7 Fastest Ways to Heal After Tooth Extraction

by Leave a Comment

The professionals at Dental One Care will do everything in their power to save your natural tooth, but extracting that tooth may be inevitable in some situations. If there is ever a need to extract one or more of your natural teeth, implement the following suggestions so that you can heal quickly from the procedure. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat shares the fastest ways to heal after tooth extraction.

Allow a Clot to Form

Clots are the body’s natural way of stopping bleeding, and this same mechanism is helpful when you have just had a tooth extracted. The dentist who performs the extraction at Laurich Dentistry will ask you to bite gently on a piece of gauze once the tooth is out. That gauze can be removed and replaced with another, but whatever you do, don’t remove the gauze until at least four hours after your tooth extraction surgery. In that time, a clot will form inside the socket of the tooth that was just removed, and the healing process will start.

Manage Your Pain

Once the dentists in Sterling Heights, MI Dental One Care extracts your tooth, you will be given some pain medication. Make sure that you follow the instructions given by Dr. Fadi Farhart so that the pain is managed effectively.

If you still feel some pain even while on the medication, dentists in Sterling Heights, MI, recommend that you use an ice pack placed outside your mouth on the side with the pain. Don’t leave this ice pack in place for more than ten minutes, but you can repeat the process of using it as many times as you want throughout the day.

Minimize Physical Activity

Any physically demanding activity, such as exercising or lifting heavy objects, can open the wound at the tooth extraction site and cause fresh bleeding. For this reason, Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends that you avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days so that you can heal quickly.

Be Careful What You Eat

Nutrition plays a key role in your recovery after a tooth extraction, but you have to be selective with what you eat, at least during the first few days. For example, hot food and drinks are a no-go because these can melt the clot in the socket. Also, opt for softer foods that will not require a lot of chewing. As you chew, use the other side of your mouth, furthest from the extraction site. Some foods that Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends are mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce. Keep in touch with your dentist in Sterling Heights so that he or she can recommend when you can eat normally again.

Adjust Your Sleeping Position

If you aren’t careful with how you sleep, you have a higher chance of bleeding at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhart advises patients who have just had teeth extractions to elevate their heads on pillows while they sleep. This will help prevent bleeding at the extraction site.

Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene deserves extra attention after tooth extraction surgery because, at this time, you face a higher risk of developing infections. Dentists at Thorough Dent Smiles in Georgetown, KY, recommend the perfect oral health care routine, including brushing and flossing but avoiding the tooth extraction site. A warm, saltwater solution is also useful when rinsing your mouth because it will kill bacteria. While you heal, resist from using mouthwash because it may be too harsh on the tooth extraction site.

Be Keen on Infections

As already mentioned, you face a higher risk of developing an infection in your mouth when healing after tooth extraction. Therefore, you need to be alert for any signs of infection so that prompt action can be taken before the healing process is compromised. Some of the warning signs that Dr. Fadi Farhart says you should be on the lookout for are fever, excessive swelling, a discharge from the extraction site, and nausea. Contact Dental One Care immediately if you experience any of those signs.

The extraction site should heal in less than a week, and the gum tissue will take a few weeks to heal fully if nothing interferes with the healing process. To increase the chance of a smooth recovery, implement all the tips above and any recommendations given to you by the experts at Dental One Care. 

When to Visit the Dentist About Tooth Pain

by Leave a Comment

You may be suffering from a toothache if you feel any sharp pain or even a dull ache in or around your tooth. A wide variety of underlying causes can trigger such toothaches, and those factors could cause a nerve to send pain signals to your brain. Some types of toothaches, such as transient pain, can be dealt with at home, but there are cases of tooth pain that require you to see Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care for professional diagnosis and treatment. This article explores some of the circumstances under which you should see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, immediately.

When Pain Persists

When your toothache is persistent (goes on for several days, for example), the pulp of your tooth may have been affected. This explains why you could be feeling pain even when you haven’t done anything, such as taking a hot beverage, to trigger than pain.

Contact Dental One Care so that the Sterling Heights dentist can examine you and treat the underlying cause of the persistent tooth pain before the problem gets worse.

Increasing Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal response of the body to an infection that it is grappling with. Inflammation is usually characterized by redness, tenderness, and some swelling of the affected area.

If your tooth pain is accompanied by worsening inflammation, it is time to see Dr. Fardi Farhat for help. That increasing inflammation may be an indicator that the gum or tooth infection has spread to the pulp of your tooth, and the sooner the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI gets to the bottom of it, the better.

