Dental emergencies like severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and lost fillings or crowns require immediate attention. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications and cost you more money in the long run.
Fortunately, many dentists offer emergency dentistry Jackson TN services and are willing to work with patients to make treatment affordable. Here are some tips to help you find a good dentist and save on emergency dental care!
Toothache
If you have a toothache that persists for more than two days, or if it is accompanied by swelling in the face or jaw or pain when opening your mouth wide, call a dentist immediately. It is important to get prompt treatment because dental emergencies can turn into serious problems if they are not addressed quickly.
To diagnose your toothache, the dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and jaws. The dentist may also take X-rays to determine the cause of your pain. Using your teeth to open packages, bottles, and other objects is never a good idea and can often lead to painful emergencies. Your dentist will prescribe appropriate treatments based on the diagnosis. These treatments can include fillings, root canal therapy, or even a tooth extraction.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
While teeth are the strongest hard tissue in the body, they do have their limits. Falls, blows to the mouth, or biting down on something too hard can cause a tooth to chip. If a tooth chip is large enough to expose the inner pulp, it can also lead to pain and sensitivity.
If you have a broken tooth, see an emergency dentistry Jackson TN right away. Apply ice on the outside of your face or cheek to reduce swelling and pain. If there is a jagged edge, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to prevent your tongue and lips from cutting or tearing. A dentist will determine the best course of treatment based on the size and location of the chip.
Tooth Infection
Tooth infections and abscesses are a serious dental emergency that can result in severe pain and possible infection throughout the body. Getting prompt treatment can prevent the spread of infection and save your tooth.
Knocked out teeth are another common dental emergency that requires immediate care. If you can find the tooth, rinse it off if dirty, and place it back in its socket without touching the root or crown, you have a better chance of saving it.
Many dental emergencies can be prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene and using a mouthguard during sports. Having a Jackson TN emergency dentist on call and knowing your insurance coverage and payment options can make an emergency dentistry Jackson TN situation less stressful.
Root Canal
A root canal (also known as endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become inflamed or infected. During this treatment your dentist or endodontist removes the inflamed pulp and cleans, disinfects, shapes and seals the tooth.
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. They will then place a sheet of rubber, called a “dam,” over your infected or damaged tooth to keep it dry and protected during treatment.
Then they will use a drill to open the tooth and access the soft tissue inside, or pulp. They will clean the infected area, remove the nerves and disinfect the inside of your tooth before filling it and sealing it. Typically, this is completed in one to three appointments.
Crown and Fillings
Dental fillings and crowns are two common and effective treatments for damaged teeth. While both offer protection, there are key differences between the two procedures that should be considered when determining which treatment is right for you.
Crowns are recommended when the tooth is severely decayed or cracked and can no longer be repaired with a filling alone. They cover the entire tooth, preventing further damage and providing strength to the structure. They are also typically recommended following root canal therapy.
Generally, crowns are more invasive than fillings and require the removal of some tooth enamel. However, they provide greater protection and can last for up to 15 years with proper care. They are typically made from porcelain, composite resin, or metal alloys. The crown placement process can be more complicated than a filling and will likely take up to two visits.
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