Overall Health and Dental Infection: How does dental health affect your overall health?

Teeth become infected for different reasons. But, infection commonly occurs when bacteria from a large cavity or a previous large filling reaches the nerve. When a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread to the entire body leading to illness and fatigue. Infection can also lead to overall inflammation. According to medical doctors, Chronic Inflammation can lead to diabetes, heart problems, immune system disorders, and many other health concerns. A great way to avoid these concerns is to remove and replace infected teeth.

More on Oral Health and The Mouth-Body Connection from WebMD

Do and don’ts after tooth extraction – What to expect after tooth extraction.

Once your tooth has been extracted, it is normal to feel mild to moderate discomfort. Swelling near the area of the extraction is also common. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and using an ice pack on the outside of your jaw following the surgery should control most of your symptoms. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection during the healing process. Within just a few days, the discomfort should subside.

How long does it take for a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is generally a simple procedure that takes only 30-45 minutes. Recovery depends on the difficulty of the extraction. You may feel normal immediately following the procedure, or it may take you a couple of days to recover.

Some teeth may be more complicated to remove, requiring specific equipment and an oral surgeon. In those cases, we refer patients to Nebraska Oral and Facial Surgery.

Can a tooth abscess cause a sinus infection?

An acute abscess of an upper tooth can cause cheek swelling and, untreated, lead to a sinus infection