Have you ever experienced the pain that comes with a severe tooth infection or an abscess? As a top emergency dentist in San Antonio, we see a lot of patients in pain of that nature. We know how excruciating it can be.
The longer you let a toothache go the worse the pain can get, but also the more likely your outcome will not be favorable. When your tooth is hurting, it’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong—and believe us, teeth shouldn’t hurt so there IS something wrong.
You can avoid a visit to an emergency dentist in San Antonio like JH Emergency, by taking action the moment you experience tooth pain. If you don’t, you could be putting not just your oral health in jeopardy, but your overall health as well.
What Is A Tooth Infection?
An infection of your tooth occurs when bacteria invade the pulp. This can occur from cavities that reach into the inner layers or trauma to your tooth. Once there, it can escalate into an infection that spreads further down through bone structures and the tooth root. This is where the infection can potentially become life-threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms of a tooth infection should not be ignored, even if they are minor at first—better safe than sorry. Symptoms of tooth infection can vary by person and by how severe the infection is but typical signs can include:
- Your gums or face swelling up
- Fever
- Cold or hot sensitivity
- Odd taste in mouth, chronic bad breath
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Redness in the area
If you experience any of these symptoms you cannot procrastinate and assume it will get better on its own. It’s an infection—IT WILL ONLY WORSEN. You must seek an emergency dentist in San Antonio right away for assistance.
Why Seeking An Emergency Dentist Is So Important
Infection can spread rapidly, especially when it originates in the mouth. Tooth roots and the oral structure of your vessels and jawbone make for easy access to your bloodstream. It doesn’t take long at all for an infection to get into the blood causing a condition called sepsis.
Sepsis is almost always the result of infection, usually bacterial. When the infection is left untreated your body goes into panic mode and releases chemicals into your bloodstream to fight it. This causes a domino effect of problems that can include organ failure and even death.
Additionally, infection can spread to your bones which can cause osteomyelitis and a loss of bone mass. By seeking medical assistance quickly from an emergency dentist in San Antonio you can avoid further complications while receiving the necessary treatment to feel better faster.
What You Can Expect From JH Emergency Dental
When you visit our clinic with a severe tooth infection, the primary goal is to battle the infection quickly, reduce pain, and resolve the source. We start with a complete oral examination and take X-rays to determine the exact origin of the infection.
Typically, we’ll immediately prescribe antibiotics or perform an emergency root canal if needed. If the pulp is infected you have to remove it to save the tooth from a recurring infection. However, in some cases, we have no choice but to extract the infected tooth.
When it reaches that point, you’re talking about extraction and looking at implant options to preserve jawbone integrity.
Treatment Options for a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a serious form of tooth infection in which pus builds up in one or more teeth and causes infection. Treatment options available to combat an abscess include antibiotics as well as draining the abscess, which can be painful. Just like a moderate tooth infection, a root canal might also be an option that’s needed if the pulp is too far gone.
How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency
Look, no one anticipates a dental emergency, but the first time you have one—you learn what to do as well as what not to do. If you want to have the best possible chance of a favorable outcome in a dental emergency, you need to do a few things to be prepared. Good prep goes a long way and can mean the difference between repairing a tooth and losing one:
Have the contact details of an emergency dentist in San Antonio saved in your phone. On that note—our contact info is below, go ahead and take a moment to save it before reading on.
JH Emergency Dental – (210) 934-2073
3402 S. Gevers St. San Antonio, TX 78210
This step is crucial because when you’re in pain, it’s hard to think clearly and choose an emergency dentist. Having some contacts on hand makes getting to the clinic easier.
Having a dental first aid kit is also an ideal option for when the unexpected happens. You’ll want to include gauze, OTC pain medication and some cold compresses. Make sure to keep it in an easily accessible location in your home.
An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure
The best way to handle a dental emergency is to mitigate your chances of having one in the first place. It’s actually very simple to lower your risks with some common sense habits.
Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings make it easy for your dentist to see problems before they become emergencies. Cavities, fractures, gum disease—all of these conditions can turn into an emergency when not caught early.
Brush/floss at least twice daily since bacteria build-up is what brings on infections and other dental issues.
Don’t abuse your teeth by doing things they’re not designed for. It sounds ridiculous but we do have stories to tell. People mistakenly seem teeth are indestructible. While they are very tough, they still need gentle care. Don’t do things like:
- Opening cans/bottles with teeth
- Eating hard or sticky foods
- Exposing teeth to acidic substances often
Need An Emergency Dentist In San Antonio?
If you require an emergency dentist due to a toothache, gum pain, or any other emergency—we’re here for you. Check availability online 24/7 and book your appointment. Even if you just need an after-hours dentist—we’ve got you covered!
