Is A Tooth Infection An Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful. If you’re having a dental emergency, getting help from your dentist in Chardon, OH, is important as soon as possible. But is a tooth infection a dental emergency? Why or why not? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you decide if you need help from a dentist. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed by the dentist as soon as possible. It can involve anything that would result in the loss of a permanent tooth or severe dental pain.
What Is A Tooth Infection? Is It A Dental Emergency?
A tooth infection occurs when dental decay or a crack in the tooth allows bacteria to enter the interior of the tooth and infect the pulp inside the tooth. Tooth infections can lead to a variety of problems, including an abscess, severe pain, infection that spreads to other parts of the body, and even loss of the permanent tooth.
This makes a tooth infection an emergency. If you have a tooth infection or think you may have one, it’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible.
What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?
There are many signs of a tooth infection, including:
- Severe pain in the tooth and gums near the infection
- Swelling around the site of the infection
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth
- Sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
- Feeling generally unwell, fever
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
How Can a Tooth Infection Be Treated?
A tooth infection requires treatment with a root canal. During the root canal, the dentist drills into the tooth to remove the infection. Once the tooth has been cleaned out, it is sealed, and a cap (called a dental crown) is placed over it.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Tooth Infection?
If you think you have a tooth infection, you need to see the dentist as soon as possible for treatment. You could be having a dental emergency in Chardon, OH. Call the dentist at Center Street Dental today for further instructions.
