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 Santa Cruz clinic to get the treatment you need immediately. Our staff is waiting for your arrival.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ismilespa.com or call iSmileSpa at (831) 440-3730 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Santa Cruz, CA.
Dentists generally recommend dental implants as a natural choice for replacing missing teeth. If you play sports regularly, especially contact sports, you may be worried about continued participation after having your lost teeth replaced. This article covers what you need to know about playing sports with dental implants.Every sport has required skills, levels of fitness…
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…
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
Curious about dental fillings? Read on to learn more about this common dental restoration. The mouth serves as a gateway to our overall health, and the condition of one's teeth can offer insights into various aspects of our well-being. One of the major ways to maintain good oral health is to promptly address dental decay…