Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.
Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental care can treat? Here is a list of common dental issues that can be deadly if left untreated.
Teeth infections are caused by oral bacteria getting to the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. This area is sealed off from the rest of a tooth, but it can be opened up by damage to the tooth as a result of decay or trauma. The pulp chamber contains the nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels. These soft tissues can be irritated by acids in the mouth, leading to toothaches. That is often the precursor for an infection. If the toothache is left unaddressed, infection will follow.
An infection in the mouth might not seem like a huge deal, but it is. It does not take much for the infection to spread to the brain, given the proximity between the two areas. An infection in the brain is a serious health condition, and there is no guarantee of successful recovery. An oral infection can also spread to other parts of the body, like the bloodstream or heart. An infection in these areas can be just as deadly as one in the brain.
Dentists treat infected teeth by performing a root canal. This involves drilling a hole into the tooth and using special tools to remove the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. Medication might be applied to the area to kill off any bacteria left, and the tooth is sealed with a material called gutta-percha. Teeth that have been restored with a root canal are often covered with crowns to protect them against further damage. In some cases, a dentist might recommend extracting the tooth instead if it is one of the wisdom teeth or there is a risk of the infection spreading to other areas.
An abscess is an infection that occurs in a tooth’s root or close to it. It manifests as a pocket of pus filled with bacteria. An abscess is usually accompanied by severe toothaches, and there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other areas, as is the case with other types of oral infections.
Dentists treat abscessed teeth by prescribing antibiotics to help kill off the infection, draining the pus pocket, applying medication to it and performing a root canal. These treatments are often combined when treating an abscess.
Dealing with a dental emergency? Call or visit our Cherry Hill clinic to get the treatment you need immediately. Our staff is waiting for your arrival.
Request an appointment here: https://gentlesmilesdentistcherryhillnj.com or call Gentle Smiles of Cherry Hill at (856) 282-4709 for an appointment in our Cherry Hill office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Cherry Hill, NJ.
A fractured tooth requires emergency dentistry if the damage to the tooth affects its inner chambers. A fractured tooth can be caused by a variety of things like trauma from sports/accidents, biting on hard foods and bruxism.The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many dentists limiting their services to only emergency dentistry to reduce the risk…
General dentistry refers to routine oral health care, whether that be oral hygiene or preventive measures, such as keeping bad breath at bay. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable. General dentists often recommend a few different things, which can go a long way in maintaining a…
General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life…
When it comes to general dentists, most of us rarely give the job much thought. Sure, we know dentists clean teeth and go to school, but beyond that most of us do not have a clue. Here are a few interesting facts that will help you better understand and be more appreciative of all the…
General dentistry refers to routine oral health care, whether that be oral hygiene or preventive measures, such as keeping bad breath at bay. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable. General dentists often recommend a few different things, which can go a long way in maintaining a…
Composite bonding is one of the many treatments that might be used as part of your smile makeover. The procedure is often used to fix cosmetic problems such as discolored, cracked or chipped teeth. Dental bonding involves applying composite resin to the affected tooth to restore or improve its appearance.Composite bonding is a versatile treatment…