Tooth Infection Treatment in Beverly Hills
Tooth infection treatment in Beverly Hills at ConfiDental focuses on two things: getting you out of pain quickly and removing the infection at its source, usually the same day you call. Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH, finds the infected tooth with an exam and X-rays, relieves the pressure, and then explains whether a root canal can save the tooth or whether removing it is the safer choice, with the cost of each option before anything begins.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to your eye or down your neck, swelling under your tongue, or a high fever and feel very unwell. For a swollen face from a tooth, see our facial swelling page.
How Much Does Tooth Infection Treatment Cost?
Most tooth infections are treated with drainage plus either a root canal or an extraction. In Beverly Hills, typical costs are:
Treatment | Typical cost | When it is used |
Urgent exam and X-rays | $100 to $250 | Every visit, to find the infected tooth |
Draining an abscess | $200 to $500 | To release pus and pressure quickly |
Root canal (front tooth to molar) | $700 to $1,500 | To save the tooth |
Crown after a root canal | $1,200 to $2,000 | Most back teeth, to protect the treated tooth |
Extraction | $150 to $600, more for surgical removal | When the tooth cannot be saved |
Deep cleaning for a gum infection | per quadrant | Infection in the gum pocket |
Typical ranges, not a quote. You receive a written estimate after your exam.
Insurance: most dental plans cover part of infection treatment, including exams, root canals and extractions. We check your benefits and help with claims. See understanding dental insurance and our payment options for monthly financing.
Waiting usually costs more. An infection treated early can often be fixed with a root canal. Left longer, it can destroy bone around the tooth, so the tooth may need to come out and be replaced with a bridge or implant.
Signs You May Have a Tooth Infection
- Throbbing toothache that may spread to your ear, jaw or neck
- Pain when you bite or tap the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- A swollen gum or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- Bad taste or bad breath from one area
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw
- Fever or swollen glands under the jaw
Mayo Clinic lists the same warning signs. For a fuller explanation of types and stages, read our guide to tooth abscess symptoms and treatment. If you are not sure whether your pain is an infection, see signs you need a root canal.
How We Treat a Tooth Infection
1. Find the source
A focused dental exam and digital X-rays show which tooth is infected and how far the infection has spread. Sometimes the cause is a deep cavity, sometimes a cracked tooth, and sometimes gum disease.
2. Relieve the pressure
Most of the pain comes from pus trapped under pressure. We release it by opening the tooth or draining the abscess. Many patients feel noticeably better soon after.
3. Remove the infection
- Root canal therapy: cleans the infection out of the inside of the tooth and seals it, so you keep your natural tooth. The American Association of Endodontists explains that saving the natural tooth helps you keep normal chewing and a natural look.
- Extraction: if the tooth is too damaged or cracked to save, removing it clears the infection. We then talk through replacement options. See root canal vs implant.
- Gum infection: a gum (periodontal) abscess is drained and the pocket is cleaned with a deep dental cleaning.
4. Antibiotics, only when needed
Antibiotics do not cure a tooth infection on their own, because they cannot clean out the source inside the tooth. The American Dental Association guideline recommends dental treatment, plus over the counter pain relief if needed, and antibiotics only when the infection is spreading or the patient is unwell, for example with fever or facial swelling. If we prescribe them, take the full course and still complete the dental treatment.
5. Protect and follow up
After a root canal, most back teeth need a porcelain crown to prevent cracking. We check that the infection has settled at a follow-up visit.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Step | Time in the chair | Recovery |
Exam and drainage | One short visit | Pressure eases within a day or two |
Root canal | 1 to 2 visits, about 60 to 90 minutes each | Mild soreness for a few days |
Crown | 1 to 2 visits | Little or no downtime |
Simple extraction | One visit | Socket heals over 1 to 2 weeks |
Surgical extraction | One visit | Up to a few weeks for full healing |
If you have had a root canal and notice new swelling or pain, see signs of infection after a root canal.
What to Do Until Your Appointment
Do:
- Take over the counter pain relief as directed on the label
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Use a cold pack on the outside of your cheek
- Sleep with your head raised
- Chew on the other side
Do not:
- Rely on painkillers alone and wait it out
- Put heat on your face
- Squeeze a swelling or gum bump
- Put aspirin directly on the gum
- Take leftover antibiotics from an old prescription
Our guide on how to stop a toothache has more tips for short-term relief.
