Do Dental Cavities Require Emergency Dentistry?
Under certain circumstances, a dental cavity may require emergency dentistry. Our office should be your first call if you are experiencing symptoms of a dental emergency.
Not everyone is aware of the symptoms of a dental emergency caused by dental cavities, so Dr. Wilderman will discuss the topic in this blog post. Dr. Wilderman provides emergency dentistry for patients in Philadelphia, PA, Bucks County, and Doylestown, PA. Regardless of your type of dental emergency, call our office at (215) 712-8345 immediately.
How Do Cavities Cause Dental Emergencies?
Cavities create small holes in your enamel that can expose the sensitive inner areas of your teeth to the outside environment. Beneath your enamel is a less dense layer called dentin. Dentin is far more sensitive than enamel. The bony material contains pores that run from the surface of the tooth inward.
Individuals with exposed dentin are at risk of hypersensitivity and oral health problems that include root canal infection, abscess, and advanced tooth decay.
Symptoms of a Dental Emergency
Any cavity should be promptly treated. Eroding tooth enamel is a serious oral health risk that will not resolve on its own. Symptoms of a dental cavity that is causing a dental emergency include:
- Oral pain, whether continuous or intermittent
- Hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Jaw pain
- Discomfort or pain when biting
Once a dental cavity has reached the point where it is causing any of these symptoms, you are at risk of an advanced infection that could require root canal treatment or tooth extraction. To restore your oral health and save your tooth, call our dental practice immediately.
When Should I Seek Medical Help?
If you are experiencing persistent or lingering pain, call our office immediately. If you are experiencing mild symptoms or see signs of a cavity (usually a dark pit), you can schedule your visit a few days or weeks in advance.
A dental emergency is typically reserved for cases where a tooth is causing significant pain or there is uncontrolled bleeding of some sort. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, a member of our dental team will arrange an appointment at our office immediately.
Once someone has dropped you off, Dr. Wilderman will diagnose the cause of your dental emergency. Our office offers the Wand®, which delivers anesthetic slowly and without the need for needles. Treatment for dental cavities is straightforward. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Wilderman will remove the decayed portion of your tooth using a special drill.
Once the infected and decayed portion of your tooth has been removed, the treatment site will be cleaned and sanitized before dental fillings are used to restore tooth structure. The entire procedure can often be performed in an hour or less.
Schedule Your Next Visit to Artistic Expressions Dentistry Today
Once you arrive at our office, you can begin finding relief from an advanced dental cavity. Dr. Wilderman is an experienced emergency dentist who is dedicated to providing expert and prompt care. To schedule your emergency dental treatment, call (215) 712-8345 or contact us online.
