Don’t Delay On Repairing An Abscessed Tooth!

There are certain dental issues that need to be treated with the same fast care as chest pains or other serious medical conditions, and an abscessed tooth is one of those. The problem is that an abscessed tooth is often mistaken for just being a tooth ache, and that can be a really serious mistake.

Don’t Delay On Repairing An Abscessed Tooth!

The Symptoms

An abscessed tooth is normally easy to identify. Aside from major throbbing pain up in the gums or root area of a tooth, there is often major swelling in the gums. An abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection and because of that, it is especially serious.

Common Symptoms Include:

Bad breath
Fever
Swelling & severe pain
Problem chewing
Severe temperature sensitivity to hot and cold
Open sores in the mouth

These are just the beginning, however. It’s important to understand that when left untreated, this infection can easily spread into the blood which can then go through your system and especially to affecting your heart. This leads to severe medical issues and complications that can almost always be avoided if the abscessed tooth is treated immediately.

Even in situations where it may take time to get an oral surgeon to extract the tooth, dentists will want patients suffering from an abscessed tooth to get on antibiotics immediately to lessen the chance of the infection spreading and at the very least keep it contained and better controlled.

Not A Minor Problem

An abscessed tooth will at the very least need a root canal, careful medication, and special treatment. However, there are also many times when having an abscessed tooth also means that the tooth will eventually have to be removed. This is often the case with severe tooth decay, so it’s not a problem that should be put off. There are too many health ramifications – so get any abscessed tooth treated as quickly as possible.

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Is a Cracked Filling a True Dental Emergency?

Fillings are comprised of different materials than our teeth. Sometimes you might bite down wrong and break or crack your filling. You may not notice or feel it happen as you bite down. Some people feel a hard piece of their filling in their mouth and spit it out to discover that they’ve broken or cracked a filling.

Is a Cracked Filling a True Dental Emergency?

While a cracked or broken dental filling isn’t pleasant, it’s also not considered to be an emergency. However, it’s important that you seek treatment for your cracked or broken dental filling as soon as possible to prevent infection. The tooth could begin to decay beneath the filling; the injury could also spread and cause other dental issues if you don’t seek prompt medical attention for your teeth.

If you are in severe pain, you should call your dentist as soon as possible to ensure your tooth isn’t damaged. Left untreated, dental issues such as a cracked or broken filling may impact your oral health. They may cause severe pain or lead to an unresolved infection that could cause other health issues.

Your dentist is the best person to evaluate a broken or cracked filling. If you’re not feeling any pain, call your dentist to schedule an appointment. If you’re feeling pain, it’s important to call your dentist and ask for an emergency appointment so that you don’t further damage your tooth or lose your tooth altogether.

Dental emergencies are dental issues that involve facial bone, bone trauma, excessive bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, infection, or abscessed teeth. True dental emergencies can lead to tooth loss, further infection, and excruciating pain. When something happens like this, it’s important to call your dentist right away and ask for an emergency appointment. Explain what is going on to the dentist and make sure that they know how much pain you’re in.

Many foods can contribute to a cracked or broken filling. While your tooth is damaged, avoiding using it whenever possible is important. Chew on your other side and avoid foods that could further damage your teeth, such as hard nuts or other hard foods. If you’re in doubt about whether or not a food should be eaten, it’s wise to avoid it.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and call your emergency dental office in Albuquerque if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental fillings or other issues with your teeth.

Should You Call a Dentist If You Have Toothache?

A toothache refers to the pain that a person feels in and around their teeth and jaws. It is often the result of tooth decay, sensitive teeth, gingivitis, or breakdown of tooth enamel. And if a toothache is not treated, the pulp inside the tooth could become infected. So, a toothache could also mean the presence of a dental infection.

Should You See the Dentist If You Have Toothache?

A person should see a dentist if their tooth pain persists, have bleeding gums, redness occurs around their gums, inflammation increases, swelling occurs around their jaw or face, or they are feeling sick due to tooth pain. Also, if a person had recent trauma to their mouth or face, they should see the dentist.

Here is when a person should see a dentist if they have toothache:

Tooth Pain Persists

Persistent tooth pain is often the result of tooth decay. Once tooth decay reaches the nerves inside the tooth, the person will experience a persistent toothache. The infection can spread into the gum tissue and the jawbone surrounding the decayed tooth. A dentist can help stop the infection from spreading.

A Sudden or Severe Toothache

Do not ignore a sudden or severe toothache! It could be a sign of an infection or tooth abscess. A tooth abscess occurs due to an injury, prior dental work, or untreated dental cavity. The infection can lead to bone loss in the jaw, and it can spread into the bloodstream. A dentist can drain the tooth abscess and get rid of the infection.

