Emergency Dentist Archives | Page 2 of 2 | Williams Family Dentistry

Can an Infected Tooth Spread to a Salivary Gland?

Posted on July 3, 2020 by writeradmin.

My daughter has had two salivary gland infections right above where she had two root canal treatments on the same tooth. Could this be spreading to infect her salivary gland? The doctor can’t seem to figure out what is leading to the infections and this is the only thing I could think of that makes any sense. Do tooth infections spread out of the teeth?

Margie

Dear Margie,

A tooth infection can spread outside of the tooth. This is one of the reasons they are considered dental emergencies. Your jaw is very close to your heart, lungs, and brain so a dental infection can turn life-threatening if left untreated. That being said, yes, it is possible an infection has spread to your daughter’s salivary glands. However, that would only be possible if her root canal treatment had failed.

You mentioned this is the second root canal treatment on this tooth. That means she’s already had one failed root canal treatment. The chances of a successful treatment go down with each successive re-treatment. My advice to you is to see an endodontist, also known as root canal specialists, to have an x-ray done. The x-ray should show you if there is an infection present.

If the Tooth Can’t be Saved

If there is an infection, the root canal specialist will have a much better chance of giving you a successful treatment. It is also possible that this tooth cannot be saved. In that case, all that would be left is a tooth extraction. When a tooth is extracted, it needs to be replaced otherwise the adjacent teeth will shift or tip into the space, completely throwing off her bite.

The best tooth replacement option is a dental implant. However, if your daughter is a teenager, her jaw isn’t developed enough for that treatment yet. In that case, I would get her a dental flipper, which is an inexpensive temporary tooth replacement. You can use that until she is old enough for the dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

This Patient NEEDS a Second Opinion

Posted on June 19, 2020 by writeradmin.

I went to a dentist after starting to have some jaw pain on and off. I don’t have a regular dentist, I’m ashamed to admit. I seem to have a problem with dentists. They give me the heebie-jeebies. No offense. When I got there, he did an x-ray and found a tooth, that already had a filling, now had decay underneath. He said there isn’t enough tooth to save, so he wants me to come back and get an extraction then either a dental bridge or dental implant. I don’t have to tell you again how I feel about dentists. Is there another option?

Humphrey

Dear Humphrey,

Bear in mind I haven’t seen you, but what the dentist you went to is saying doesn’t ring true to me. First, you just started having pain. By what he described the pain would have shown up earlier and been much more severe. Second, if the decay were that severe, he wouldn’t need an x-ray to tell you that. It is even very likely that your filing will have fallen out completely. Thirdly I’m going to suggest you get a second opinion from another dentist.

When you do that, please be certain it is a blind second opinion. What I mean by that is you don’t tell the second opinion dentist who originally diagnosed you or what he said. Just tell him the symptoms and let him draw his own conclusions. That way there will be no bias in his diagnosis.

A Word about Your Dental Anxiety

You are not alone in your heebie-jeebies, and no, I’m not offended. Because of that, I’d like you to see a dentist who offers dental sedation options. This way, for whatever treatment you actually do need, it can be an anxiety-free and pain-free appointment for you.

I have found, in my use of dental sedation, that patients with dental anxiety have their life has been changed. They are able to get to the dentist regularly without any dread. I’d start with nitrous oxide which will relax you but not require you to have someone drive you to or from your appointment.

If you find, you need something stronger, than I would suggest oral conscious sedation. This is quite strong so in addition to driving you to and from your appointment, they will also need to stay with you afterward until you are lucid and steady on your feet again. The good news about such a strong relaxant is you will most likely sleep through your entire appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Danger with Tooth Infections

Posted on May 31, 2020 by writeradmin.

I’m worried my dentist is putting my life in danger. I have a tooth infection. He wrote me a prescription for antibiotics but told me not to take it until a week before my followup appointment and procedure. That’s not for THREE WEEKS. I’ve always been told that tooth infections are a dental emergency and need to be dealt with right away. I’m worried he’s putting my life in danger with this delay.

Brandon

Dear Brandon,

You’re right that tooth infections are considered a dental emergency. This is because if they’re not treated they will spread. When you think about how close your jaw is to your brain, heart, and lungs, you can see that you don’t want to allow an infection to grow out of your jaw area.