Swelling Around the Face or Jaw

You should also see a Sterling Heights dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain, which is accompanied by visible swelling around your jaw or face. This symptom indicates that you may be suffering from an acute tooth or gum infection and that infection can easily spread to other parts of the body and cause additional problems. Getting prompt treatment at Dental One Care can save you from the pain, in addition to preventing additional dental problems.

Bleeding Gums

On its own, pain is an indicator that something is amiss with your health. When tooth pain is accompanied by bleeding around the gums, then you need to see your local dentist in Sterling Heights ASAP.

The pain and bleeding gums may be symptoms of advanced periodontal disease. You may also be suffering from an infection which your body has been unable to deal with on its own. Whatever it is, a dental care professional will diagnose it and administer the correct treatment so that you can be free from the pain and the underlying cause bringing that pain.

Fever and an Earache

It is also possible to have tooth pain that is accompanied by earache and fever. Depending on the tooth affected, any pain you experience can also manifest in another area other than around that tooth. For example, when the last molar is infected, chances are you will feel an earache on that same side of your face.

Tooth pain, an earache, and fever usually indicate that a dental problem is getting worse and is becoming systemic. So, the sooner you consult Dr. Fardi Farhat about the problem, the easier it will be to address the root cause of these seemingly unrelated symptoms.

You Suffered Trauma to the Face or Mouth

If you recently had a nasty fall or took a blow to the face or mouth and you are now experiencing tooth pain, see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI immediately. Trauma to the face or mouth may cause damage to the teeth in a way that isn’t immediately apparent. So, when you develop tooth pain afterward, the damage may be coming to the fore. Seek professional help at Dental One Care and the Sterling Heights dentist may be able to save your tooth if the damage from the trauma wasn’t excessive.

As anyone who has experienced dental pain will tell you, this isn’t an experience that one would wish to undergo again. The best way to limit the likelihood that you will experience tooth pain is by taking preventive steps, such as brushing and flossing daily, wearing a mouth guard if you play contact sports and getting prompt help as soon as you notice anything amiss in your dental health. When problems are caught early, they will be treated before they progress to a level where they cause excruciating tooth pain. Contact Dental One Care if you ever experience tooth pain and our experienced team will provide the care you need to feel normal again.

8 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

by Leave a Comment

Some dental pains and aches can be treated using home remedies or OTC drugs, but others point to a bigger problem and even call for urgent professional attention. The question is, how do you know if you need to see a dentist immediately in order to get treatment for your pain or aches or use home remedies? Dentists at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights share the following signs which should prompt you to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately.

Sign #1: Your Tooth is Loose

Adults should never have loose teeth, so emergency dental care is in order once you notice that one or more of your teeth is/are loose. Your local dentist in Sterling Heights explains that teeth can become loose for a variety of reasons, such as advanced periodontal disease or impact trauma to the teeth and gums. Prompt treatment for the loose tooth, in this case, will save that tooth from deteriorating and falling out.

Sign #2: Severe Toothache

Minor toothaches can be managed at home, but a severe toothache requires immediate dental care. The severe toothache could be an indicator that the tooth root is infected, or other factors have triggered that severe toothache. The only way to be certain that the exact root cause of the pain has been identified and treated is by visiting Dental One Care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sign #3: Aching and Bleeding Gums

Some bleeding is normal when you brush and floss, especially if you are flossing for the first time. However, you should be concerned if the bleeding is chronic and excessive. Aching gums are also a red flag you should not ignore. The expert hands and eye of Dr. Fardi Farhat are required to find out what exactly is causing the aches and bleeding. Gum disease is often the culprit, and it is important to treat it promptly so that it doesn’t cause irreversible damage to your dental health.

Sign #4: Your Jaw is Swollen

When your jaw swells, rush for emergency dental care at Dental One Care. The swelling points to a serious infection, most likely an infection of your salivary gland. The salivary gland is very important because the saliva it secretes helps to clean your mouth and prevent the proliferation of oral bacteria. Saliva also facilitates the digestion process because it contains enzymes that kick-start the process of breaking down the food you eat. The dentist in Sterling Heights will examine you and identify the exact infection you have so that the right treatment is administered.

