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A tooth infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and anxiety about what will happen next. While some infections can be treated with a simple procedure or medication, others require surgical care to protect your health.
Below, we explain how dentists and oral surgeons work together to diagnose and treat infected teeth, when extraction becomes necessary, and what you can expect if your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Tooth Infection?
- How Dentists Treat Infected Teeth
- When Extraction Is the Best Option
- Specialized Care for Complex Infections and Extractions
- What Happens During a Surgical Extraction?
- Replacing the Missing Tooth
- Book an Appointment With Foley & Le in Boulder, CO
- FAQs
What Is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection happens when bacteria enter the inner pulp of a tooth through decay, cracks, or trauma. Over time, this can lead to a pocket of pus (an abscess) around the root of the tooth.
Common symptoms include:
- Throbbing pain in the tooth or jaw
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Fever or chills
- Bad breath or a foul taste
If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding bone or other areas of the body, causing serious complications.
How Dentists Treat Infected Teeth
Your general dentist is often the first professional to diagnose an infected tooth. Depending on the severity of the infection, they may recommend:
- Antibiotics: To help control the infection and reduce swelling.
- Root Canal Therapy: A procedure performed by a dentist or endodontist to clean out the infected pulp and seal the tooth.
- Drainage: In some cases, your dentist may create a small opening to drain the abscess.
If the infection is too advanced or the tooth is too damaged to be saved, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon for extraction.
When Extraction Is the Best Option
Removing the tooth is sometimes the only predictable way to eliminate the infection. An extraction may be recommended if:
- The tooth is fractured beyond repair
- Severe decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure
- A previous root canal has failed, and retreatment is not possible
- The infection has caused significant bone loss around the tooth
Prompt removal helps prevent the infection from spreading further and relieves pain quickly.
Specialized Care for Complex Infections and Extractions
If your dentist determines that removing the tooth is the safest option, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for specialized care.
This is often recommended when:
- The tooth is severely damaged, impacted, or fractured below the gumline
- The infection has affected surrounding bone
- Your medical history requires careful planning
- You prefer deeper sedation to feel completely relaxed
As oral surgeons, we have advanced training, surgical experience, and specialized tools to safely extract even the most complex teeth and support your healing process.
What Happens During a Surgical Extraction?
First, your oral surgeon will meet with you to review your health history, examine the area, and take any necessary X-rays or scans. This visit is also a chance to answer your questions and discuss sedation options to help you feel comfortable.
On the day of your procedure, the area around the tooth will be completely numbed with local anesthesia. If you prefer, sedation can be used to help you relax or sleep lightly during the appointment.
Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will gently remove the tooth along with any infected tissue. The area will be cleaned thoroughly to lower the risk of further infection. If you plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant later, a bone graft may be placed to keep the bone healthy.
After the procedure, you will receive clear instructions on caring for the site, managing discomfort, and returning to normal activities. Most patients notice a rapid improvement in pain and swelling within a few days.
Learn More About Post-Operative Care After a Tooth Extraction
Replacing the Missing Tooth
After an extraction, it is important to think about how you will replace the missing tooth. Leaving the space empty can lead to shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and gradual bone loss in your jaw.
Dental implants are often the preferred solution because they closely mimic the look and function of a natural tooth. The implant itself replaces the missing root and helps keep the bone healthy and strong over time. Once the implant has healed, a custom-made crown is attached, restoring your smile and allowing you to chew comfortably.
If an implant is not the right fit for you, other options can also restore function and appearance. A dental bridge anchors an artificial tooth to the neighboring teeth, while a removable partial denture fills the space and can be taken out for cleaning.
During your consultation, we will talk through each option in detail and help you choose the approach that best fits your health needs and long-term goals.
Book an Appointment With Foley & Le in Boulder, CO
If your dentist has recommended surgical extraction or you are experiencing symptoms of a serious tooth infection, Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are here to help.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQs
A tooth infection does not become life-threatening right away, but it can spread quickly if left untreated. In some cases, bacteria can move beyond the tooth into the jaw, neck, or bloodstream, leading to a serious condition called sepsis. This can develop over days to weeks, depending on your overall health and how severe the infection is. If you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, a high fever, or rapidly spreading redness, seek emergency care immediately.
Yes, an infected tooth can often be removed safely. In many cases, extracting the tooth is the most effective way to eliminate the source of infection. However, if there is severe swelling or the infection has spread, your oral surgeon may recommend taking antibiotics first to help control bacteria and reduce complications during the procedure.
While some natural remedies—such as saltwater rinses, garlic, or clove oil—may help relieve discomfort temporarily, they are not substitutes for professional care. There is no natural antibiotic strong enough to clear a tooth infection on its own. Dental infections require evaluation and treatment from a dentist or oral surgeon to fully resolve the problem and prevent serious health risks.