That being said, it is possible that your infection is so small your dentist knows you have time and you are not in any danger. The antibiotic is a precaution to keep the bacteria growth down as you are going into the procedure to deal with your infection, which I’m assuming at this point is a simple root canal treatment.

If the infection starts to take off and you are in pain, call your dentist back and tell him what is going on. He should get you in right away if that is the case. If he doesn’t and is just leaving you in pain, there are dentists who will treat non-established patients in situations such as yours. You can do an internet search and call some offices.

I hope this puts your mind at ease. The key here is pain and progression. If pain is happening, you shouldn’t be left without aid. If it is progressing quickly, he needs to get you in sooner than originally planned.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Infected Wisdom Tooth

Posted on January 16, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have a wisdom tooth which began to hurt. I scheduled a dental appointment and they told me it was infected and needed to be extracted. The dentist suggested I just get all the wisdom teeth extracted while I’m there. That’s going to be very expensive, but I agreed. He gave me antibiotics and told me to schedule the extraction. I didn’t actually schedule the extraction. The antibiotics kicked in and the tooth no longer hurt so I decided I didn’t need to. Now it’s hurting again. Is the infection back? Should I get more antibiotics?

Livvie

Dear Livvie,

The tooth infection never actually went away. The only thing an antibiotic does is hold it at bay. The medicine kept it in check and then when the medicine was done, it flared back up. Dental infections are different than other types. In order for the infection to completely go away, it has to be physically removed by the dentist either with a root canal treatment or by extracting the tooth. In your case, what happened is the antibiotic helped with the infection which made you feel better, but didn’t really eradicate the infection.

These need to be taken seriously because the infection will spread. Even in the 21st century, people still die from tooth infections. Think about how close your brain is to your jaw. If it spreads quickly, your life could be at risk.

Do You Need to Have All Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

You’re extracting this tooth because it is infected. You didn’t mention anything about the teeth being impacted. Unless they are (or also are infected) I see no reason to extract the other three. That is a waste of money and an unnecessary risk. I recommend calling the office and asking why he wants the other three wisdom teeth removed. While you’re on the phone with them, schedule your extraction.

Many patients avoid procedures like this because of dental anxiety. Let’s face it, even if you’re not someone who avoids the dentist, I doubt you’d be jumping up and down about the idea of a tooth being pulled. Fortunately, there is a way to do this in an anxiety-free (and pain-free) way.

Make sure the dentist who is doing the extraction has sedation dentistry available. This will allow you to sleep through the procedure if you want to.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dr. John Weaver.

Can I Put Off a Tooth Extraction?

Posted on November 29, 2019 by writeradmin.

I had a root canal treatment done and then a crown. This was a while ago. The tooth started hurting again. I went to see my dentist and he said I have an abscess. He prescribed me some antibiotics and referred me to an endodontist. When he x-rayed it, he said the tooth was cracked and will need to be extracted. Here’s my question. The tooth has been treated with antibiotics and no longer hurts. Can I just put off this extraction until (and if) something else happens?

Eric

Dear Eric,

I’m relieved you wrote to ask before following through with this plan. This would end up being a disaster. Often, just having an abscessed tooth is considered a dental emergency. But, let’s ignore this for a moment and just go under the assumption this won’t blow up quickly.

Right now your tooth is still infected. The antibiotics didn’t “cure” it. Instead, it is just holding it at bay until you have the infection physically removed. What will happen is you’ll feel fine for a while. Then, a few days after your antibiotics are used, the infection will return. If you try to extract the tooth then, you’ll find the infection will keep the Novocain from working to its full potency. That will be a miserable experience for you.

Your best solution and the one which will be the least risky for you is to have it extracted now. If anxiety is an issue for you, there are dental sedation options which will give you an anxiety-free experience.

Replacing an Extracted Tooth

You’ll need to replace your tooth as soon as is reasonably possible. The best tooth replacement option is to get a dental implant. It mimics the natural tooth by providing a prosthetic tooth root and then a crown. It is the closest thing to having your healthy natural tooth back.

