Dentist
in Buffalo, Amherst, Lancaster and Orchard Park, NY
Dental Infections
Dental infections can be a very serious matter and are not to be ignored. Dental infections typically start with a dead tooth or an abscess. If you suspect you have one of these and you live in Buffalo, New York, or the surrounding areas, call Forestream Dental Group immediately for an appointment. Any delay in treatment can be detrimental in your recovery.
Today, dental infections are treated with antibiotics and most people recover quite well. Before the discovery of penicillin, severe dental infections used to kill people.
Symptoms of a dental infection
Sometimes the symptoms of a dental infection seem innocuous and you may think they will just go away. However, an infection that is currently minor can quickly turn into a serious condition. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should notify our dentist right away:
- Toothache - sharp, shooting pain or continuous throbbing
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Bitter taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Swollen glands in the neck and throat area
What to do
If you think that you have a dental infection, you should call your dentist right away. After he determines that you do have an infection, he will prescribe antibiotics and take any other further steps that he feels are necessary. Here are the steps that you as the patient should take to quicken your recovery:
- Go home to rest. Do not go to work if at all possible.
- Take and complete all of the medicine as directed by your dentist
- Eat well to give your body strength to fight off the infection
- Apply heat to the infected area, as directed by your dentist
Other treatments may include warm salt-water rinses, pain relievers like Tylenol, tooth repair, a root canal, draining an abscess and in severe cases, removal of the tooth.
If an infection goes on too long without being treated or is especially severe, IV antibiotics may be called for as well as hospitalization. There is a risk with dental infections of the throat swelling and the airway being compromised, increasing the risk of suffocation. You'll want to be in a place where someone is constantly monitoring your condition.
Call or email Forestream Dental Group right away if you think you may have an infection. Infections are very serious situations and treatment should not be delayed. We are conveniently located in the Buffalo, New York area and our dentist will be happy to help you.
Creating Smiles and Changing Lives. Every Day.
4711 Transit Road, Forestream Village
Depew, NY 14043
E-mail Us • (716)656-8686
