The New Year has arrived and if you have been
avoiding a trip to the dentist for that toothache that you’ve had since August,
now is the time to make the call.
The American Dental Association will tell you
that avoiding trips to the dentist for any problem, even if you don’t think it
is serious, is vital. Cracked teeth, leaky fillings or a chipped tooth could
lead to other problems that may not have occurred had you scheduled your
appointment when the issue first occurred.
If you have toothache caused by a cavity, you
are risking infection and the possibility of an abscess. An abscessed tooth
means that the pulp inside it has become infected and could possibly be dead.
If that is the case, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy to clean
out the dead material, clean it up and seal it before placing a dental crown.
If the abscess is located in between your tooth and your gums your dentist may
choose to drain the area, which will relieve the pain almost instantly.
The best way to avoid unnecessary emergency
trips to the dentist is to schedule regular comprehensive dental exams. During
your comprehensive dental exam your dentist will check your teeth and gums
looking for anything unusual. Your dentist or dental hygienist will also clean
your teeth. The dental exam will also include pictures and x-rays of your teeth
and gums and an oral cancer screening. After your dental appointment, you may
also want to discuss any restorative or cosmetic dental procedures that you might
be considering with your dentist.
A healthy mouth means a healthy body, and if
your gums are red, swollen or bleeding, you could be opening yourself up to all
kinds of disease. Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease, the most
serious form of gum disease, could lead to more serious health issues including
diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke.
Start 2016 off on the right foot and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