Tooth Sensitivity Worsens

Having sensitive teeth can lead to severe tooth pain. Sensitive teeth are usually the result of exposed tooth roots, cracked teeth, tooth decay, or worn tooth enamel. The person will experience sharp, temporary pain inside their teeth while eating, brushing, or even drinking. However, if teeth sensitivity worsens, they need to see a dentist.

See a Dentist to Treat the Tooth Pain

Home remedies can provide temporary relief for tooth pain. However, they might not stop the spread of the infection. Seeing a dentist in Albuquerque can help treat the underlying cause of the toothache and stop the spread of the infection throughout the body. It is best to see a dentist to treat the cause of the tooth pain.

Is an Infected Tooth a Reason For Emergency Dental Care?

A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and potential health risks if left unaddressed. However, not all tooth infections necessitate immediate emergency attention. This brief read aims to discuss the signs of a tooth infection and determine whether it’s an emergency that calls for immediate dental care.

How to Recognize a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection usually develops when bacteria invade the innermost section of the tooth referred to as the pulp. This can result from cracked teeth, untreated cavities, or gum disease. Some of the common symptoms of a tooth infection include:

-Severe toothache
-Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
-A foul taste in the mouth resulting from pus drainage
-Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
-Difficulty chewing
-Fever

Emergency or Not?

Whether a tooth infection is an emergency or not depends on the infection’s severity:

(i) Severe Symptoms

If you experience extreme pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms indicate a potentially severe infection that could spread to other parts of your body.

(ii) Mild to Moderate Symptoms

If you experience mild to moderate pain, localized discomfort, and swelling, it’s still advisable to seek medical attention. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible, but it may not necessitate a trip to the ER.

(iii) Consider Your Overall Health

If you have a heart condition, compromised immune system, or another chronic health issue, even a minor tooth infection can lead to a severe outcome. As such, it’s best to be cautious and seek prompt medical attention.

The Takeaway

Never take a tooth infection lightly as it can result in severe health complications. While not all infections are emergencies, severe symptoms call for prompt medical attention. Knowing the telltale signs, understanding your health condition, and observing good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth infections. If in doubt, do not be afraid to consult your dentist.

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Treatment Options For Missing Teeth

While tooth loss is quite a common problem, it can be very problematic if left unaddressed. Losing one or more teeth not only affects the appearance of your smile, but can also impact your oral health and lead to wide range of issues. Over time, a missing tooth can lead to complications such as misaligned teeth, gum disease, and bone tissue loss. Also, the absence of teeth can make chewing and speaking more difficult. All these factors can have a profound effect on your overall health, confidence, and personal life.

Treatment Options For Missing Teeth

Whether your missing tooth is the result of an injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition, you need to have it addressed as soon as possible. Fortunately, modern dentistry has presented us with a wide range of effective and affordable treatment options for missing teeth.

Here are some of the most common options:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone and upon which the replacement teeth are anchored.
Implants are generally the most preferred choice, and for good reasons. First, dental implants help restore the natural look and feel of real teeth. Secondly, implants provide support to the jaw bone and prevent bone reabsorption. They also help to preserve the adjacent teeth. Thirdly, if well taken care of, implants can last an entire lifetime, essentially serving as permanent solution to missing teeth.

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures are among the most cost-effective treatment options.
There are two main types of dentures:
i) Partial dentures are typically used when the patient is missing one or a few teeth and the remaining teeth are healthy and natural. They have an acrylic or metal base and are designed to attach to the existing teeth using clasps
ii) Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing in either jaw bone or both. They consist of a set of acrylic or porcelain artificial teeth affixed to a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums.

While dentures are cheaper and less invasive than implants or bridges, they may feel less comfortable and stable.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a viable option when there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth. As you might have deduced from the name, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap created by the missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth (made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a mixture of these materials) to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. A dental bridge is typically a permanent solution that stays in once inserted by a dentist.

It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
There are three main types of bridges: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland.

While all the options discussed above are effective ways of replacing missing teeth, it is always advisable to consult your dentist in Albuquerque before making a final decision.

How To Treat An Infected Tooth While Waiting For A Dental Appointment

An infected tooth or an abscess is a serious medical condition. It’s important to make a dental appointment as soon as possible. While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, there are some steps that you can take to ease your symptoms and begin the preparation for your visit to the dentist.

How To Treat An Infected Tooth While Waiting For A Dental Appointment

To get relief and eliminate infection, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Combine one to two teaspoons of salt with four ounces of warm water, stir it until the salt dissolves, swish it in your mouth, and then spit it out. Use all of the four ounces of salt water until it is gone. Repeat as necessary for relief.

You can also rinse your mouth with baking soda water. Stir a teaspoon of baking soda into 4 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for a few minutes, and then spit the mixture out. Repeat as needed for relief.

