Do you have sensitive teeth? Is tooth pain a regular problem for you? You may have a dental infection. Tooth decay is a common and uncomfortable dental problem caused by harmful bacteria that break down teeth. Once decay breaks the enamel down enough to enter the tooth, patients will require a root canal or even a dental extraction. It is important to know the signs of decay in order to prevent the spread of infection. Dr. Elizabeth Duling and her team treat tooth decay in their Owen’s Cross Roads, AL dental office. Regular dental care and professional treatments can reverse early signs of infection and restore comfort and health to the smile. Here you can discover the signs of tooth decay and learn how Dr. Duling addresses dental infections in her office.
Signs of Dental Infections
Common symptoms of tooth decay can include:
- Pits or holes in the enamel (Cavities)
- Tooth pain
- Cheek swelling
- Fever
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Tooth sensitivity
Contact Dr. Duling if you have noticed any of these symptoms or changes in your oral health. Dr. Duling will examine your smile and help find the right treatment for your specific symptoms to reverse the infection.
Treat Tooth Decay in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL
Routine dental care is the best preventative option against decay. At regular dental appointments, our dental hygienists provide thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from the mouth. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that can easily build up on the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque hardens to become tartar or calculus. It is often difficult to remove tartar from the mouth at home. Because of this, we recommend that our patients
Root canals and dental fillings are great options for patients who have cavities, or holes in their teeth. Once decay has entered the tooth, a professional needs to remove the infected dental pulp to save the tooth. The dental pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and cells within the tooth. During a root canal, a dentist removes the pulp, cleans the inner tooth chamber, and seals the tooth with a dental filling.
Dental extractions may be needed for patients if their decay is severe. Our team will try to preserve the natural tooth enamel. If this is not possible, they may need to remove infected teeth to prevent the spread to other teeth in the mouth. We make sure that our patients feel comfortable during their treatment by using local anesthetic and sedation. After the extraction site is healed, we will coordinate dental implant treatment to replace the tooth at the root.
Get a Healthier Smile Today
Do you think you have a dental infection? Call Dr. Duling’s office today. Contact our office if you are a new patient at 256.202.4186. Current patients can call 256.534.1475. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Duling and her professional dental team on our website. Please let us know if you have any current dental concerns or questions about treatment.