Sign #5: Dental Abscesses

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about dental emergencies. Dr. Dhoon says dental abscesses are one of the most common dental problems patients have. An abscessed tooth presents with a lot of pain, fever, pus, a foul taste in your mouth and swollen glands. These signs suggest that the root of your tooth may have become infected due to trauma, advanced gum disease or an untreated cavity. See a dentist in Sterling Heights immediately so that a surgical procedure to drain the abscess can be done.

Sign #6: A Numb Tooth

Teeth are full of living tissues, so they should never be numb. When your tooth becomes numb, one of several things could have happened. For example, an infection could have spread to the root of that tooth and compromised the functioning of the nerves in there. The loss of sensation is a reminder that you need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately so that a root canal or any other treatment can be performed. Otherwise, you may lose that tooth and others as the infection spreads.

Sign #7: A Metallic Taste in the Mouth

When dental fillings are damaged, they tend to leave a metallic taste in the mouth. Rush to Dental One Care as soon as you get this metallic taste because your filling is most likely leaking. The old filling will be replaced and the root of your tooth will be saved from infections that can necessitate root canal therapy.

Sign #8: Constant Headaches

The body is a complex system of interconnected parts. A problem that affects one part can therefore easily affect or manifest in other parts. For example, people who grind their teeth can wake up with a headache because the abnormal amounts of energy used to grind the teeth strains the jaw muscles and the surrounding areas. See a dental expert at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that a comprehensive exam can be done to establish what is causing your chronic headaches. Remember, headaches are signs that something is wrong, so you shouldn’t try to treat the headache on its own without finding out what is triggering it.

It is wise to have the contact information of Dental One Care with you at all times so that you can contact Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team when the need arises. Don’t brush off some dental issues as minor, give us a call and we will advise you on what to do to resolve the problem. If the situation calls for emergency dental care, we will do what is required to protect your dental health.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips

by Leave a Comment

The process of tooth extraction can be daunting and scary. But with the right dentist, it can be a breeze. However, caring for your teeth post-extraction is as important as the procedure. To ensure that you heal properly and infection doesn’t occur.

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care highlights the do’s and don’ts of tooth extraction aftercare. Which every one should follow post-extraction.

Post Tooth Extraction Do’s

  • To ease the pain, take some painkillers, ibuprofen.
  • Get as much rest as you can and don’t exert your body for at least 24 hours after the extraction. While lying down, try to rest your head in an upright position with the help of a pillow.
  • You want to make sure to let the extraction site clot. After the surgery, make sure to keep the gauze the dentist provides in place and bite down on it. You want to keep it in place for at least an hour which applies pressure to the area of extraction and helps the wound clot and heal. The longer you keep it in the better. But at the same time, make sure you chew as little as possible so there is constant pressure applied on the gauze. You may also want to change the gauze if and when it gets soaked with blood.
  • Once the gauze is removed, leave the extraction site alone. Meaning doesn’t touch it with your tongue or fingers. This can disrupt the healing process.
  • To reduce swelling or any pain you may be experiencing, you can apply an ice pack to the face, in the affected area. Keep it applied for 15 minutes and then give it about an hour of rest before you apply it again.
  • Try to drink as much liquid as possible and only eat food that is soft in texture and easy to chew.

Tooth Extraction Don’ts

  • We asked our friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about tooth extraction don’ts. Dr. Dhoon highly recommends that if you smoke, then don’t for at least 2 days after the extraction. Cigarettes contain chemicals that can lead to a dry socket at the site of extraction.
  • Don’t have solid food until you can start to feel your jaw again.
  • Don’t rinse your mouth with saline water solution until at least 12 hours after the surgery. The solution is supposed to help clean and maintain the contents in your mouth but let the gums heal properly before you use it.
  • Don’t take aspirin, until the extraction area is properly clotted. Since aspirin causes the blood to thin, it can delay the process of clotting.

Tooth extraction is a serious procedure and for an individual to heal properly, it is important that they take care of the area post-surgery. It is important that you contact Sterling Heights dental specialists at Dental One Care if you face any problem post-surgery. You also want to make sure to follow the do’s and don’ts of extraction aftercare.

6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

by Leave a Comment

6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

You’ve got your day mapped out. A meeting with a VIP client. A visit to the dentist. And a date with a hottie. But life has its way of throwing a monkey wrench into your well-laid plans. Dental emergencies can crop up when you least expect these but fret not. With these 6 fixes for a dental emergency from your favorite Sterling Heights Dentist, you may have a fighting chance to emerge victorious with sparkling teeth to boot.

