It’s the middle of the night on a Friday when it hits you. Excruciating pain, radiating from your jaw. That tooth you’ve been neglecting is infected, and you’re paying the price. Even if you thought you could wait-out the pain through the weekend, you shouldn’t. Dental infections can be extremely hazardous to your health. If you’re hurting, it is time to look for an emergency dentist in Glenview.
How Does Infection Happen?
Dental infections occur when poor dental hygiene catches up with you over time, or if you have some kinds of genetic disorders that make you prone to tooth decay. When you don’t brush or floss diligently, plague buildup causes decay in tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. The decay allows bacteria to enter the more vulnerable parts of your teeth, and infection begins.
Infection can come on quite quickly-almost overnight, so even with regular dentist visits you may find yourself suffering. Not only are they painful, but infections can be dangerous as well, spreading along the jaw and causing permanent damage.
Treatment
As with many health issues, prevention is the best treatment. Regular dental check-ups and diligent hygiene are the best ways to minimize your chances of needing emergency dental care; however, if you’re reading this in the middle of a Friday night, chances are it’s too late for prevention to work for you.
Many infections require antibiotics. Sometimes your dentist may also suggest a special mouth wash, depending on where the infection is. If the infection is severe, it may even require that the tooth be drilled and allowed to drain over time before undergoing a root canal procedure. You may also be given
Recovery times vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Your dentist will want to follow up with you to make sure the infection is take care of.
Are you looking for an emergency dentist in Glenview? Contact South Loop Dental Specialists and Dental Specialists of North Shore
