Dental Emergencies

Tooth pain can be caused by various factors, including decay and infection. A cavity is a common reason that people experience tooth pain. Many people also clench or grind their teeth at night, leading to enamel erosion and jaw pain. If left untreated, the teeth can be damaged, and the nerves can become exposed. This can cause severe pain when the teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures. At Century Dental Associates, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental treatments for patients with various needs.

THE CAUSES OF DENTAL EMERGENCY

Cavities and Infections

Most patients experience dental emergencies due to tooth decay or infection. An untreated cavity or a bacterial infection that spreads into the tooth’s inner tissues can cause severe discomfort and serious health risks like gum disease, tooth loss, and even heart complications.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the world. The gums become inflamed when plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into tartar. Left untreated, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and eventually start to recede. As the gums recede, they become more prone to infection leading to further issues such as abscesses, bone damage, and tooth loss.

Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism is the teeth grinding and/or clenching of the jaw. This typically occurs during sleep but the day while patients are under stress or concentrating heavily. Over time, bruxism can damage the teeth, such as fractures, worn enamel, and loose fillings. 

HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE AND TREAT DENTAL EMERGENCIES?

Finding the proper treatment for your dental emergency depends on several things, including what caused your pain in the first place. We will perform a comprehensive exam to determine the best solution for you. Your exam may include a visual examination, x-ray imaging, and a tooth-by-tooth inspection. We can select the best approach to treating your discomfort based on our findings.

Suppose your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. In that case, we may recommend applying a desensitizing agent to the affected teeth. This may help to reduce the sensitivity you feel to temperature changes. We may also apply fluoride gels or varnishes for an added layer of protection against sensitivity and decay. If tooth decay or damage is to blame, we will probably perform root canal therapy or a dental crown restoration. These procedures are designed to repair the damage using durable materials and a solid seal to protect the inner portion of your tooth.

If you are dealing with a dental emergency or another issue, visit Century Dental Associates at 18 East 41st Street, 1st floor, New York, N.Y 10017, or call dentist in New York, NY (212) 587-3000 to schedule an appointment with us.