Teeth stained by berries

Adding fruits, including berries, into your diet, is a good way to boost your oral and overall health.

But the sugars and acids found in some fruits, notably berries, can immediately stain your teeth.

What can you do?

The first thing you can do is to brush and floss your teeth. But what if you don’t have access to both? You can either grab a sugar-free gum or simply rinse your mouth with good old tap water.

Instant white teeth

Want to impress your clients or a hot date with a sparkling smile?

In the past, if you wanted to whiten your teeth, you had to wait several days for a teeth whitening solution to take effect.

But today, there are some products now available in the market that can produce instant results.

If you opt for this quick fix, you can get better results by avoiding food and drinks that can stain your teeth.

Broken tooth at the cinema

You’ve been too engrossed with the action at the silver screen that you unknowingly shoved a popcorn kernel into your mouth. And now, one of your teeth is broken.

What can you do?

You don’t need to leave the cinema in a hurry. Finish the movie but avoid chewing on the side where your broken tooth is located. Once you get out, clean the affected area and then book an appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist. In the meantime, if you are bothered by pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication.

Toothaches

If a toothache has been bothering you before your scheduled appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist, you can do a few things to ease your pain. First, make sure that you continue to clean your mouth. Next, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication.

You’re too shy to show your teeth to the dentist

If you think there is a way to hide your poor oral hygiene from your Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, you’re wrong. Your Sterling Heights dentist knows whether you are taking good care of your teeth and gums. But that does not mean that you can’t make a good impression. Here are a few things that you can do. 

First, consider investing in an electric toothbrush which can do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Next, chew on sugar-free gums to help facilitate the flow of saliva in your mouth. Third, avoid drinking sugary drinks like soda. If you can’t, use a straw.

A few key takeaways

Dental emergencies can happen anytime. In order to respond promptly and correctly, it is a good idea to have a dental emergency kit within easy reach.

This kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (or dental picks), pain relief medication, and a few sugar-free gums.

Can the Dentist Save My Tooth?

by Leave a Comment

So you’ve always enjoyed eating nuts — almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and more. But, horror of horrors! One day, while biting into one particularly tough but delicious honey-coated almond, you hear a tiny cracking sound from your mouth and realize, oops! That’s not the almond; it’s your tooth.

You look in the mirror and check all your molars (at least, the ones you can clearly see), and here it is: A tiny crack in one of your tooth. You’ve always taken very good care of your teeth, and now this. The first question to haunt you, then, is “Can the dentist save my tooth?”

We’ve asked Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to help shed light on this and answer your troubling question.

Can my tooth be saved?

If the injury is minor and affects only the enamel (the hardened external layer of your teeth), it is usually referred to by dentists as a “craze line.” This type of tooth injury is pretty easy to manage. All your dentist has to do is buff or polish the affected tooth to ensure it appears normal, just like the others, and you can keep using it normally as well without any further treatments. You need to give your teeth extra TLC, of course.

But if the injury goes deeper than the enamel, it has to be treated to prevent it from getting infected and to not worsen the fracture. So your affected tooth will require some form of endodontic therapy and, depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist (or endodontist) can recommend a particular mode of treatment.

What procedures or treatments are required to save my tooth?

Some cases, the crack is still minor but also requires filling to ensure the injury doesn’t get any worse. Other types of tooth injury such as the following may require very specific treatments:

Fractured cusp

This usually happens when part of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off. Since this rarely affects the pulp, your dentist may use a filling or dental crown to save your tooth.

Cracked tooth

 When you have a cracked tooth, it implies the crack line has vertically extended below the chewing surface. If it has reached the tooth root, a root canal will be recommended. Additionally, the application of a crown to ensure the crack doesn’t get any worse. However, if the crack has reached that part below the gum line, treatment is no longer an option, so the dentist will have to perform a tooth extraction.

Split tooth

 This type is usually the result of the progressive worsening of an untreated tooth crack whereby the fissure has extended vertically to the rest of the tooth, effectively splitting the tooth into two segments. In this case, saving the tooth may no longer be an option, and a tooth extraction would be recommended. However, if a portion of the tooth can still be saved, your dentist may recommend some form of endodontic therapy.

Vertical root fracture

 These cracks start the opposite way and grow from the tooth root. Usually, a tooth extraction is recommended. However, your dentist determines that it is still possible to save a portion of your tooth. 

Whatever type of injury your tooth is afflicted with, if you experience any type of tooth pain, just be sure to schedule an appointment get your teeth checked by Dr. Farhat. 

