A dental infection is an issue that requires treatment! In fact, we consider an abscessed or infected tooth to be a dental emergency, and your Omaha, NE, dentist is still offering emergency treatment for our patients on a case-by-case basis. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about how we identify and treat these issues!
The Dangers of an Infected or Abscessed Tooth
An infection happens when harmful bacteria comes into contact with the inner pulp, the group of living tissues that keeps your teeth healthy and functional. Typically, the pulp is surrounded by dentin and then protected by a thin outer layer of tooth enamel. When a tooth is cracked or chipped, or the enamel erodes due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup, then a cavity forms. Over time, cavities spread throughout the tooth and eventually reach the pulp, where an infection develops. Warning signs may include pain when you chew or eat, toothaches and sensitive teeth, swelling near the tooth, and a discharge from the tooth. If you encounter one or more of these signs, then contact our team today.
Treatment with Root Canal Therapy
To treat the issue and prevent the loss of the tooth or the spread of infection, you may need root canal therapy. After we administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, we will open the tooth and remove the infected tissues from within. Next, we clean the interior of the tooth and then fill it with a special material known as gutta percha. The final step involves creating and placing a custom-made dental crown to cap the tooth and prevent further complications.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy at Home
Following treatment, you can start taking steps from home to safeguard your smile against further issues like cavities or dental infections. For example, we suggest brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before bed for about two minutes each session. You also need to floss every night before bed. These issues help remove stray food particles and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and in the process, lower the chances of an infected tooth. If you have any questions about protecting your smile, or about addressing common emergency situations, then please contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dentistry?
We can help address common emergency scenarios, such as chipped teeth or infections and abscesses. To learn more about repairing and restoring smiles, then schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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