A dental infection (or dental abscess) happens when bacteria get inside a tooth or gum, usually through an untreated cavity, crack, or gum disease. Left alone, it can spread beyond the mouth and become a medical emergency. If you’re in Coquitlam, BC and noticing swelling, throbbing pain, or a fever, our team at Brookmere Dental Group recommends getting it checked right away rather than waiting it out.
Key Takeaways
- Dental infections start small but can spread to the jaw, sinuses, neck, or even the brain if untreated
- Pain isn’t always present, especially after a root canal or with a dead nerve
- Swelling, fever, bad breath, and difficulty opening your mouth are common warning signs
- One in four adults has at least one untreated cavity that could become an infection
- Same-day and emergency appointments are available in Coquitlam for suspected infections
Why Dental Infections Are More Serious Than They Seem
A dental infection doesn’t stay contained to one tooth. Because the mouth is so close to major blood vessels and airways, bacteria can travel quickly through the body.
Even a small, untreated cavity or a hairline crack in a tooth can be the starting point. What begins as minor sensitivity can turn into a spreading infection within days or weeks if bacteria reach the inner pulp of the tooth.
Health Problems Linked to Untreated Dental Infections
| Complication | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw infection | Spreads from the tooth into the jawbone | Harder to treat, more painful, and requires a longer recovery. |
| Sinus irritation | Upper tooth infections can affect nearby sinuses. | Mimics sinus infection symptoms and is often misdiagnosed. |
| Ludwig’s angina | Infection spreads to the floor of the mouth and neck. | Can cause severe throat swelling that may block breathing. |
| Sepsis or meningitis | Bacteria enter the bloodstream in severe, untreated cases. | A medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care. |
Signs of a Dental Infection
Infections don’t always announce themselves with pain right away. Here’s what we tell our Coquitlam patients to watch for:
- Throbbing pain that gets worse with pressure, or hot and cold foods
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw
- A fever or general feeling of being unwell
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully, chewing, or sleeping
- A pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain fluid
Important: if you’ve had a root canal or have a dental implant, the nerve may no longer be alive, so you might not feel pain even with an active infection. Regular checkups matter even after treatment.
How We Treat Dental Infections at Brookmere Dental Group
Treatment depends on how far the infection has spread, but generally includes:
- Drainage to relieve pressure and remove infected material
- Root canal therapy if the infection has reached the tooth’s pulp
- Antibiotics to control the spread of bacteria
- Extraction, in cases where the tooth can’t be saved
We assess this during an exam, often with an X-ray to see how far the infection has progressed.
Preventing Dental Infections
Most dental infections are preventable with consistent care:
- Brush twice daily with high-fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months
- Book regular checkups so we can catch problems early, before they become abscesses
When to Book an Appointment in Coquitlam
If you’re experiencing swelling, persistent pain, or a fever alongside tooth discomfort, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. Dental infections rarely improve without treatment and can worsen quickly.
Brookmere Dental Group serves patients across Coquitlam, BC, with same-week and emergency appointments for infection concerns. Book an appointment or call us at (604) 373-7692.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a dental infection?
Common signs include throbbing tooth pain, facial or jaw swelling, fever, bad breath, and difficulty opening your mouth. Some infections, especially in teeth with a root canal or dead nerve, cause little to no pain.
Can a dental infection go away on its own?
No. Dental infections don’t resolve without treatment. Antibiotics may reduce symptoms temporarily, but the source of the infection (the tooth or gum) needs to be treated directly, or it can return and spread.
How urgent is a dental infection?
It depends on the symptoms. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a rapidly spreading infection, needs emergency care immediately. Localized pain or swelling should still be seen within a day or two.
What happens if a dental infection is left untreated?
It can spread to the jaw, sinuses, neck, or bloodstream, leading to complications like Ludwig’s angina, sepsis, or, in rare severe cases, meningitis.
Does Brookmere Dental Group offer emergency appointments in Coquitlam?
Yes. We offer same-week and emergency appointments for patients in Coquitlam, BC, experiencing signs of a dental infection. Call (604) 373-7692 to be seen quickly.
Can I get a same-day appointment for a dental infection?
Yes, we prioritize same-day appointments whenever possible for patients showing signs of a dental infection, such as swelling, fever, or severe pain. Call our Coquitlam office as soon as symptoms start so we can fit you in quickly.
Is your dental clinic open in the evening?
Yes. We’re open until 7 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, which gives patients more flexibility to be seen after work or school without waiting until the weekend.
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