Treatment of an infected tooth involves removing the diseased dental nerve (pulp) from the root.
Pulp infection usually occurs due to untreated tooth decay, which can rapidly progress and affect the dental pulp. In such cases, treating the infection is essential to save the affected tooth.
Treatment of a tooth infection involves removing the nerve, cleaning and shaping the root canals, determining their length, and then filling the canals.
How long does a tooth infection last?
This is one of the most common questions our patients ask. The duration of a tooth infection varies from person to person. In some cases, the patient may feel no pain at all and remain unaware of the infection, which can then spread to neighboring teeth. Sometimes patients ignore warning signs from the tooth, such as sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling, or a pus-filled bump (known as a dental fistula).
Tooth pain can be caused by an inflamed dental nerve, decay, infection, or trauma. Proper therapy can relieve the pain and prevent the infection from spreading.
At our dental practices, we use advanced equipment for mechanical root canal preparation, enabling single-session treatment of tooth infections - the foundation for successful endodontic therapy. Repeatedly opening the tooth and using a “temporary medication” increases the risk of reinfection and reduces the chances of complete healing.
It’s important to note that in a small number of cases, treatment cannot begin immediately due to acute infection or the presence of pus.
In such cases, we first prescribe antibiotics to control the infection before starting the actual treatment.
A tooth without a nerve is more prone to fractures due to dehydration, which is why we recommend protecting it with a dental crown - either a zirconia crown, a metal-free crown, or a metal-ceramic crown.
It’s also important to understand that the body has strong immune defenses, and in some cases, even when treatment is performed according to professional standards, the body may recognize the nerve-free tooth as a foreign object and react with inflammation.
Sometimes, anatomical features such as severely curved or obliterated root canals, or canal tips ending in a delta-shaped branching, can prevent full access to the canal. In these cases, mechanical treatment is limited and the success of the therapy depends solely on chemical disinfection.
A tooth infection, or pulpitis, occurs when bacteria penetrate deep into the tooth and infect the dental nerve. A severe infection, known as a dental abscess, develops when the infection progresses and forms a pus-filled pocket at the root of the tooth, often causing intense pain and swelling.
Root inflammation is commonly accompanied by toothache, which happens when bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth — the dental nerve.
This usually results from untreated cavities, deep cracks in the tooth, or damage caused by trauma.
Bacterial infection can gradually erode the enamel and dentin, allowing access to the pulp, where the nerve and blood vessels are located. This is what leads to toothache.
When the infection reaches the pulp, the patient may feel sharp tooth pain that worsens when chewing or when exposed to hot or cold stimuli.
Tooth pain can be constant or throbbing. It often becomes more intense at night, sometimes leading to unbearable toothache that makes sleeping difficult.
In such cases, root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is required, which involves removing the dental nerve.
When dealing with a toothache, quick symptom relief is often the top priority. Toothache tablets are usually the first step in easing dental pain.
The best over-the-counter painkillers for toothache are those that reduce both pain and inflammation. These include medications containing ibuprofen or paracetamol, both known for their effectiveness in managing pain and swelling.
Ibuprofen works by reducing inflammation, making it especially effective for toothaches caused by inflammatory processes in the tooth or surrounding tissue.
Paracetamol, on the other hand, has a slightly milder effect. It is a better option for people with stomach sensitivity and is also recommended for those on anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners).
It's important to remember that toothache tablets provide only temporary relief. They do not treat the root cause of the pain, so it’s essential to see a dentist to properly diagnose and address the underlying issue.
Also, before taking any medication, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist — especially if you're already taking other medications or have existing health conditions.
A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires urgent examination from a dentist. It most often develops from deep tooth decay that reaches the inner part of the tooth, allowing bacteria to cause an infection at the root tip.
Besides decay, cracks or damage to the tooth can also provide a pathway for bacteria, resulting in pus formation.
Gum diseases, such as periodontitis, are another common cause — inflamed periodontal pockets become ideal places for bacteria to accumulate.
Poorly fitted prosthetics, like dental crowns, as well as poorly made fillings, can create spaces where bacteria easily penetrate and cause infection.
Additionally, infection may occur after endodontic treatment if it is done too late. Granulomas and dental cysts develop as a consequence of long-term infection.
Typical symptoms include pain, swollen gums, and the presence of pus.
Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and the spread of infection.
The duration of a tooth infection depends on its severity and stage.
A mild infection can subside within a few days with proper treatment, while an untreated infection may last for weeks and lead to complications such as an abscess ot tooth gangrene.
It is important to seek dental care as soon as possible.
Before starting dental treatment, a panoramic dental x-ray (orthopantomogram) should be taken, and in some cases, a CBCT scan may also be required.
Wisdom tooth inflammation most commonly refers to inflammation of the gum tissue around a wisdom tooth, especially when the tooth has not fully erupted, a condition known as pericoronitis. This occurs when the wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gum, creating a space between the tooth crown and surrounding tissue that can trap bacteria, food, and plaque.
Symptoms usually include:
Pain and sensitivity in the back of the jaw
Swollen and red gums around the wisdom tooth
Bad breath, sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant taste
Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
Fever in more severe cases
In patients with partially erupted wisdom teeth, a “pocket” often forms beneath the gum, which is an ideal site for bacterial infection. This infection can spread locally and may affect nearby structures, including the chewing muscles or lymph nodes.
Timely response is important in such cases. Temporary measures may include rinsing with antiseptics and antibiotic therapy if there is significant inflammation or pus. Ultimately, removal of the wisdom tooth is often necessary, especially if symptoms recur or there is insufficient space for proper growth.
If you suspect wisdom tooth inflammation, do not wait — early intervention is key to avoiding more serious complications.
