5 Warning Signs of a Dental Infection You Shouldn't Ignore

A dental infection rarely stays "mild" for long. What starts as sensitivity or a dull ache can progress into something far more serious if it's left untreated. Knowing the warning signs early can mean the difference between a straightforward treatment and a more complicated one.

1. Persistent, Throbbing Tooth Pain

Occasional sensitivity is common and often not urgent. A constant, throbbing pain that doesn't let up, especially if it's worse when lying down, is a much stronger signal that something more serious, like an infection, is going on beneath the surface.

2. Swelling in the Face, Jaw, or Gums

Swelling is one of the clearest signs that an infection has developed and needs prompt attention. If the swelling is spreading, or if it's affecting your ability to open your mouth, swallow, or breathe comfortably, this warrants urgent care right away.

3. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold That Lingers

Brief sensitivity that fades quickly is often normal. Sensitivity that lingers for a while after the hot or cold stimulus is removed can be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth is affected, which is a common cause of infection.

4. A Bad Taste or Odor That Won't Go Away

A persistent bad taste or smell, sometimes described as a "pimple" on the gum that drains, can be a sign of a draining abscess. This is a clear signal to be seen, even if the pain isn't severe.

5. Fever or Feeling Generally Unwell

If a tooth infection is accompanied by fever, fatigue, or feeling unwell overall, this can indicate the infection is more advanced and needs to be addressed promptly, rather than managed with pain relief alone.

Why Dental Infections Need Professional Treatment

Antibiotics alone typically aren't enough to resolve a dental infection long-term, the underlying source, usually deep decay or damage to the tooth, needs to be treated directly. In many cases, this means a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. If the tooth is too damaged to save, a tooth extraction may be necessary instead.

As an emergency dentist for patients throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, we prioritize getting infections evaluated quickly, since the earlier they're caught, the more treatment options are usually available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just take antibiotics and skip the dentist?

Antibiotics may temporarily reduce symptoms, but they don't address the underlying cause of the infection. Without treating the source, the infection is likely to return, often worse than before.

How urgent is facial swelling from a tooth infection?

Very urgent, swelling that's spreading, or affecting breathing or swallowing, should be treated as an emergency. Call our office right away, or seek emergency medical care if it's severe.

Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

No, dental infections don't resolve without treatment. They may go through periods of feeling better, but the underlying issue remains and often worsens over time.

Will I definitely lose the tooth?

Not necessarily. Many infected teeth can be saved with a root canal if caught before the damage is too extensive. Extraction is generally a last resort when the tooth can't be saved.

Notice These Symptoms? Don't Wait.

Dental infections tend to get worse, not better, without treatment. Visit our emergency dentistry page, or reach out to our office right away to describe your symptoms. We're located in West Hollywood, find us on Google Maps.