Archive for the ‘Dental Emergencies’ Category
Friday, January 4th, 2013
My tooth is causing me so much pain. For the past few days the pain has been so terrible that it has made me vomit. It’s keeping me up at night too. The best way I can describe it is that it seems to radiate from my tooth, along my cheek, and over to my ear. I called the dentist but they can’t get me in for several weeks. Do you have any advice?
- Paul in Arizona
Paul,
Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. You shouldn’t have to suffer. There are many emergency dentists out there that can help you. So if your dentist can’t see you right away, you may want to call around. Many dentists build their practice around being available for emergencies and often can get you in the same day you call.
A toothache is often an indicator of a more serious problem. It could be a tooth infection, in which case you will need to have a root canal treatment. The sooner you get into the dentist, increases that chances that your tooth can be saved. Most dentists will do whatever they can to save a tooth so it does not need to be extracted.
If it is passed the point of saving, a dental implant is the best solution to replace a missing tooth. It not only looks and feels like your natural tooth, it functions just like it.
So don’t delay! Get into a dentist as soon as possible so you don’t have to deal with the agonizing pain any longer.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.
Tags: dental emergency, dental implant, emergency dentist, infected tooth, root canal, tooth extraction, tooth infection, toothache
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Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
Let me start off by saying that I really don’t like going to the dentist. And last week I noticed that my tooth felt kind of sharp. When I checked it out in the mirror, it appears that a small portion of the tooth is gone. I have never had a filling before and I’m terrified of needles. It isn’t hurting me or anything so I just try not to eat on that side. Do you know if a temporary filling can be done?
- Natalie in Virgina
Natalie,
You are not alone. Did you know that there are millions of Americans that get anxious about dentistry. There are dentists out there that use gentle dentistry techniques and sedation dentistry for fearful patients. Sedation dentistry is safe and simple and many patients will tell you that they don’t remember anything at all about the appointment. You are conscious but will be put into a sleepy, indifferent state. Oral sedation has helped many people deal with and manage their fear of the dentist and only involves taking a pill prior to your dental appointment. If you are just a bit anxious, nitrous oxide is a milder form of sedation dentistry. It is a relaxant gas that is breathed in during your appointment and may work for you.
But to answer your question about the broken tooth, it all depends on the severity of your case. A composite filling may work to fill the space. Or if more than half of the tooth is damaged than a dental crown may be the more appropriate treatment. It doesn’t sound like you need to schedule an emergency dentist appointment if you are not in pain. But this issue should be taken care of as soon as practical. It sounds like you may be a good sedation dentistry candidate.
This post is sponsored by Parma dentist Hylan Dental Care.
Tags: broken tooth, chipped tooth, dental crown, dental emergency, dental fear, emergency dentist, fear of the dentist, gentle dentist, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, porcelain crown, sedation dentist, sedation dentistry
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Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
Hello,
I am just trying to find out more information about a root canal treatment. Do you know how long I can wait to have this done?
- Paulette in Nebraska
Paulette,
It is difficult to answer your question without having seen your tooth. If it is causing you pain, you probably need to get it taken care of immediately. Even if the pain has subsided or gone away it does not mean that the infection has been taken care of. There are many emergency dentists that will get you in right away. And if you are at all scared or anxious, many dentists also offer sedation dentistry.
If you are dealing with an abscess or what looks kind of like a pimple near your tooth root, than you also need to get in right away. This means the infection is still active and a root canal treatment needs to be done.
If the tooth isn’t causing you any pain and hasn’t for a fair amount of time than you may be able to put it off for awhile. Sometimes patients get what is called an arrested infection that affects the body, yet doesn’t seem to cause much in the way of a toothache. For example, many years may pass without a patient being aware of the cause of the infection. And when the root canal treatment iss finally done, it can improve the overall health of the patient.. You just don’t want to mess around with any kind of infection. What happens in the tooth is that the infection can slowly decay the tooth and it may not be salvageable or it very well could spread to other areas of the body.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.
