A toothache or dental injury is not only painful, but it can interfere with your life and rob you of sleep. That’s why we offer 24 Hour Dentist of Colorado Springs CO to address these needs quickly and effectively. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us or visit our website for more information about what to do next.
Toothache
A toothache can strike at any time and disrupt your daily routine, robbing you of sleep and making it difficult to concentrate. If a sudden and unexplained toothache arises, it can be a sign of a serious dental problem that may require urgent treatment. The best way to know the cause of your pain is to visit a dentist for evaluation and treatment, but in the meantime, there are some ways to temporarily relieve tooth pain and other mouth-related issues until you can get into your dentist’s office.
Sharp pain when biting down on food is a sure sign that something is wrong, such as severe tooth decay, a loose filling, a cracked or chipped tooth, or damaged pulp tissue within a tooth. A 24 Hour Dentist of Colorado Springs CO will need to perform an examination and possibly take x-rays to find the source of the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, try placing a wet tea bag or piece of cold fruit on the affected area to soothe discomfort. A simple paste of equal parts salt and pepper can also reduce pain and numb the tooth if applied directly. An ice pack placed on the cheek adjacent to the painful tooth can also help reduce swelling and temporarily ease pain. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective for reducing discomfort but be sure to avoid any blood thinners such as aspirin.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is more than just an embarrassing problem for many. It can be a sign of gum disease and other health problems, such as a gastrointestinal disturbance or chronic liver or kidney dysfunction.
Most bad breath odors come from food particles that remain on the teeth and tongue, collecting bacteria. As these bacteria break down, they release a foul-smelling sulfur compound that is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and regular professional cleanings can usually eliminate this type of halitosis. Residual bacteria can also accumulate on the back of the tongue, where it is difficult to reach with a toothbrush. A dentist can use a special tool to clean this area and reduce odors.
A few people have persistent bad breath, despite good oral hygiene and routine dental visits. They may have a medical condition that causes halitosis, such as a sinus or bronchial infection, an oral yeast infection or a chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). Certain medications and diets can also cause halitosis.
Most mints, chewing gum and breath sprays mask rather than cure halitosis. If you are concerned about your halitosis, ask us for recommendations on products that have been shown to kill the bacteria that cause it. We may also recommend a course of treatment to address the underlying cause of your halitosis, such as brushing and flossing more effectively or periodontal (gum) therapy.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is the result of bacteria that collect in a sticky layer called plaque if your oral hygiene routine isn’t up to par. The bacteria irritate the gum tissues and cause them to separate from the teeth, creating little pockets that provide sheltered environments for pathogenic (bad) bacteria to grow. If not addressed, the infection will spread to the bone that supports the teeth and may eventually lead to their loss. Gum disease is typically painful, but a regular dental cleaning from our office can stop it in its early stages of gingivitis before irreversible damage is done.
If you’ve suffered an injury to your mouth or jaw, it’s important to contact our office right away to schedule an emergency appointment. Excessive bleeding, uncontrolled pain or a pus-filled abscess should be treated immediately as these are all signs of an infection that could spread throughout your body if not properly treated.
While many patients focus on their tooth health, it’s equally important to maintain healthy gums. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, tender & bleeding gums, we have proven treatments to stop the progression of gum disease & reduce the need for more invasive surgery in the future. These include a deep cleaning method known as scaling & root planing, which removes the bacteria that cause gum recession and inflammation. We also offer a variety of restorative procedures for damaged or lost teeth, including crowns, bridges & dental implants.
Root Canals
Root canals have a bad reputation, but they are often no more painful than getting a tooth filled. The procedure, also known as endodontic treatment, relieves dental pain and saves the damaged tooth by removing the diseased inner pulp tissue. The pulp consists of the nerves, blood vessels, and soft connective tissues inside each tooth. If the inner pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can result in severe tooth pain and/or sensitivity to hot and cold liquids.
When a patient is suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to call the dentist and schedule an appointment for immediate care. While some problems can wait until a routine visit, others require immediate attention such as an infected or fractured tooth.
During the root canal procedure, we first administer anesthesia to numb the affected area. A small hole is then drilled into the surface of the tooth to expose the infected tissue. The infected tissue is removed, and the tooth’s inner canals are cleansed and disinfected. The drilled hole is then filled with a rubber-like material to prevent further infection and seal the tooth.
It’s possible to avoid needing a root canal by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular teeth cleanings and dental exams. Patients should brush their teeth twice a day, especially after every meal, and floss daily to keep their teeth healthy and free from infections.