You may find some relief with an ice pack. Fill your ice pack with ice and place the ice pack against your check. You may wish to place a soft cloth between your cheek and the ice pack. Hold this on the affected area for about twenty minutes at a time. Repeat every hour or so as needed for relief.

Clove oil can offer some relief for a toothache. Apply the clove oil to the affected area with a cotton-tipped swab. Repeat this as needed for pain relief. Oil of oregano or thyme oil can also be used. Be sure to use a carrier oil so that you’re not using the oil full strength, as this can cause a burn.

Mix a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution with warm water and swish it around your mouth. Spit this out and repeat as needed to treat the pain and infection.

Acetomenophen and ibuprofen can also treat pain. Take the recommended amount and swallow with a glass of water. Do not allow the medication to dissolve on your tooth, as this can create more damage. Follow the package directions and make sure not to take more than recommended.

These tips and tricks can help to ease your pain while you wait for your dental appointment. Mix and match these remedies as needed for maximum pain relief. Make sure to avoid using oils directly on the skin without a carrier oil. Follow package directions on any OTC pain medications.

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Is Same Day Tooth Extraction Possible?

If you are dealing with an infected tooth, it’s very important to act quickly. The longer you wait to address it, the more damage can be done to your teeth and gums. But when is it the right time to pull an infected tooth?

If you have an infected tooth that has been bothering you and you are eager to see it go, you may wonder, once you have scheduled an appointment, will the dentist pull your tooth on the first visit or will it have to wait until a second one?

Will a Dentist Pull a Tooth on the First Visit?

A dentist can pull a tooth that’s infected during the first appointment, but it’s highly unlikely for him or her to actually do it. In most cases, a consultation is necessary for a variety of reasons that you need to know about.

The consultation allows the dentist to determine what type of extraction is required, whether there’s actually an infection present, and whether the procedure requires anesthesia. X-rays will also be needed to get a closer look at your teeth and jaw.

You will then be booked for the procedure after the consultation. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the dentist will likely book you as soon as possible. Many dental offices allow for emergency appointments after hours for urgent cases.

Final Thoughts

The reality is that while all dentists can perform emergency tooth extractions, they will hardly ever pull a tooth on the first visit. To reduce your risk of developing an infection that may require emergency treatment, you need to take proper care of your teeth.

Proper oral care includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding substances likely to damage your teeth, and having regular dental checkups in Albuquerque every 6 months. If you visit the dentist regularly, the signs of infection can be identified in the early stages and addressed before significant damage occurs.

What is the Most Painful Dental Problem?

Tooth decay, dental abscesses, displaced teeth, and loose fillings are some of the most painful dental issues.

What is the Most Painful Dental Problem?

Toothache is considered to be one of the most common dental emergencies. It can interfere with your work, sleep, and feeding schedule. If you experience a severe toothache, it is recommended that you seek emergency dental care immediately.

There are many reasons why you may experience toothache. The pain might be temporary, going away on its own, or persistent – which may be a sign of an underlying issue. In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by swelling and bleeding in the gums.

Pain is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of dental issues. Continue reading below to find out more about the most painful dental issue.

Displaced/Dislodged Teeth

Having your tooth knocked out of place can be quite painful. You need to see a dentist immediately if your tooth has been knocked out. It is easier for a dental professional to minimize the damage caused by a dislodged tooth by addressing the problem as soon as possible. As a rule of thumb, you should never touch the root of a tooth that has been knocked out. Simply rinse off any dirt on the tooth with water, while holding the crown. If you cannot reposition the tooth, put it in milk and head to the dentist immediately.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the affected teeth. Tooth decay occurs when a sticky layer of bacteria, referred to as plaque, adheres to the outer layer of teeth. The bacteria release acids that can dissolve the enamel, after feeding on carbohydrates and bacteria. Continued breakdown of the enamel exposes the more sensitive layers of teeth; thus, leading to pain and elevated sensitivity to heat and cold.

Abscess

In addition to being very painful, an abscessed tooth is considered to be a serious dental emergency. An abscessed tooth is normally caused by an infection of the soft tissue inside the tooth structure. While some people may have an abscess for weeks or even months without experiencing any pain, others may find this condition to be quite painful from the start.

Your dentist will need to drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. A root canal is the most common treatment for tooth abscesses.

Gum Infection

Gum infection is another painful dental condition. An infection of the gums can lead to periodontitis. When left untreated for long, the bacteria in the infected gums can spread to the bloodstream, leading to serious heart and lung problems.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are different types of painful dental problems. The level of pain involved varies from one individual to the next. If you are concerned about any dental pain you might be experiencing, be sure to contact your dentist immediately.

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Dental 911: Are Your Swollen Gums An Emergency?

