Dental Emergencies Require an Urgent Care Dentist

1. Many people don’t know that emergency care clinics often have a dentist on staff. They can help treat your dental emergencies quickly and easily. Toothache A toothache is a common dental issue that requires prompt treatment. Usually, a toothache is the first sign of a larger problem like tooth decay or an infection in the dental pulp inside the tooth. If left untreated, a toothache can turn into an abscess that may cause serious complications to other areas of the body. Dental Abscess A bacterial infection in the center of a tooth (pulp) can lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. It can be extremely painful and will not go away on its own. To treat a dental abscess, your urgent care dentist Maryland heights Mo will drain the pus and may prescribe antibiotics. They will also offer painkillers to relieve the discomfort. If the tooth is infected and can’t be saved, your urgent care dentist will remove it and start you on a path toward replacement. They will also rinse the area and clean it to prevent further infections. Broken Tooth Despite what many patients think, a broken tooth doesn’t always require immediate attention from an emergency dentist. However, if a crack extends deep into the tooth’s structure, it can cause pain and make the patient vulnerable to infections. If a break exposes the innermost part of the tooth, bacteria can enter through the crack and lead to a dental abscess. Bad Breath Frequently brushing your teeth, using mouthwash and flossing are usually enough to keep your breath fresh. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease, which is best treated by a dentist. Infections in the throat, sinuses or lungs also can cause foul-smelling breath. A swollen or discolored tongue also can cause a foul odor. Bad breath can also be a warning sign of bowel disorders.