Solutions for Tooth and Nerve Trauma

by Leave a Comment

An injury to the teeth doesn’t happen often to regular folks. However, the stats are high for those in sports, where there’s always the possibility of falling and bumping into things and other people. Dr. Farhat shares his solutions for tooth and nerve trauma. 

Athletes are quite prone to tooth and nerve trauma; they can chip or break their teeth, dislodge the teeth, completely lose a tooth, or have a tooth hit so bad, it turns a sick grey color. For such an injury, an endodontic treatment is required.

There are different types of endodontic treatments that Dental One Care offers. You have a simple root canal therapy for teeth with infected pulp due to cavities, and endodontic surgery for complex dental issues.

Different Types of Tooth and Nerve Trauma, Plus Treatment

For all types of tooth and nerve trauma, an endodontist would have to examine the injury thoroughly first. It will involve taking radiographs (or x-rays) to get the full picture of the teeth and surrounding bone structures. After the extent of damage is established, the repair will commence.

A small chipped tooth will be filled with a tooth-colored filling. Meanwhile, a crown fracture will receive a root canal treatment, especially if the patient feels intense pain. Afterwards, a crown will be placed to secure the hollowed tooth. For split teeth or a vertical fracture, tooth extraction is usually the best solution.

Knocked-out teeth

Knocked-out teeth are a dental emergency. It’s imperative to save the teeth and get the patient to the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will put the tooth back in its original place and support it with a splint. And depending on the stage of root development, the endodontist may perform a root canal treatment, which will eventually be followed by the application of permanent root canal filling.

As for luxated teeth, wherein teeth either get pushed up into their socket or partially knocked out of their socket, time is also of the essence. Make the trip to the dentist right away so he can reposition the teeth and stabilize them with a splint.

Root Canal Treatment

Just like with knocked-out teeth, a root canal treatment may be necessary as well for luxated teeth, but it will involve the application of calcium hydroxide inside the tooth. After a few weeks, root canal filling will be placed.

If the root has been fractured, a stabilization splint is also the solution dentists use.

Success in treating tooth and nerve trauma relies so much on promptness and post-treatment care. Timely treatment is an absolute must, and it should be followed by proper care of the injured teeth and consistent oral hygiene.

How Does Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health

by Leave a Comment

One question that typically crosses a pregnant woman’s mind is, How does pregnancy affect my oral health?

Dental professionals at Dental 1 Care share some great insights about this topic.

Pregnancy affects almost all aspect of a woman’s life, including your oral health. You might think oral health is an entirely different thing to worry about, but taking good care of your teeth and mouth is crucial during pregnancy. The changes you experience in your oral health are due to the surge in hormones, such as the increase in your progesterone and estrogen levels. These hormones can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to the plaque.

Special Oral Health Concerns When You’re Pregnant

  1. Tooth Erosion

If you are suffering from severe morning sickness, the enamel on the back of your front teeth can erode due to frequent vomiting. So if you are experiencing frequent morning sickness, you need to contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental 1 Care immediately to learn how to prevent enamel erosion.

  1. Gingivitis

During pregnancy, you may notice significant changes in your gums. When you brush your teeth, your gums can become red or even bleed. Also known as pregnancy gingivitis, these changes can happen as early as the second month and could last until the eighth month.

Common in the front of the mouth, pregnancy gingivitis has the same symptoms as the typical gingivitis. Their only difference is the cause. Because of the increase in the level of hormones during pregnancy, the growth of certain bacteria can be enhanced. Also, your immune system can work differently while you are pregnant, which alters how your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis. Aside from brushing twice daily and flossing every day, a Sterling Heights dentist also recommends using mouthwashes that don’t contain alcohol.

  1. Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women suffer from dry mouth. The best way to combat dry mouth is to drink plenty of water and use gum or hard candies to stimulate the secretion of saliva. Make sure that the candies or gum you consume contain xylitol because this helps reduce the destructive bacteria-causing cavities.

When to Visit a Dentist if you are pregnant

The best approach to good oral care is to see your dentist before getting pregnant for a cleaning and an examination. At this time, periodontal disease treatment can be done when necessary. During your pregnancy, it is best for you to visit your dentist during your second trimester. As much as possible, major procedures like surgery and reconstruction should be avoided until your baby is born.

