Dental Problems: Why you Shouldn’t wait to see the Dentist

Categories: General Dentistry

why you shouldnt wait to see the dentistScotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA

Seemingly insignificant dental problems such as a chipped tooth, tender gums, or tooth sensitivity are often ignored completely or put off, leaving the problem to fester into something much more severe. Dental problems can range from an inconvenience to downright painful and debilitating. Although you might think those inconvenient instances can wait until your next visit, here’s why you should not ignore the issues for the time being.

Dental Problem – Pain, sensitivity, or tenderness

Any dental pain, be it a little or a lot, should be addressed immediately. Even if the pain is intermittent and only occurs when eating or drinking certain types of foods, don’t be fooled. The problem could be much worse than you realize. Sure, tooth sensitivity is common, but you may not be able to pinpoint the source of your pain until the dentist examines your mouth.

Sometimes, tooth pain is a result of decay or a cavity. In this case, a filling or other type of permanent restoration would be needed to prevent further damage to the tooth. If the pain is too severe that you experience swelling, the damage has reached the nerve of the tooth, which likely indicates you have a root canal in your future. Ignoring a tooth in this shape may lead to extensive dental repairs or worse, tooth loss. Not to mention, an active infection anywhere in your body, especially the mouth, poses a great deal of risk that could result in the infection spreading to your brain and even result in death. An infected tooth should not be taken lightly, and should be treated as soon as possible.

If your tooth pain is a result of a fracture, you will require treatment to either save the tooth, if possible or extract the tooth and further explore replacement options such as a dental implant. A tooth that has experienced this much damage will not repair on its own. You will need dental treatment to stop the pain, stabilize the tooth, and prevent further damage.

Pain from a loose tooth could be an indication of something more severe such as gum disease. Gum disease affects more than half of all adults in the U.S. It results from not practicing good oral health, and by not going to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. It may begin by causing sensitive gums that tend to bleed easily, but can soon escalate to throbbing tooth pain or worse. If left untreated gum disease will result in further tooth loss and even an infection that can spread to other parts of your body. Treating gum disease is essential for your oral health, as well as your overall health.

Maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings can help you limit these occurrences between visits. Remember, keep up with a good regimen of oral hygiene, visit the dentist twice a year, and don’t ignore your dental problems.

To schedule your next dental appointment, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411. We welcome patients of all ages and those with families. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.