Tags: dental emergency, emergency dentist, infected tooth, root canal, root canal treatment, sedation dentist, sedation dentistry, toothache
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012
Recently, my 12-year-old son fell off his bike. He broke his front tooth and the dentist put a splint on the surrounding teeth, as well as the one that has broken off. The dentist is recommending that the broken tooth be extracted and to use a flipper to replace it. Are there any other options? I just want to make sure we explore all of our options to save the tooth if possible. It has been about a month or so since the accident. He seems to be going fine and isn’t in pain. Do you know if the broken tooth with the splint that is currently on it will repair itself as time goes by? Or do you think it will die?
- Jayne in California
Jayne,
It is difficult to give specific recommendations without having seen your child. Although, from what you have described it sounds as if the tooth has been fractured in the bone where it is not visible.
This likely means that the tooth root is fractured. And when this is the case, it is typically not likely that the tooth is salvageable when the bone has been broken. Now if the fracture occurred near the tip of the root, it may be surgically removed. Then, the tooth may be saved during a root canal treatment. Although this scenario may be possible, it is still quite difficult to do. It is also very unlikely that the root will refuse by itself.
You do have options for the tooth replacement, although there are some concerns you should be aware of. A dental implant will be a permanent and natural-looking solution. Although, it is not typical that a 12-year-old receives an implant. This is because his jawbone is still growing at this time and will be for many years. The general rule of thumb is that the jawbone will complete growth between the ages of 18-20. What could happen is that the natural tooth and the dental implant may differ in height. For example, if the bone continues to grow and develop after the placement of the implant, it will stay in the same position. Whereas the natural tooth will move and grow higher.
If this dental emergency was addressed right away, instead of having a period of a month pass, there may have been other options to save the tooth. But at this time it does not sound like a possibility.
Also, whenever the tooth is fixed it will be very important that you seek the talents of a true cosmetic dentist because it will need to match the surrounding teeth perfectly. And since it is in such a visible location, it will definitely be worth it to find an expert cosmetic dentist.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.
Related link: pediatric dentist
Tags: broken front tooth, broken tooth, dental emergency, dental implant, emergency dentist, missing tooth, pediatric dentist
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Friday, September 28th, 2012
I got my tooth pulled out last month and I had no pain what so ever. Then three weeks after I start getting pain where the tooth was pulled! The last time I had my tooth pulled it hurt for a few days after then it was fine so why isn’t it this time? I think I have an infection but on the Internet something about a dry socket came up. I also smoked after the tooth being pulled could that of caused something?
Suzanne
Dear Suzanne,
One of the instructions given following a tooth extraction is not to smoke or suck through a straw for 48 to 72 hours because it can cause a dry socket but not in all cases. Usually a dry socket happens within a week following an extraction. Since it has been three weeks it could be that part of the root tip broke off during the extraction and is lodged within the tissue. This can cause severe pain and discomfort. At times it can work its way out or may need to be extracted. Sometimes while extracting a tooth the bone can loosen and small bone spurs or splinters of bone work their way to the surface. These can be removed with ease however can also cause discomfort. If the tooth that was extracted was on the upper arch there could be the possibility that the extraction caused a sinus opening because the back upper teeth are positioned closely to the maxillary sinus. If this is the case you can be stitched in that area and given an antibiotic.
We advise you to make a follow-up appointment and have the area examined and an x-ray to see if there are any fragments left in the socket that may need to be removed.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.
Tags: bone spur after tooth extraction, infection after tooth extraction, pain after tooth extraction, smoking and tooth extraction
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Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Last night my dog’s head came into blunt contact with my top front tooth. It hurt right away. This morning it feels sore, has a dull ache, and I would rate it a 2 in regards to pain. It is slightly loose. How long will it feel sore? Will it turn gray? Will the tooth tighten back up or always be loose? If it begins to hurt more I will go to my dentist.
