With proper care, most people will only need to see their dentist once or twice a year for a routine cleaning and checkup. However, there are times when a dental emergency arises, and it becomes necessary to schedule an unplanned appointment with a Dentist San Bernardino. Knowing the warning signs of a dental emergency is important. Getting proper dental care right away may prevent more severe tooth problems down the road.
Severe Tooth Pain
Toothaches are a common complaint. Patients often feel pain or sensitivity when drinking cold beverages or even when brushing their teeth. This is most likely due to exposed dentin, which is the leading cause of tooth sensitivity. This type of pain is not an emergency. If the pain persists and prevents a patient from speaking, eating, or even sleeping, it’s time to visit a Dentist San Bernardino.
Severe tooth pain is usually the result of a deep tooth infection. When the nerve of the tooth is exposed to dangerous bacteria, inflammation and pain occur. Patients often wake up from a deep sleep because of this type of pain. Before saving the tooth, the dentist will first treat the infection. Once the infection clears up, the dentist may recommend either root canal therapy or extraction to permanently stop the pain.
Sensitivity to Heat
As stated earlier, it is common for people to have teeth that are sensitive to cold stimulants. On the other hand, it is not normal for a tooth to become sensitive to hot food or beverages. This happens when the nerve of the tooth is dying. Heat sensitivity is one of the last symptoms of a deep cavity or gum infection. Since the infection can easily pass into the bloodstream, the patient should make an appointment with West Covina Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
During the appointment, the dentist will determine how badly the tooth is damaged. If the nerve is already dead, a root canal will be used to clean out the dead tissue. In extreme circumstances, the tooth may need to be pulled to prevent more infections from forming. If gum disease is noted, a treatment plan will also be discussed.
While most dental problems can wait to be treated, there are times when an emergency trip to the dentist is needed. Anyone experiencing severe pain or sensitivity to heat should speak with their dentist as soon as possible.
