances, an abscess will develop below the tooth. When this happens, the dentist may extract the tooth and then deal with the infection. This may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and draining the abscess. The area is then thoroughly washed with a saline solution to clean away any remaining infected material. Your dentist may then prescribe antibiotics to target any remaining infection in the mouth.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist for Help

At Vero Elite Dentistry in Vero Beach, FL, we offer a wide range of dental services, including emergency care. For prompt treatment for an infected tooth, reach out to the compassionate dental team at Vero Elite Dentistry at 772.617.2869.