Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: 3 minutes
An infected tooth should never be ignored. As the infection progresses, it can become more painful and may damage the surrounding tissues, making timely treatment important. Understanding when tooth extraction is recommended and the risks involved can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Is It Dangerous to Pull an Infected Tooth?
In most cases, no. Extracting an infected tooth is a common and safe procedure when performed by a dental professional. In fact, removing the tooth is often the most effective way to eliminate the source of a dental infection when the tooth cannot be saved.
Before recommending tooth extractions, the area is carefully evaluated to determine the extent of the infection and the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be recommended before or after the procedure.
Although complications from tooth extraction are uncommon, an untreated tooth infection poses a much greater risk.
Why Does an Infected Tooth Need Treatment?
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. Most infections develop when bacteria enter the inner portion of the tooth because of tooth decay, a crack, or dental trauma. Without treatment, the infection can continue to spread and become more difficult to manage.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can lead to severe tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity to pressure, and an unpleasant taste or drainage in the mouth.
Damage to the Tooth
As the infection progresses, it can destroy more of the tooth and the surrounding bone. Early treatment may increase the chances of saving the tooth with a root canal, while delaying care can make extraction the healthier option.
Spread of Infection
As a dental infection progresses, it can spread beyond the affected tooth into the surrounding bone and soft tissue. In rare cases, an untreated infection may spread to other areas of the body, making prompt treatment important.
Symptoms that may indicate a more serious infection include:
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing or breathing requires immediate medical attention, as it may indicate the infection is spreading.
How an Infected Tooth Is Removed
If an infected tooth cannot be restored, removing it helps eliminate the source of the infection and supports better oral health.
During the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia before the tooth is carefully removed. In some cases, infected tissue around the extraction site may also be removed to help reduce the infection and promote healing.
After the extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the underlying bone and support the healing of the surrounding soft tissue. Following the post-operative instructions provided after treatment helps protect the blood clot and reduce the risk of complications during recovery.
Treating Infected Teeth at Post Street Dental Group
At Post Street Dental Group, every infected tooth is carefully evaluated to determine whether it can be treated with a root canal or whether extraction is the most appropriate option.
Our dentists use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate the tooth, surrounding bone, and nearby tissues before recommending treatment. Every recommendation is based on the condition of the tooth, the extent of the infection, and whether the tooth can be predictably restored or should be extracted.
If you have severe tooth pain, swelling, or believe you have a tooth infection, seeking treatment early can help prevent the infection from worsening.
Visit Our Dental Office in San Francisco, CA
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St #520, San Francisco, CA 94102.
FAQs
When performed by a dental professional, extracting an infected tooth is intended to remove the source of the infection, not spread it. Appropriate treatment planning helps minimize the risk of complications.
It depends on the condition of the tooth. A root canal may be recommended if the tooth can be restored. Extraction is generally recommended when the tooth cannot be saved.
Antibiotics may help control the infection, but they typically do not eliminate the source of the infection inside the tooth. Treatment such as a root canal or tooth extraction is often needed.