Any type of injury to the mouth or pain in it can be frightening. It can be a serious emergency, depending on the severity and nature of the injury. It can be difficult to know when something is urgent or not, especially when it comes to your teeth and gums. For example, is a tooth infection an emergency? How about an infection of the gums? And if so, how can you get emergency treatment when you need it most?
Is a Tooth Infection an Emergency?
Patients of all ages should know when to call the dentist in the event of an emergency. Below, your trusted dentist in Cedar Falls will help you understand more about tooth infections and when to visit your emergency dentist if the infection has spread too far.
What is a Tooth Infection, Exactly?
A tooth infection is also known as a tooth abscess. This is a painful and deteriorating event that happens when bacteria build up inside the tooth. The bacteria spread to the gums and inside of the tooth, creating an infection pocket. The bacteria continues to grow and spreads to the roots of the tooth.
Ultimately, this can spread to the bloodstream, which quickly reaches other parts of the body and can start to cause fatal conditions. It is important that a spreading infection is assessed by a dentist as quickly as possible, which usually means scheduling a visit to an emergency facility.
When An Infection Is An Emergency
Dental caries is a common type of bacterial infection that can occur in the mouth. The protective layer of enamel can wear away, rendering the teeth vulnerable to bacteria buildup from food or drinks.
An infection is caused by the buildup of decay-causing bacteria. This can lead to more severe problems the longer it goes untreated. Dental caries is one of the most frequent dental emergencies, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you are worried about an infection.
How to Spot an Infection at Home
You can easily spot dental caries by looking at the surface of the teeth. The buildup of bacteria looks milky. Some cavities can also appear brownish on the teeth’ surface, which could indicate an underlying infection. If you notice any signs of dental caries, it is important that you visit an emergency dentist immediately.
Getting in Touch with Your Emergency Dentist
It is common to panic and feel anxious after sustaining a severe injury to your teeth. It’s normal to feel anxious and stressed about such a sudden event. It is best to remain calm and seek emergency dental services. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and lose control of the situation. Keep your head up, and you’ll be fine.
Find the Right Emergency Treatment
If you need an emergency procedure, your dentist may have to pull your tooth to remove all existing decay. To save your tooth, your dentist might perform a root canal procedure. To prevent the tooth from getting infected, dental bonding and fillings might be necessary. Ask your dentist about the kind of care you need to receive right away.
Remember: Stay Calm! Everything Will Be Okay
You can trust your emergency dentist and be assured that everything will be fine once you arrive at the office. Relaxation exercises can be used to keep your mind calm and steady while you wait. You can calmly feel calm by slow breathing and full-body hugs. You can do some breathing exercises together if you are with your loved one.
Find Your Favorite Emergency Dentist ASAP
In the event of a serious injury to your teeth or that of a family member, it’s a good idea for you to look into emergency dental services in your area. You can get quick-response treatment from your emergency dentist in Cedar Falls. This can often save your tooth and help restore your dental health. Contact us now to learn more about our emergency dentistry services and reach out if you are dealing with a spreading infection!