Stay On Top Of Dental Emergencies This Season
While the weather remains enjoyable, many of us will be venturing outside to enjoy this beautiful fall weather
. With numerous activities, it is important to take extra precautions in protecting your teeth from injury-whether it is from decay or trauma. There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid an accident and injury to your teeth.
Unfortunately, accidents do, of course, happen and knowing what to do when one occurs can ultimately save your tooth. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients, so when an emergency occurs call your dentist in Portland immediately, and provide as much detail as possible about your condition. Remember, pain is always a signal that something is wrong. Your problem will not disappear even if the pain subsides, so talk to your dentist today.
My Tooth is Cracked, Now What?
If you bite down and feel a sharp pain, it might quickly disappear or you may ignore it. Certain foods can be avoided or you might chew only on one side of your mouth. If this occurs, you might have a cracked tooth. A tooth may crack due to an array of factors including:
*Chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts or hard candy
*An accident, such as getting hit in the mouth
*Grinding and clenching your teeth
*Uneven chewing pressure
*Stress on a tooth
*Loss of a significant portion of tooth structure through wear, large fillings or other restorations
*Exposure of tooth enamel to temperature extremes, such as eating hot food and then drinking ice water
Depending on the size and location of your crack, treatment can vary from bonding to root canal treatment. A severely cracked tooth may need extraction, while other smaller cracks may need minimal repair. Your dentist will determine the best treatment for your cracked tooth.
Oh No! I Have a Dental Abscess
Dental Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. An abscess is a serious condition that can potentially damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of your body if it is left untreated. Because of the seriousness of oral and general health problems that can result from an abscess, it is important to contact your Portland dentist immediately if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum that is usually painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain caused by an abscess, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt-water solution several times a day, and make sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible for the best treatment.
When Root Canal Therapy is Needed
Sometimes when emergencies occur, such as a tooth that is knocked out, you may need for in-depth treatment, such as root canal therapy. You may need a root canal if you have an infection, or there is damage to your pulp that cannot be fixed, which can often be caused by trauma or a fractured tooth. If you have an infection of the pulp, you may not feel any pain at first, but if it is not treated, the infection will cause pain and swelling-with an abscess forming in some cases. Some signs that you might need a root canal, include:
*Your tooth hurts when you bite down
*Sensitivity to heat and cold
*Swelling near the tooth
*Your tooth is discolored
*Your tooth is broken
Contact your Portland dentist today for more information on how to properly handle a dental emergency. If you have an infection or have experienced trauma to your tooth, it is important to visit your dentist immediately for the best results possible.
by: Gen Wright
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