Thanks, Liz
Dear Liz,
It is highly recommended that you see your dentist as soon as you can to have your tooth evaluated. Blunt force on a tooth with your symptoms could mean the nerve of the tooth is damaged or the tooth has a fractured root. Teeth do turn gray overtime when the nerve of the tooth dies, however you would want to get to the dentist before that happens. If the nerve of the tooth is affected your dentist will most likely recommend a root canal and dental crown to save the tooth. Even though your tooth is slightly loose it will probably tighten back up shortly unless there is a severe fracture that’s causing it to become loose. If the tooth has damage the soreness will not go away until you take care of it, however if there is no damage then your symptoms should diminish over the next week.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland Implant Dentist Hylan Dental Care
Tags: dull toothache, tooth pain after being hit in face, toothache, toothache and loose tooth
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
My jaw has been hurting, feels locked, and pops frequently. It hurts when I chew and grind my teeth. Could this be TMJ? What are symptoms? How to diagnose yourself? Do I go to a doctor or dentist?
Thanks, Marci
Dear Marci,
It sounds like you are experiencing Temporomadibular Joint Disorder. This disorder can come and go throughout a lifetime or become constant. Signs of TMD are pain in the jaw, ear aches, headaches, popping and clicking, and can cause your jaw to lock. This condition is usually brought on by stress, however can develop overtime if your dental bite is not properly aligned. Most dentist can diagnosis this condition, however we recommend you to visit a dentist that specializes in this disorder. More than likely the recommended treatment will be some kind of mouth appliance to alleviate the pain and symptoms. Grinding of your teeth is a common cause of this condition, therefore if you are grinding your teeth in the day we recommend you stop because if aggravates this disorder. Make an appointment with a dentist to get the proper diagnosis. In the meantime place heat packs on the side of your jaw to decrease any inflammation several times a day.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland Implant Dentist Hylan Dental Care
Tags: grinding and jaw pain, look jaw, popping and clicking jaw, symptoms of tmj, tmj
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Saturday, March 10th, 2012
I have a bump on the inside of my mouth below my gums and it look like it has white puss in it what could it be?
Thanks, Chris
Dear Chris,
It sounds like you may have an abscessed tooth. In dental terms a pimple like bump below the gum area that has puss excreting from it is called a fistula. Most of the times people have no idea their tooth is infected because the infection is draining in the mouth and there is little or no pain coming from the tooth. Most teeth that get infected have pain upon chewing, ache on their own, or are sensitive to temperature because the infection stays at the base of the root of the tooth and not draining into the mouth which causes a toothache. If the tooth is truly infected, antibiotics will be prescribed and it will require a root canal and dental crown. We advise you to consult with your dentist to see if your tooth is indeed infected or if it’s some other condition.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland Implant Dentist Hylan Dental Care
Tags: bump on gum, gum infection, infected tooth, puss draining by tooth, tooth infection, toothache
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
I have a very bad tooth on the top right of my mouth that needs to be extracted which I have put off for over a year now. The tooth is broken to the gum and is rotted. I am fighting off a cold that I caught from my son and I am afraid that the infection from my tooth has gotten into my blood. I am having pain all down the right side of my neck and up into my head. I am really scared that it could be serious. I don’t have dental insurance but I need this tooth out now. Does anyone know what the symptoms would be if the infection has spread to my bloodstream and what I can do to prevent it from killing me before I can get this tooth extracted?
Thanks, Carol
Dear Carol,
An infected tooth with an abscess left untreated can drain into the nearby tissues of the infected area causing some facial swelling. In some cases the lymph glands can swell and even make you feel like your experiencing a headache because pain can transfer from the infected area. Pain is fairly common on the side of the face where an infected tooth is located.
A severe tooth infection left untreated can lead to sepsis, in other words blood poisoning, which is an all over body inflammatory response due to an infection. Sepsis has been known to happen from an infected tooth however not too common. This is a serious condition which requires hospitalization and can be deadly. Some early signs of sepsis are flu like symptoms, dehydration, a racing heart rate, and shallow breathing however when it becomes severe one experiences difficulty swallowing, infrequent urination, and mood swings.
Due to the fact that this tooth has been left untreated along with the symptoms your experiencing we highly recommend you see a dentist who will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to decrease the infection. Ask the dental office about financial options they may offer and see if they are willing to work with you on making payments.
This post is sponsored by Cleveland Implant Dentist Hylan Dental Care
Tags: blood poisoning from infected tooth, facial swelling and toothache, infected tooth, tooth infection, toothache
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