Symptoms of an Infected Nerve
- Pain, usually severe, sometimes triggered by both hot and cold foods
- painful chewing
- swelling in the area of the tooth and sometimes of the face
- swollen lymph nodes
- a “pimple” on the gums close to the tooth
- pus draining from around the tooth
- sometimes fever.
Diagnosing an Infected Nerve
The diagnosis is reached by assessing the client’s symptoms, and with an x-ray of the affected area.
Treating an Infected Nerve
Unfortunately, a “filling” is not an adequate solution for an infected nerve. These teeth require Endodontic Treatment to remove the infected nerve and decay from inside the tooth and the root canals.
This treatment involves disinfecting the inside of the tooth and it’s canals, and then filling the canals with a special material. The procedure is done with local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Usually, a prescription for antibiotics accompanies endodontic treatment.