Dental Infection
Emergency Dentist
Dental Infection & Abscess
Emergency Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ
A dental infection or abscess can cause significant pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort. In some cases, symptoms may begin suddenly and become worse quickly. Because a dental infection can affect the surrounding teeth and tissues, we recommend having a suspected infection evaluated promptly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
At Princess Center Dentistry, we provide dental care for patients in Scottsdale and surrounding Phoenix, Arizona communities. When you contact our office about a possible dental infection or abscess, we can evaluate your symptoms, examine your teeth and gums, and use examination and X-rays when appropriate to determine what may be causing the problem. If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental emergency, call to schedule an appointment.
What Is a Dental Infection or Abscess?
A dental infection occurs when harmful bacteria affect the tissues around a tooth. An abscess is a collection of pus associated with an infection and can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, or a bad taste in the mouth.
Some dental infections can develop from untreated dental problems, while others may occur after damage to a tooth. Symptoms can vary from person to person, which is why a professional examination is important.
If you notice swelling around a tooth, persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, tenderness, or other unusual symptoms, we recommend contacting Princess Center Dentistry for an evaluation.
Signs You May Have a Dental Infection
A dental infection or abscess may cause several symptoms, including:
- Persistent or worsening tooth pain
- Swelling around the tooth, gums, or face
- Tender or swollen gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Not every patient will experience all of these symptoms. If something feels unusual or you are concerned about an infection, contacting a dentist can help determine what is happening.
What Should we Do If we Suspect a Tooth Infection?
If you suspect that you have a dental infection, we recommend contacting our office as soon as possible to arrange an examination. While you are waiting for dental care, maintain gentle oral hygiene and avoid irritating the affected area.
A warm saltwater rinse may provide temporary comfort for some patients, but it should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care. You should also avoid placing aspirin or other medication directly against your gums or tooth because this can irritate the tissues.
If you are considering an over-the-counter pain reliever, follow the product’s directions and make sure it is appropriate for you. If you have questions about medication, ask your physician or pharmacist.
When a Dental Infection Becomes an Emergency
Some symptoms require immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment. If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or other serious symptoms can indicate a potentially serious infection. In these circumstances, your immediate safety takes priority.
For dental symptoms that are not life-threatening, contact Princess Center Dentistry so we can evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate next step.
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Dental Infection Care in Scottsdale, Arizona
We welcome patients from Scottsdale and nearby Phoenix communities to Princess Center Dentistry. Our office is located at 8575 E. Princess Drive, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Patients traveling from surrounding communities, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, can contact our office to ask about scheduling an appointment.
If you have persistent dental pain, swelling, or other symptoms that concern you, we encourage you to contact our office rather than waiting for the problem to become more uncomfortable.