Clues That Point to an Infection
Infection doesn’t always look the same, because the symptoms depend on where it began. Take note if you have deep, steady pain rather than an occasional sharp one, puffiness in your gum, cheek, or jaw, or a bad taste or smell that keeps returning. Tenderness that spreads past one tooth is another sign, as is a mild fever along with mouth pain. An infection is an active process, so it tends to get worse the longer it goes untreated.
Our Southside Place team can track down the source and start treatment the same day. Your $89 evaluation is the first step.
Where Dental Infections Begin
Bacteria can take hold in several parts of the mouth. These are the most common starting points:
- A tooth abscess that grew out of untreated decay
- Gum disease that has formed infected pockets
- A cracked tooth that let bacteria reach the nerve
- A surgical site, such as after an extraction
- A wisdom tooth that is only partly through and traps bacteria
- A root canal that has become reinfected
- An injury that exposed the inside of a tooth
- Long-standing gum inflammation that was never treated
Tracing the Source for Southside Place Patients
Treated Now, Not Managed for Weeks
An active infection shouldn’t sit while you wait for an opening. We keep same-day and walk-in appointments available for cases like this.


