When a tooth becomes infected, this is an emergency situation. At the moment, your Astoria, NY, dentist is still available to help address emergency issues. In today’s blog, we’re looking at when to see us for treatment, and how we put a stop to infection to help prevent the loss of the tooth. Find out what you need to do to keep your smile safe!
The Risk of Tooth Loss
An infection is a serious concern in need of emergency care because unless treated, this could lead to the loss of your tooth and the spread of infection to other teeth, or even into the jawbone itself. The issue starts when injury or poor oral hygiene allows cavities to form. Over time, the cavities begin to spread and eventually reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. The tooth then becomes infected. People may experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, pain when biting down or chewing headaches and swelling near the tooth, or a discharge from the tooth. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then please contact our team today.
Root Canal Therapy
Call our office and we will set up a time to see you. If you have an infected tooth, we will administer a local anesthetic and then open the tooth to remove the infected tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative filling. After we cure this material, we cap the tooth with a dental crown. The crown not only looks natural and blends with the smile, but also helps protect the tooth from further decay or infection.
How Do I Keep My Smile Safe?
Afterward, you can take steps to help prevent further infections or cavities in your smile. First, make sure you’re brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before bed. Each session should last about two minutes and use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen the outer enamel. You also need to floss before bed as well, as this removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks too, as these leave behind particles to feed harmful bacteria and leads to plaque buildup. If you experience pain in your smile, or suffer dental damage, then let us know, as we’re here for your dental emergencies. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today!
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dental Care?
With a procedure like root canal therapy, we can return your smile to optimal health and function, and help you avoid losing it altogether. To learn more about our restorative treatments, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
