Dentist using a palette tooth color sample.

Dental Emergencies | Tooth Infection Treatment in Reno, NV

An infection in your tooth or tooth abscess can be a serious issue. In some cases, they can even be life threatening. Infections within the teeth and mouth don’t tend to stay there and often spread to the rest of the body if they are not dealt with promptly. It’s important to know that they don’t go away on their own.  

But have no fear, if you need tooth infection treatment in Reno, we can help. A tooth infection is an emergency, but luckily Absolute Dental provides same-day dental appointments. Our emergency dentists in Reno are committed to fast, compassionate care, and we welcome everyone in the whole family, from children to the elderly. 

If you need urgent dental care, call today. The quicker we can see you, the better the outcome will be, no matter if you have a swollen gums emergency, signs of a tooth infection, or need root canal therapy in Reno.

Call (844) 8-SMILE-NOW or make an appointment today!

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Understanding Tooth Infections and Dental Emergencies

A tooth infection is a bacterial buildup in or around your tooth, usually invading the pulp or the soft inside of your teeth. It can happen for a number of reasons, including injury, untreated cavities, and gum disease. 

Like other infections, tooth infections generally begin small. Initially, there may be few signs and symptoms. But if left untreated, the infection can grow into a much bigger problem, even a life threatening one. 

Signs of a growing infection include: 

  • Swelling
  • Pus buildup 
  • Pain near the affected area
  • Redness around the affected area
  • The area is warm to the touch

If not treated at this stage, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the blood. Symptoms normally include a fever and general malaise. This stage can be life threatening, and you should see a doctor immediately.

Don’t let things progress to this level. If you have any of the symptoms above, book a same day dental appointment in Reno now. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection 

Recognizing the signs of a tooth infection can save your life and prevent you from a lot of pain. Signs can range from mild discomfort to wide-ranging malaise throughout the body. 

Some of the most important signs include: 

  • Persistent toothache and sensitivity: Patients often describe this as a “throbbing” or constant pain, but it can also be sharp and sometimes worse when eating or chewing. 
  • Pressure in your face or tooth: This can indicate pus buildup behind or inside your tooth. 
  • Swollen gums or face: Any swelling around the area can indicate an infection. This may extend to the neck or jaw. 
  • Pus drainage or abscess in the mouth: Any pus drainage in the mouth should be treated as an emergency. Same goes for abscesses (pockets of pus). 
  • Fever and general malaise: Fever is indicative of infection spreading around the body. Any instance of fever with a toothache should be treated seriously and you should see a doctor immediately. 
  • Bad taste in mouth or foul breath: These can be symptoms of bacteria buildup or other rot that may be contributing to infection.

If you notice these signs of tooth infection, contact us immediately for urgent dental care in Reno. A tooth infection can escalate quickly. 


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Dangers of Ignoring a Tooth Infection

We cannot overstate this — the dangers of ignoring a tooth infection are severe and can even be life threatening. This risk comes from the potential spread of the infection to other parts of the body. Infection can spread to the jaw, the blood, the heart, or the brain. 

A woman with a tooth infection holding her face in pain while sitting in a dental chair.

When infection enters the blood, it is called sepsis. This is a deadly serious issue and should be treated as such. Before the invention of antibiotics, thousands of people died each year from tooth infections. Many still die today from advanced sepsis. But with proper treatment, most people can be cured. You just have to take the first step.

In addition to the risk of infection spreading, a tooth infection can lead to tooth loss, if left untreated. The sooner we can treat you, the higher the likelihood of saving your tooth and preventing systemic complications. 

Common Emergency Dental Services We Provide in Reno 

From providing antibiotics, to regular checkups, to infected tooth extraction in Reno, we provide every emergency and non-urgent dental service you may need. 

Root Canal Therapy in Reno 

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, often a root canal is needed to eliminate it. Contrary to popular belief, root canals relieve pain, not cause more of it. This process also often saves the natural tooth.

Infected Tooth Extraction in Reno 

In some cases of advanced infection, teeth cannot be saved with antibiotics or a root canal alone. In these cases, the tooth often must be extracted or removed. Our world-class team at Absolute Dental offers gentle and safe removal for those needing this service.

Same-Day Dental Appointments 

A tooth infection cannot and should not wait for care. Fortunately, Absolute Dental offers services to fix anything, from a standard toothache to an abscessed tooth in Reno, with a same-day appointment. 

Walk-ins and urgent cases are always prioritized, and our flexible scheduling for emergencies ensures someone will always be waiting and ready.

Call now before your condition worsens

We Accept Most Dental Insurance

Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.

If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!

No Insurance? No Problem. Try our Smile Saver Program

Every person’s situation is different. If you don’t see your health insurance here, or if you do not have dental insurance, we can help you!

Call us now to discuss your situation and discover what options are right for you.