If you need emergency dental treatment while you are pregnant, you can receive treatment when necessary to prevent an infection, ease your pain, or reduce the stress for you and your baby. Your dentist may consult your obstetrician and ask questions regarding the safety of anesthesia or medications.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

by Leave a Comment

Why does my tooth hurt?

The average person will suffer from mild to extreme toothaches several times during his or her lifetime. The severity or pain level usually depends on the cause behind a toothache.

If you’re thinking “Why does my tooth hurt?” every now and then, a trusted Sterling Heights dentist shares some possible reasons below:

Tooth decay

The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. However, for the tooth and the surrounding area to really hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough that it has already reached the inner layer of the tooth — the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes highly sensitive and a cavity has already developed.

Tooth abscess or infection

If a cavity has already affected the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue will soon become infected. This, in turn, can cause a pulsating and unbearable pain. This is a dental issue that needs to be dealt with professionally as soon as possible since not only is it extremely painful, but it can also result in bone and tissue loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you feel a sharp tooth pain during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot, the pain is usually connected to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity usually means that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves are) is exposed. This dental issue can also be caused by a recent teeth whitening procedure. To reduce this level of sensitivity, you can try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. You can also consult your dentist for other possible remedies.

Damaged fillings

Damaged or dislodged dental fillings or sealants which can expose the sensitive part of your tooth to temperatures, food and drinks can create sharp pains. Your dentist can immediately repair or replace the dental filling or sealant so that you can be free of pain quickly.

Dental trauma or fracture

If you injure, fracture, crack or chip a tooth because of a sports injury, accident, or from biting a really hard object, you will feel an intense toothache. If the pain is intolerable, this usually means that the fracture or damage has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are. Recommended treatments for this painful oral issue include dental fillings and dental crowns.

Growing wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt or if they have already crowned, they can cause teeth misalignment and push against the other teeth. This typically places pressure on your jaws and gums which causes the pain. Extracting the wisdom teeth and other orthodontic treatments will provide you relief from the pain.

Sinus infection

Lastly, if you suffer from sinuses, regular nasal congestion and tenderness in your upper jaw can also cause toothaches. Your dentist and medical practitioner will have to work together to find the most suitable remedy for this problem.

Even if the pain you are feeling is bearable and often comes and goes, it is best to consult your dentist immediately. There may be some underlying and more severe dental issues behind the pain and your dentist is the best person to detect and treat them.

What Happens After A Tooth Dies?

by Leave a Comment

Healthy, normal teeth have living tissues inside the pulp and they play important roles in the development of a tooth. They also cause you to feel pain and discomfort when you have a toothache or whenever you eat or drink something really cold or hot. When these nerves and other living tissues die or are removed (under a root canal treatment), they will cause the tooth to die.

What Causes a Tooth to Die?

According to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, dental trauma and decay are the two main culprits which can cause a tooth to die.

Dental trauma caused by sports injuries, assault, or a huge fall or slip can cause the blood supply to the tip of the root to be severed, resulting in the pulp and tooth dying off. In cases of severe tooth decay, bacteria will get too near the nerve or pulp. The pulp will try to get rid of the bacteria, but without proper treatment, all it can do is to choke the blood vessels by raising the internal pressure. Unfortunately, this will cause the blood supply to be cut off and the pulp will eventually die.

In some cases, gum disease and excessive clenching can also cause the death of a tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of a dead tooth

You will know if a tooth is dying or is already dead if you see or experience these signs and symptoms:

  • Tooth discoloration or darkening. It can turn into a shade of yellow, gray, or black.
  • Pain or discomfort. It can vary from mild to severe, especially at the time when the nerve is dying or there is already an abscess in the tooth.
  • Some swelling, a bad taste, odor, and a “pimple” on the gum which may be caused by an infection or pus.

Treatment for a dead tooth

So what happens after a tooth dies? Once the nerve is dead, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort when eating and drinking something that is too hot or cold. However, you still need to see your dentist since you have a tooth with a dead nerve inside it which will begin to rot soon.

Root canal treatment may be recommended if you don’t want to lose the dead tooth. This procedure will effectively deal with the bacterial infection and remove the decayed section of the pulp, thereby preserving the dead tooth. The discoloration can be addressed through teeth whitening or the application of a veneer if the dead tooth is in front.

Extraction is the recommended procedure if the tooth is already severely decayed and is beyond repair. However, the extracted tooth has to be replaced with a dental implant or crown to replace the missing bone tissue and to allow the patient to have a complete, functional set of teeth again.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.