Another example of a serious oral health issue that requires treatment is an infected tooth. Unless addressed quickly this could lead to the loss of your tooth, and an unsightly gap in your smile. As part of our emergency treatments, we’re still addressing issues like infected or abscessed teeth. When should you see your Brighton, MA, dentists for treatment?
Don’t Ignore a Potential Infection or Abscess
The outer layer of tooth enamel is a very strong but thin layer that protects the tooth from decay and infection. However, should poor oral hygiene weaken the outermost layer of enamel, or a tooth become chipped or cracked, this exposes the inner portions of dentin, which are much more sensitive to harmful bacteria. A cavity then forms. However, since cavities continue to grow and spread with time, eventually this decay could reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. Now, the tooth becomes infected or develops an abscess. Unless treated quickly, this could mean severe discomfort and your tooth may even need to be extracted to prevent infection from reaching surrounding teeth.
Signs to Watch For
People with advanced decay or an infected tooth often report persistent tooth sensitivity or a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day or two. As the issue grows more severe, pain when eating could develop, as could swelling near the aching tooth or even a discharge from it. At this point, treatment is crucial in order to save your tooth. Contact our team and let us know about your symptoms. We will schedule a time to see you so we can perform a root canal procedure and preserve your smile.
How Do We Treat Your Smile?
The procedure involves administering a local anesthetic around the tooth in question, and then opening it to access and remove the infected tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth and fill it with a special material. The final step involves capping the tooth with a durable and custom-made dental crown. Your tooth looks natural, as the crown is designed to blend with your smile. When you come to our office, know that we will schedule so you won’t be in the waiting room with other people. We also follow strict health and safety protocols, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and tools in between each patient visit. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team is ready to help address serious concerns and protect the health and beauty of your smile. To learn more about restorative dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brookline, Newton, and all surrounding communities.
