Emergency Dentistry for an Infected Tooth

If you are not sure whether emergency dentistry is the right approach to treating your oral health, consider the severity of your condition. If you are experiencing extreme pain in your teeth or gums, an emergency dentist can help. A toothache or other related discomfort could be a sign of an infection. This is not something you should ignore. If you do not get emergency assistance, the infection could spread.

Signs of an infected tooth

In most cases, patients will have a clue that they have an abscessed tooth. It should not be a surprise at the dentist’s office to learn this. Most patients will seek emergency dentistry help when they have the symptoms of a tooth infection. Perhaps the most common sign is a persistent, severe toothache. The pain can radiate into the jaw and neck.

There may also be swelling in the jaw when there is an infection. The swelling can also be present in the cheeks. People with an infected tooth may have a sensitivity to the cold or heat. The infection may also cause a fever.

Examination at the emergency dentistry office

When a patient visits an emergency dental practice, the dentist will diagnose the person’s condition. A staff member will start by taking X-rays of the patient. After reviewing these, the dentist will do a hands-on exam. There may also be a review of the person’s oral health history. The dentist will ask the patient questions about the pain, including how long it has been going on and whether it has gotten worse.

Root canal

Many people are scared of this treatment, but it can effectively remove decay and infections. The process is much less painful than people fear. The dentist begins by numbing the affected area to get the person comfortable. Next, the dentist drills into the infected tooth into the pulp, which houses the nerves and vessels. In this pocket, the dentist will remove bacteria and disinfect the tooth. After sealing the tooth, the dentist usually places a crown over it to protect it from further damage.

Tooth extraction

In the most severe cases, the dentist may have to remove the infected tooth. This will be necessary if the infection has begun to spread or if the tooth has suffered significant damage. After removing the tooth, the dentist will clean out the socket and administer an antibiotic. At the emergency dentistry office, the dentist and patient will discuss tooth-replacement options. Dental implants and a dental bridge are viable solutions. If several teeth are impacted, the dentist may suggest getting partial dentures.

A positive end to a difficult situation

Like any infection in the body, an infected tooth can cause serious problems. The infection can spread throughout the mouth and eventually into other parts of the body. This condition can be fatal if you do not receive any treatment. Going to an emergency dentistry professional is the most effective way to relieve your pain and kill the infection. If you have any of the signs of an abscessed tooth, call an emergency dentist near you without delay.

Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.

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