(844) 8-SMILE-NOW

Other Dental Emergencies We Treat

Other than treating tooth infections, Absolute Dental treats a number of different dental emergencies for the whole family. The emergencies we treat include: 

Severe Toothache 

Sometimes, a toothache has a cause beyond infection. These can include deep rot in the tooth, a filling that has fallen out, a fracture or break in the tooth, or even gum disease. Our emergency doctors provide urgent treatment to relieve pain, and can get to the root of the issue immediately. 

Attractive young woman having toothache, visiting dentist

Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth 

Broken or knocked out teeth are always a dental emergency, and time is critical to saving the tooth. If your tooth has been knocked out, hold it by the crown (the part that usually sticks out of the gums), and rinse it gently, but don’t scrub it. Place it in a jar of milk and bring it in as quickly as possible. The sooner we see you, the more likely we are able to save your natural tooth. 

Lost Filling or Crown 

A lost filling can cause sharp and extreme pain, and should be treated as an emergency; similarly for lost crowns. We offer both temporary and emergency fixes at our emergency appointments, depending on the case, so you may not even have to come back. 

Oral Injuries and Swelling 

Absolute Dental in Reno is happy to service all kinds of cuts, lacerations, or bleeding in the mouth area. We can also help with swelling from trauma or infection. As always, fast care is available and waiting for you. 

Orthodontic Emergencies 

Broken wires or brackets can poke your cheeks and lips, make it difficult to eat or speak, and overall be very painful. We can fix just about any emergency issue with your braces, even if your orthodontist is closed. 

What To Do if You Suspect a Tooth Infection

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, there are a number of things you can do before reaching the dentist.

Start with pain management. You can take over the counter medication like Tylenol or Advil, but try to stay away from aspirin, especially if you are bleeding, as this can make it worse. 

You can also apply a cold compress to the affected area. You can use an ice pack, a plastic bag filled with ice, or even a sealed bag of frozen vegetables. Just remember to always wrap frozen items in a towel to avoid “burning” the skin with the cold. 

You should avoid other home remedies for an infection, and call an emergency dentist in Reno right away. 

What To Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

When you come in for an emergency, we’ll first perform an initial exam and likely take X-rays. With these examinations complete, we can then make a diagnosis of a tooth abscess or infection, or rule these out.

After diagnosis, we will discuss the treatment plan with you. This may include a root canal, tooth extraction, antibiotics, or a combination of procedures. Importantly, we’ll provide fast relief and comfort measures to help your pain as quickly as possible. 

Why Choose Absolute Dental in Reno for Emergency Care? 

At Absolute Dental, our experienced emergency dentists are the heart of our organization. Our world-class staff practices at multiple Reno locations for quick access and convenience. Our team is compassionate, family-friendly, and standing by to take care of any emergency in the whole family, including children.

If you’re in the throes of a dental emergency, you shouldn’t be worried about money. We offer affordable urgent dental care in Reno, with financing and insurance options. Make sure to check out our innovative Smile Saver program, as well as our payment plans. We also accept most major insurance carriers.

Preventing Dental Emergencies 

Emergencies can happen at any time, but you can minimize their chance by getting regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist twice a year, and following good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice per day and flossing once.

You should also address any cavities you may have early to minimize their spread or potential for infection. Additionally, always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 

Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment in Reno Today 

For all Reno dental emergencies, think Absolute Dental. Call us immediately at (702) 744-8009 for any emergency. Don’t delay. Your condition may get worse the longer you wait.

Make an appointment before an inspection spreads

FAQ

No, a severe tooth infection will not go away on its own. In some cases, the pain may temporarily go away or subside, but this can be dangerous, as it might lull you into a false sense of security. 

A tooth infection can spread quickly, even in just a matter of days or hours. Each case is unique, but if you suspect you have an infection, you should see a dentist immediately.

If you are experiencing a very high fever, having trouble breathing, or having trouble swallowing, you should go to the ER or call an ambulance. Otherwise, see an emergency dentist. 

You can try using a cold compress on the affected area and take over-the-counter pain medications.

If your face is swollen, and you haven’t been injured, this can be a sign of a very serious dental emergency.

Cost depends on the severity of the infection and the treatment required. We accept almost all major insurance carriers, and offer generous payment plans for those without.

Address

2900 Clear Acre Lane Unit R
Reno, Nevada 89512
Phone Number: ​(775) 677-1055

Hours

Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thur: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Address

5032 South Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone Number: (775) 787-8900

Hours

Monday: 7am-4pm
Tuesday: 7am-4pm
Wednesday: 7am-4pm
Thursday: 7am-4pm
Friday: 7am-4pm
Saturday: 7am-12pm (every other week call to confirm)
Sunday: Closed

Address

5365 Mae Anne Avenue
Reno, Nevada 89523
Phone Number: (702) 291-2031

Hours

Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Address

9492 Double R Boulevard suite a
Reno, Nevada 89521
Phone Number: (​775) 853-5858

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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