An Inside Look into Restoring Damaged or Infected Teeth
Your teeth are very sturdy and can go the long haul with you. They were designed to withstand the constant onslaught of bacterial attacks. However, they are not indestructible. You will need to care for them diligently for them to last.
We live in an age where we have glorified unhealthy food and beverages; couple that with poor oral hygiene, and you have a recipe for disaster. This is why tooth cavities and gum disease are prevalent in America.
At the same time, we are privileged to have options such as crowns and dental extractions in Westwood, MA, that can be used to treat infected or damaged teeth. However, before discussing what teeth replacement options are available at our dentist in Westwood, MA, let’s talk about how teeth get damaged.
When Teeth Get Damaged
Dental trauma and tooth cavity can damage your teeth. You might not notice the damage at the beginning. It may take some time before you notice the symptoms of a damaged or infected tooth. At times, we think that since our teeth are intact, it means that they are fine. This is why going for regular dental checkups is essential.
Your teeth are hard on the outside but very soft on the inside. When you eat food, bacteria digest the food and release acids that corrode the teeth. If they are not removed by brushing and flossing, the acid starts making small holes in the enamel, which becomes a tooth cavity.
If cavities are left untreated, then you run the risk of developing an infection. An infection (abscess) occurs when bacteria slip through a cavity into the tooth root and forms a pocket of pus. The pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth, is the part that becomes infected.
Gum disease causes gums to recede and creates pockets that bacteria can hide, which then also causes infections.
Symptoms That Your Teeth Are Damaged or Infected
Here are some of the common symptoms associated with damaged or infected teeth:
- Throbbing pain in gums or tooth
- Swollen jaw
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Swollen neck glands
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain while chewing food
- Red swollen gums
- Draining sores on the gums
- A visible hole in the tooth
- White or black staining on your teeth
What Treatment Options Are Available?
An infected tooth can affect your overall health and cause a sinus infection, or the infection can spread and go to the heart, a condition called bacterial endocarditis if left untreated. Our dentist in Westwood, MA, has some options that can help restore your smile. And they are:
Dental Crowns
If you were in an accident that chipped your tooth or you have cavities, a crown can cap the tooth. Our dentist near you may file down the tooth to remove the decayed part. Then the remaining tooth structure is covered to avoid further damage to the tooth.
There are different types of crowns that have different benefits. They can be made from all metal, porcelain, and porcelain fused with metal. However, out of all of them, all-metal crowns are the sturdiest.
If your tooth broke off at the top, our dentist might need to perform root canal therapy and place a post in the tooth, build a structure around it, then cap it.
Root Canal Therapy
If the cavity is deep enough and has reached the pulp, then a root canal will be necessary. If your tooth hurts or it has changed color, then the pulp is damaged. Root canal therapy is all about removing the infected or dead pulp, cleaning the canal, and then covering it. Most people have a phobia of getting root canal therapy since they think it’s painful, but it’s not.
Our dentist near you may use a dental crown to protect the weakened tooth.
Dental Fillings
Our dentist will remove the decayed material and then use a filling to cover the space. Fillings can be made from different materials like silver, gold, and porcelain.
Dental Implants
When your teeth are severely damaged, you may need dental extraction in Westwood, MA. If you desire to replace your teeth, implants are an excellent teeth replacement option. Our dentist will surgically place a titanium post in your jaw to act as a root, then cover it using a dental crown.
As always, prevention trumps cure every time and will help you avoid unnecessary costs trying to restore your smile. Contact our dentist near you at Westwood Dental Group. We would love to help you keep your smile healthy!