Oral Disease & Dental Infection Evaluation in La Crescenta, CA
Persistent dental pain, swelling, drainage or recurring infection should be professionally evaluated to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may involve restorative care, extraction, implant-related treatment or referral when appropriate.
When Dental Pain or Swelling Needs Evaluation
Persistent Pain
Ongoing tooth or gum pain can come from several dental conditions and should be diagnosed.
Swelling
Swelling around a tooth, gum or jaw can indicate inflammation or infection.
Drainage or Bad Taste
Drainage, pus or an unpleasant taste can be associated with an infected dental site.
Recurring Infection
Repeated flare-ups around a compromised tooth or implant need a cause-based treatment plan.
Not Every Dental Infection Is Treated the Same Way
Antibiotics may sometimes be part of care, but the source of infection also needs to be identified. Treatment depends on whether the problem involves the tooth, root, gums, bone, implant or another structure.
- Dental decay or pulpal infection
- Cracked or non-restorable tooth
- Periodontal infection
- Wisdom tooth inflammation
- Infection around a dental implant
- Post-surgical or extraction-site concern
Identify the Source Before Choosing the Treatment
Clinical examination and appropriate imaging can help determine the condition of the tooth, surrounding bone and nearby anatomy.
Treatment Depends on What Can Be Maintained
Preserve the Tooth
Restorative, periodontal or endodontic care may be considered when the tooth remains treatable.
Remove a Non-Restorable Tooth
Extraction may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably maintained.
Evaluate Implant or Surgical Issues
Implant-related infection or complex surgical concerns may require additional imaging, treatment or referral.
Dental Infection FAQs
Will antibiotics cure a dental infection?
Antibiotics can be useful in selected situations, but the dental source of infection often still requires definitive treatment.
When is a tooth infection an emergency?
Rapidly increasing swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever or systemic illness requires prompt urgent medical or dental attention.
Can an infected tooth be saved?
Sometimes. The answer depends on the tooth structure, periodontal support, root condition and overall prognosis.
Can implants become infected?
Inflammation and infection can occur around dental implants. Implant and tissue evaluation is needed to determine the appropriate next step.