Categories: Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life-Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.

Life-threatening issues that emergency dentistry addresses

Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental care can treat? Here is a list of common dental issues that can be deadly if left untreated. 

1. Tooth infection

Teeth infections are caused by oral bacteria getting to the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. This area is sealed off from the rest of a tooth, but it can be opened up by damage to the tooth as a result of decay or trauma. The pulp chamber contains the nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels. These soft tissues can be irritated by acids in the mouth, leading to toothaches. That is often the precursor for an infection. If the toothache is left unaddressed, infection will follow.

An infection in the mouth might not seem like a huge deal, but it is. It does not take much for the infection to spread to the brain, given the proximity between the two areas. An infection in the brain is a serious health condition, and there is no guarantee of successful recovery. An oral infection can also spread to other parts of the body, like the bloodstream or heart. An infection in these areas can be just as deadly as one in the brain.

Dentists treat infected teeth by performing a root canal. This involves drilling a hole into the tooth and using special tools to remove the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. Medication might be applied to the area to kill off any bacteria left, and the tooth is sealed with a material called gutta-percha. Teeth that have been restored with a root canal are often covered with crowns to protect them against further damage. In some cases, a dentist might recommend extracting the tooth instead if it is one of the wisdom teeth or there is a risk of the infection spreading to other areas.

2. Abscess

An abscess is an infection that occurs in a tooth’s root or close to it. It manifests as a pocket of pus filled with bacteria. An abscess is usually accompanied by severe toothaches, and there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other areas, as is the case with other types of oral infections.

Dentists treat abscessed teeth by prescribing antibiotics to help kill off the infection, draining the pus pocket, applying medication to it and performing a root canal. These treatments are often combined when treating an abscess.

Take your health seriously and get emergency care

Dealing with a dental emergency? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to get the treatment you need immediately. Our staff is waiting for your arrival.

Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Chamblee, GA.

Recent Posts

Can An Emergency Dentist Treat A Toothache?

Emergency dentists treat a range of oral health concerns, including toothaches. A minor toothache may not be an emergency, but a severe toothache that lingers for an extended period of time or suddenly worsens likely requires immediate dental care to prevent any additional oral health concerns and ensure ideal long-term oral health. This review highlights how…

Emergency Dentistry: What Is A Tooth Abscess?

Emergency dentistry focuses on treating dental issues that require immediate care, like an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in a tooth. Some abscesses form at the tip of a tooth’s root, while others form in gum tissues around the infected tooth.An abscess can be quite…

An Emergency Dentist Talks About 4 Ways You Can Avoid An Emergency

Do you need an emergency dentist? The best way to deal with a dental emergency is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Although emergency dentists offer services when urgent dental care is needed, they also strive to help patients prevent emergencies from happening through good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard, and avoiding…

What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?

It is often very frustrating for individuals with oral pain who do not know whether or not their issue is considered a dental emergency.Some minor cases of oral pain or damage might be best treated at home initially, then by scheduling a dentist appointment at a more opportune time. More serious instances often require immediate…

Dr. Ganupur

Share
Published by
Dr. Ganupur

Recent Posts

Broken Tooth: 4 Common Causes

Tired of a broken tooth ruining your smile? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to…

1 week ago

Clear Braces: A Discreet Solution for Crooked Teeth

With clear braces, patients should avoid certain foods that can stain or cause the braces…

2 weeks ago

Dental Bonding and Teeth Whitening

The dentist can fix a range of concerns with dental bonding, including most minor instances…

1 month ago

When Denture Repair is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…

2 months ago

How Root Canals Save Your Natural Tooth

A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement,…

2 months ago

The Role of a Family Dentist in Preventive Care

Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…

3 months ago