Why You Should Not Wait
An untreated tooth infection does not heal on its own. It can damage the bone around the tooth, spread to nearby teeth and, rarely, spread into the face, neck or bloodstream. MedlinePlus notes that prompt treatment cures the infection in most cases and the tooth can often be saved. The CDC lists confusion, shortness of breath, a high heart rate, fever or shivering, extreme pain and clammy skin as possible signs of sepsis, which needs emergency care.
Recognized Any of These Symptoms?
Do not manage a tooth infection with painkillers alone. Without treatment the infection can spread beyond the tooth into your jaw, neck, or bloodstream within days.
When You Can Reach Us
Availability | |
Monday to Thursday | 9 AM to 5 PM. Infection and pain cases are fitted in the same day whenever possible. |
Friday | 9 AM to 4 PM |
Weekends and after hours | Virtual consultations by request |
Call as early in the day as you can. For other urgent problems, see our emergency dentist page.
Same-Day Tooth Infection Treatment in Beverly Hills
Dr. Liyan Massaband | Confidental Beverly hills
Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University and her Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California, and is licensed by the Dental Board of California. With more than 15 years in practice, she treats dental infections every week, explains each option in plain language, and refers to an endodontist, oral surgeon or hospital the same day when that is the safer path.
Patient Stories
Real experiences shared by patients reflect comfort, trust, and positive outcomes built over time through consistent care and open conversations with our dental team.
Why people love Confidental Beverly hills
Patients often mention how clearly things are explained, how gently visits are handled, and how supported they feel before and after appointments. Many reviews highlight feeling heard, not rushed, and genuinely cared for.
Tooth Infection Dentist Near You in Beverly Hills
Our Beverly Hills location makes it easier to receive timely care for tooth infections close to home.
Convenient Care in the Heart of Beverly Hills
We serve Beverly Hills and nearby communities with accessible appointments designed for quick evaluations and coordinated follow-ups.
Patients experiencing infection-related swelling or sudden pain often contact our Emergency Dentist for immediate support.
Schedule an Evaluation for Tooth Infection
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or discomfort, reaching out early can help prevent complications and support relief. Our team is here to listen, evaluate, and guide you with calm, informed care.
You can contact our Beverly Hills dental office to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward comfort and peace of mind.
Tooth Infection Treatment FAQs
How much does tooth infection treatment cost in Beverly Hills?
It depends on the treatment. Draining an abscess typically costs $200 to $500, a root canal $700 to $1,500 plus a crown for most back teeth, and an extraction from about $150 to $600, more for a surgical removal. Insurance usually covers part of it. You get a written estimate first.
Can a tooth infection go away with antibiotics alone?
No. Antibiotics can calm a spreading infection, but they cannot remove the source inside the tooth. The infection usually returns unless the tooth is treated with drainage, a root canal or an extraction.
What is the best painkiller for a tooth infection?
Over the counter pain relievers can help while you wait for treatment, used exactly as the label directs and only if they are safe for you. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor if you take other medicines. Pain relief does not treat the infection, so book a dental visit.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
Rarely, yes. If untreated, infection can spread into the face, neck or bloodstream. Fever, feeling very unwell, or swelling that spreads are signs to get urgent care.
Can a tooth infection spread to other teeth?
It can spread through the bone and gum to the roots of neighbouring teeth, which is one reason to treat it early.
Should I get a root canal or have the tooth pulled?
If the tooth can be saved with a good long-term outlook, a root canal is usually the better choice. If it is badly cracked or there is too little tooth left, extraction may be safer. We explain the pros, cons and cost of each.
How long does it take to heal after an infected tooth is pulled?
Most people feel better within a few days. The gum usually closes over the socket in one to two weeks, and the bone continues to heal for a few months. If pain gets worse after day three, read about dry socket.
Can I get an infection after wisdom tooth removal?
It is uncommon but possible. Increasing pain, swelling, pus, a bad taste or fever a few days after surgery should be checked. Learn more about impacted wisdom teeth.