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.
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.
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.
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.
Dealing with a dental emergency? Call or visit our Round Rock clinic to get the treatment you need immediately. Our staff is waiting for your arrival.
Request an appointment here: https://adcroundrock.com or call Round Rock Dental Office at (512) 720-5868 for an appointment in our Round Rock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Round Rock, TX.
Getting a root canal is often a huge relief for people dealing with constant tooth pain or infection. Once the procedure is over, most patients expect everything to feel normal again fairly quickly. But sometimes, when you bite down or chew, the treated tooth still feels sore or sensitive. If that sounds familiar, you are…
Dry mouth—often called Xerostomia—is something many people deal with at some point, but it can feel more disruptive than expected. When your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, even simple things like talking, eating, or sleeping comfortably can become a challenge.Saliva quietly does a lot of work in the background. It keeps your mouth lubricated, helps…
It’s easy to overlook a tiny space near your dental crown—until it starts causing problems. Maybe food keeps getting stuck, or your tooth suddenly feels more sensitive than usual. These small changes often point to a gap forming between the crown and your gum line, and it’s something worth addressing sooner rather than later.A dental…
Sparkling water has become a popular swap for sugary drinks. It feels refreshing, has that satisfying fizz, and often seems like a smarter choice than soda. But if you’re reaching for it every day, it’s reasonable to wonder—can too much sparkling water cause problems?The truth is, it’s generally safe. Still, like most things, how much…
Getting a root canal is often a huge relief for people dealing with constant tooth pain or infection. Once the procedure is over, most patients expect everything to feel normal again fairly quickly. But sometimes, when you bite down or chew, the treated tooth still feels sore or sensitive. If that sounds familiar, you are…
Dry mouth—often called Xerostomia—is something many people deal with at some point, but it can feel more disruptive than expected. When your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, even simple things like talking, eating, or sleeping comfortably can become a challenge.Saliva quietly does a lot of work in the background. It keeps your mouth lubricated, helps…