10
Nov
Frequently Asked Questions About Infected Teeth
The specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio are trained to diagnose and treat dental pain and infections. Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang advise on home remedies and ways to relieve the pain of a toothache in the short term. Most of the time, they recommend root canal therapy to treat the underlying infection.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
Healthy teeth are protected by ultra-strong enamel and softer dentin. Damage to these outer layers can threaten or compromise the nerves, vessels, and tissues inside the tooth.
In addition to heightened sensitivity and pain, patients may notice:
- A swollen face
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A salty, fluid taste
Patients with infected teeth may experience fever and difficulty swallowing. Infections can spread and do not resolve on their own, requiring timely treatment.
What is an abscess?
Abscesses are pockets of pus. They are caused by bacterial infections. Abscesses can arise in any part of the mouth. Periapical abscesses are at the tips or ends of teeth roots. Periodontal abscesses develop in the gum tissue and usually appear near the side of the affected tooth.
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New Patients: (210) 405-0473 | Existing Patients: (210) 497-6699
What can I do at home to help with the pain?
Our office can provide instructions on using Tylenol and other OTC medications. We may suggest rinsing with salt water or a baking soda paste. Applying a cold compress as recommended can help to ease the swelling.
Do antibiotics help?
Sometimes, Dr. Schwartz, Dr. Davis, or Dr. Liang prescribe antibiotics. These medications generally fight bacterial infections. In some instances, specific conditions may require antibiotic therapy as a premedication. However, not all patients will need or be suitable for this treatment. In addition to antibiotics, antimicrobial rinses can be used to address the bacteria responsible for the infection.
How does root canal therapy help?
Our endodontists have extensive and highly focused training in root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing the damaged tissue inside of the tooth. The infection and pain are eliminated. Root canal treatment ultimately preserves the tooth, and extraction or removal of the tooth is avoided.
Contact Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio for trusted, specialty care. Call (210) 405-0473 to schedule an appointment at our San Antonio, TX office today.
Dr. Richard Davis, DDS
Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.