Your mouth is very sensitive and swollen gums could mean a number of different scenarios. If you notice redness, inflammation and are experiencing any pain, even mild, it’s best to act quickly, in order to rule out the possibility of a serious situation.

It Could Be An Abscess

A tooth abscess can evolve with alarming speed, going from slight pain and swelling to dangerous infection within a matter of days. There are two forms of abscess you need to be wary of if you have swollen gums:

A Periodontal Abscess: This is an abscess of an area of your gums, most often between teeth. You may have inadvertently left food particles between your teeth without realizing it and this can lead to irritated, swollen gums and possibly an abscess. Also, when bacteria remains on the gum surface, it can spread inward, eventually reaching the bone. If you have a gum abscess, you may notice swelling and redness and will also likely be in considerable pain, particularly when the area is touched.

An Abscessed Tooth: This type of abscess is called periapical by dental professionals and it can be very serious. It’s the result of rotting in the tooth, which has extended to the nerve; it can also delve deeper, right into the bone. While the gums surrounding an abscessed tooth may be red and swollen, you might also only see damage on the tooth itself; however, an abscessed tooth is most frequently accompanied by pain.
Either type of abscess should be considered a significant health threat, as the infection can seep into the bloodstream. In rare cases, there may be no pain associated with the abscess, but it’s still crucial to seek treatment. Such an infection will continue indefinitely, without ever healing on its own.

You May Have Gingivitis

Gingivitis is unfortunately very common, with approximately 75 % of all adults afflicted. Frequently, it’s a result of improper brushing and you can see it develop as gums become swollen and red, followed by bleeding. Inflammation is simply the act of your body attempting to ward off the bacteria as it builds up in your mouth.

The good news is that many people can cure their own gingivitis, simply by brushing better, flossing and rinsing; however, since swollen gums can be caused by other, more serious conditions, it’s best to get an official diagnosis from your dentist before moving forward.

If you do have gingivitis, symptoms should subside within a week or so. Wait too long with this condition, though, and it could evolve into the more serious situation of preiodontitis, where you may even lose teeth completely.

Other Causes Of Swollen Gums

Since there can be so many reasons for gum swelling, redness and sensitivity, it’s important to involve your dentist in the investigation. Here are other possible causes you’re having these issues:

A Vitamin Deficiency: Just like other body parts and systems, your oral health depends on proper nutrition; you may be lacking in some important vitamin, such as C, as indicated by swollen gums.

Medication You’re Taking: If you’ve recently started taking a new medicine and noticed swelling of the gums simultaneously, the two may be linked. Check the label on the prescription or give your physician a call.

Sensitivity To Oral Care Products: Some ingredients are harsher than others, such as sodium laurel sulfate. These chemicals may instigate a reaction, including, but not limited, to sensitive or swollen gums. Any new product you’re using could be culpable.

Underlying Health Conditions: Poor gum health may be a reflection of a more serious underlying condition you’re facing. Diabetes, for example, may affect gums when not under control and heart disease may be present in people with gum problems.

Swollen gums can mean many things, from the very serious to the benign; however; it’s wise to begin your investigation at the dentist’s office, rather than try and figure out the cause yourself. Hopefully, it’s nothing major, but if it is, you need to address it as early as possible.

If you have swollen gums this could be the sign of a dental abscess which should be examined as soon as possible. Make an appointment with an Albuquerque dentist as soon as your gums become swollen to find out if you do, in fact, have an infection.

Four Symptoms That Indicate You Need Emergency Dental Care

Going to the dentist’s is usually not a pleasant experience, which is why most people delay it as much as possible. However, emergency dental care is sometimes required. You should not delay going to the dentist’s if you experience any of these symptoms.

Dental Abscesses
Abscesses can appear around the roots of a tooth or between teeth. If the infection is not treated, it could spread to other parts of the mouth or even to the rest of the body. Abscesses are usually painful and very sensitive. If you discover painful swelling in your mouth, go see an emergency dentist right away.

A Partially Dislodged Tooth
You can ease the pain by applying a cold compress to the partially dislodged tooth. Your dentist will be able to save the tooth if you have it treated quickly. If you wait, the tooth could fall or become infected.

A knocked-Out Tooth
If you see a dentist within a short time frame, your tooth might be saved. Meanwhile, keep the tooth in a glass or milk to preserve the root. It is fairly easy to save a tooth if the problem is treated within an hour.

Lost or Dislodged Fillings and Crowns
Go see an emergency dentist if you lost a crown, if a filling is dislodged or if you encounter an issue with your braces. A dentist will be able to resolve the problem if you take action quickly. You might experience pain if you wait too long and replacing the crown, filling or fixing your braces could be difficult.

You should seek emergency dental care if you experience any of these symptoms. Go see your dentist right away if you experience any severe pain or discomfort regardless of the symptoms.

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