Untreated tooth decay poses an ever-increasing threat to your oral health and it can even pose a threat to your general health. As it compromises more and more of the tooth, the bacterial presence can gradually start to affect the root and even cause an infection in the socket. Many people with a tooth in this condition will experience a toothache. This could even accompany a feeling of pressure, discomfort, or pain deep in the gums.
Sometimes endodontic treatments, like a root canal, performed at Lakeland Dental Care can remedy toothache pain.
For a severely damaged or decayed tooth, or for one that is also suffering from an abscess infection in the gums, the only viable treatment option might be to have it extracted. Once your gums have fully healed, Dr. Alex Abernathy can then help you understand your options for replacing the tooth.
There are a few post-extraction care instructions that you should heed to minimize any further complications while your mouth heals. It’s best to stick to eating a soft-foods diet and avoid chewing in that area of your mouth. You will also need to avoid drinking through a straw as this can pull blot clots loose from the incisions.
It’s natural and to be expected for the extraction site incision to weep a little blood for a few days. You can help control the bleeding by biting down lightly on some sterile gauze. Once it has stopped, you can gently wash away any lingering blood with a little lukewarm saltwater.
Tobacco users might want to speak to their primary physician about a cessation plan. The gum irritation caused by tar and other tobacco chemicals can increase recovery time and make you more prone to developing an infection in the gums during recovery. It’s best to select a program that doesn’t involve lozenges or nicotine gum. These can also irritate the gums.
If you live in the Jackson, Mississippi, area and you are suffering from a toothache, you should not delay in calling 601-981-8166 to seek professional treatment at Lakeland Dental Care.