I will be upfront that it is the most expensive of your options, but it is worth saving up for. Don’t leave the space open until you can afford to replace it. If you do that, the adjacent teeth will begin to shift or tip into the open spot. Then your teeth will need orthodontics and there won’t be enough space left to adequately replace the tooth.

There are inexpensive replacements you can put there on a temporary basis. Timeliness in both these situations will save you money and hassle in the long run.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Infected Tooth & No Money

Posted on July 16, 2019 by writeradmin.

I don’t know what to do. I have a seriously infected tooth. That part of my cheek has swollen to the size of a golfball. I have no dental insurance and no job. I was laid off 5 months ago and just haven’t found anything. I don’t know what to do in order to take care of this. Do you have any suggestions?

Parker

Dear Parker,

I’m sorry about your lay-off. I know that is a terrible feeling, especially when you have something serious going on which needs to be addressed. When you’re talking about an infected tooth, it is important a dentist gets in there and physically removes the infected pulp. This is done with a root canal treatment. Antibiotics alone cannot solve the problem. The infection will flare back up and be harder to treat.

Even in the 21st century we still have people dying from tooth infections. Most people don’t realize how quickly these can turn life-threatening. However, if you think about how close your jaw is to both your heart and brain you can see that as the infection spreads things can turn serious.

Affording Dental Care During an Emergency

Most larger communities have some type of clinic available for people to get affordable dental care in cases of emergencies such as yours. Call your local dental society and see what they advise.

If you happen to live in a community which doesn’t offer these services, don’t lose heart. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people.

Try calling around and explaining your situation. They may be willing to let you get the services you need and pay as you are able. Each practice will have their own policy. Communication is the key.

If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Depending on how far gone the tooth is, it may not be possible to save it even with a root canal treatment. If you end up needing an extraction, your dentist can provide you with a dental flipper. This is an inexpensive tooth replacement. It’s meant to be temporary but it gives you time while you are still looking for employment. When things are more stable for you, there are better replacement options your dentist can discuss with you.

The key now is to get the treatment you need.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Emergency Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Emergency Dentist for Implant Pain?

Posted on April 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

Yesterday the area around my dental implant felt tender. I wasn’t too worried because it is surgery and does take time to heal. This morning, however, I woke up to that side of my face swollen. As it is the weekend, should I call an emergency dentist or do I need to wait until Monday and see my actual dental implant dentist?

Marina

Dear Marina,

Woman grabbing her jaw in pain, in need of an emergency dentist

It sounds like you have an infection brewing and a strong one at that. Any time there is pain, it is considered a dental emergency. So, yes, you need to be seen as soon as possible and not wait until Monday.

Infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure so you don’t want to put off getting this seen. Because it is regarding your dental implant, you need to call your office first. Most dentists have protocols in place for emergency situations such as yours.

If for some reason yours does not, you can do an internet search for an “emergency” dentist in your area. At the very least, they can call you in some broad spectrum antibiotics to hold this infection at bay. Though, I’d see if there was a dentist who sees emergency patients who also has experience in implant dentistry.

If the Dental Implant Fails

If you end up with the unfortunate result of your dental implant failing, that’s not necessarily the end of hope. Instead, you can try again. The only difference being you would need to have bone grafting done. This will build back up the bone lost during the procedural failure. Then, when that is healed you can try again.

Sometimes a dentist can do everything right and the procedure still fails. Everyone’s body responds differently to surgery. However, when done by an experienced implant dentist, the success rate is 98-99%. Those are good odds.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Going On Assignment Outside the U.S.? 3 Ways to Find the Right Dentist before an Emergency

Posted on March 4, 2019 by AllSmiles.

Photo of young man wearing a blue shirt and holding the right-hand side of his face, for information on Lexington, KY emergency dentistry at Kentucky Dental Group.

Going on a work assignment outside of the U.S.? Find a dentist before you have an emergency.

I am currently on a work assignment out of the country. Yesterday morning I found out that my assignment will be extended from 7 months to more than double that, 14 months at the least. I am going to be able to come back to the states for two weeks to take care of some business and visit family. My plan is to stay on top of flossing and brushing, maybe even more than usual. My colleagues in the U.S. who have been on assignment here in the past gave me some medical contacts, but none of them have needed a dentist. My teeth are fine for now, but I have needed root canals in the past so maybe that is what’s making me kind of nervous. If by chance I do have a dental emergency, how can I select a good dentist? Regards. Chip S.

