Infection control dentistry treats infected or badly decayed teeth before the problem spreads to the gum, jawbone or the rest of your body. At B-You! Dentistry in Suwanee, Dr. Tan Bui treats infections with root canals, extractions, gum disease care and the restorations that come after, so you get out of pain and are set up for a healthy mouth going forward.
Infection Control in Suwanee, GA
A tooth infection usually starts small: a cavity left alone, a crack that lets bacteria in, or gum disease that has moved past the gumline into the bone. Left alone, it can cause swelling, a dental abscess and damage to the bone that supports your teeth. The American Dental Association notes that gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, and that catching it early makes treatment simpler (MouthHealthy, ADA).
Your visit starts with a full exam and digital X-rays, so Dr. Bui can see exactly where the infection is and how far it has gone. He explains what he sees on screen, in plain language, and walks you through your options before anything is decided.
New patients can start with a $149 new patient exam and healthy mouth cleaning, or a $99 limited exam if you are dealing with pain in one specific area.
Common Signs of a Tooth or Gum Infection
- Throbbing pain that does not go away
- Swelling in your face, cheek or gum
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- Gums that bleed, are red or pull away from your teeth
- A tooth that feels loose
- A bad taste or smell that keeps coming back
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
If you notice any of these, call our office. We offer same-day appointments for urgent problems during office hours, and you can read more on our emergency dental care page.
How We Treat Infections
The right treatment depends on where the infection is and how much healthy tooth is left to work with.
Root Canal Therapy
When the infection has reached the inside of the tooth, Dr. Bui removes the infected tissue, cleans the space and seals it, so the tooth can stay in your mouth instead of coming out. The American Dental Association explains that a root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp to save the natural tooth (MouthHealthy, ADA).
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth cannot be saved, removing it stops the infection from spreading further. Dr. Bui talks through replacement options at the same visit, so you are not left with a gap you did not plan for.
Gum Disease Treatment
Infections under the gumline are treated with a thorough cleaning below the gum, and our office uses a diode laser to help calm infected tissue during perio care.
Restoring the Tooth After
Once the infection is treated, many teeth need a crown to stay strong, or an implant and bridge if the tooth was removed. Dr. Bui plans this with you before treatment starts, not after.
Your Visit, Step by Step
Step 1: Exam and digital X-rays. Dr. Bui checks the area, takes digital X-rays, and uses an intraoral camera to show you photos of your tooth on screen.
Step 2: A clear explanation. You see exactly what is happening in your mouth, and Dr. Bui explains each option, what it involves and why he recommends it, without pressure to decide on the spot.
Step 3: Comfort options. If you feel nervous, ask about laughing gas or oral sedation. Your tooth and gum are numbed with local anesthetic before any treatment begins.
Step 4: Treating the infection. Depending on your plan, this may be a root canal, an extraction or a deep cleaning under the gum.
Step 5: Rebuilding and recare. If needed, a crown, bridge or implant restores the tooth. From there, you move onto regular cleanings and checkups on the schedule Dr. Bui recommends for you, so small problems get caught before they turn into infections again.
Everyone was friendly, professional, and took the time to explain my X-rays and why my wisdom teeth needed to come out. They answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed...
Carlos, Google review
Why Suwanee Patients Choose Us for Infection Control
- Every X-ray and treatment option explained in plain language, on screen
- Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras and a diode laser for gum infections
- Dr. Tan Bui, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, ADA and AGD member with ongoing continuing education
- In network with 20+ PPO plans, plus Medicare plans from Aetna, UHC PPO, United Concordia and Humana
- Monthly payments available through Cherry and CareCredit
- Our team speaks Vietnamese and Spanish
- A clean, comfortable reception lounge with beverages and small comforts while you are here
Read more patient experiences on our reviews page.
Related Treatments
- Dental implants to replace a tooth lost to infection
- Restorative dentistry for crowns, fillings and bridges after treatment
- Gum disease treatment for infections below the gumline
- Preventive care to help keep infections from coming back
Infection Control FAQs: Suwanee, GA
How do I know if I have a tooth infection?
Pain that throbs, swelling in your face or gum, or a bump on your gum that comes and goes are common signs. If you notice any of these, call our office so Dr. Bui can take a look.
Can an infected tooth be saved?
Often, yes. A root canal removes the infected tissue inside the tooth and lets you keep it. Dr. Bui checks your X-rays to see if this is a good option for your tooth.
Is a root canal painful?
Most patients feel relief, not pain, because the area is numbed before treatment and the procedure removes the source of the discomfort.
What happens if I leave an infection untreated?
An untreated infection can spread to nearby teeth, your gum and your jawbone, and can become more serious over time. It is better to get it checked as soon as you notice symptoms.
Do you treat gum infections too?
Yes. Our office treats gum infections with deep cleaning below the gumline, and we use a diode laser to help with infected tissue during perio care.
Will my insurance help pay for treatment?
Many PPO and Medicare plans cover part of root canal, extraction or gum treatment. Bring your insurance card and our team can go over your benefits with you. See our insurance and financing page for details.
If you think you have a tooth or gum infection, do not try to ride it out at home. Call (470) 866-5801 or start as a new patient today, and let Dr. Bui get you out of pain and back onto a regular care schedule.