Chip,

It’s good that you’re being proactive when it comes to your oral health. We have three suggestions to help you avoid a last-minute search for a dentist if you have an emergency.

Planning for a Dental Emergency While Outside of the U.S.

Get an exam and cleaning while you’re in the U.S. – During your two-week return to the U.S., we suggest that you schedule an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and thorough examination of your teeth and oral cavities. Early detection can help anticipate any potential problems.
Do some research – Research the names of respected dental associations in the country where you will be working. Dentists who are masters, fellows, or diplomates of the association have proven skill and experience. You can also ask your U.S. dentist for suggestions on finding a good provider while you’re on assignment.
Ask for recommendations – You can consider speaking with a hotel concierge or others you come in contact with who live or work in that country. Recommendations are often a reliable way to find a good dentist. People are usually sensitive and particular about the kind of dental care they receive. In advance of an emergency, research any dentist recommendations you have received. We wish you good oral health while you are away, but if you do have a dental emergency, you won’t have to rush to select a provider.

This post is sponsored by John Weaver, DMD of Kentucky Dental Group in Lexington.

Dentist Won’t See Me Until the Afternoon

Posted on January 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m so angry I don’t know what to do. I had a temporary crown on my front tooth and it just fell off. I called my dentist first thing and he said he can’t see me until this afternoon. What the heck? I have a nub for a tooth. Why can’t he see me first thing? Isn’t this a dental emergency?

Sunny

Dear Sunny,

First, take a deep breath. I know you are frustrated and what you have going on is important. That is why your dentist is fitting you in the same day. It isn’t uncommon for a temporary crown to have a problem. They’re meant to be easily removable. However, one falling off isn’t considered a dental emergency.

Your dentist was smart to get you in that day instead of waiting for the next regular appointment or until your permanent porcelain crown was ready. If he’d left it a few days, your adjacent teeth could have shifted in the empty space. Then when he tried to put the crown in, it would no longer fit.

Your dentist is looking out for you by seeing you the same day. I know it is a cosmetic inconvenience and I’m sure it makes it even more awkward being a front tooth.

If you absolutely can’t wait, you could try to call around to some other local dentists to see if they’re having a slow day. They may be able to bond it back on for you. Otherwise, you may have to just wait for the afternoon. Look at it as a chance to hide out at home and catch up on a show you’ve been meaning to watch or maybe read a good book.

Before you know it, you’ll be back to smiling with your temporary crown back firmly in place. Be easy on it until the permanent one comes in.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Implant or Emergency Dentist?

Posted on November 17, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’m at about the one-year mark for my dental implant. I started having some aching in my jaw and nothing felt quite normal. However, when I went in to see my implant dentist he said everything looked good. Now, it’s a few days later (and the weekend) and when I bit down on it there was a sharp pain and puss came out of it. I’m worried something is seriously wrong. My dentist isn’t open on weekends, can this wait until Monday or do I need to call an emergency dentist?

LeeAnne

Dear LeeAnne,

Infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure

I know your implant dentist doesn’t list any weekend hours, but I’d call him anyway. This is an emergency for your dental implant. It sounds like you’ve had an infection brewing for quite some time. It needs to be dealt with right away. He should have some emergency protocols for after-hours necessities.

If you can’t reach him, then it’s time to call an emergency dentist. They may not be able to do much except to prescribe an antibiotic to hold off the infection until you can see your implant dentist.

Once you get seen by your regular dentist, he may need to stabilize it with a splint. Hopefully, this can save the implant and you won’t lose it.

After Dental Implant Failure

If for some reason the dental implant can’t be saved, it’s not hopeless. First, you’ll need to make sure the infection is completely cleared before starting again. When you’re healed and ready, you’ll have to have bone grafting done in order to build back any bone lost during the loss of the implant.

After the grafting is healed you can start again with your dental implant procedure.

Should You Switch Dentists?

One of the things you need to consider is if you really have a qualified cosmetic dentist. You’ll need a dentist with post-doctoral training in the procedure, who has also performed a lot of cases. You’ll also want to ask how many of them are successful. He should say around 98% success rate.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.