Hey, my name is Shelly Katalgo. My love for sedation dentistry started in high school. My best friend had a severe fear of going to the dentist and I wanted to help her feel better about it. Although I always enjoyed my dental visits, I felt bad that she struggled so much with going to hers. My parents taught me about sedation dentistry and I instantly dreamed of becoming a dental professional. I wanted to help kids like my friend stay fear free throughout their appointments by using gentle techniques and professional medications. Although I opted to follow a different career path, my passion for dentistry remained throughout the years. I will update my site with developments in this industry as soon as they are reported. I will also discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry in detail. Thanks for visiting. I hope you come back soon.
Franklin Steward
Once the ordeal of getting a dental crown is over, most patients hope that they will never have to worry about the repaired tooth again. Unfortunately, even with the best dental care, complications can arise both during the recovery process and years after the procedure. If you notice that your tooth is sore, doesn't align properly with your bite or causes a bad taste in your mouth, you may be dealing with an infection that requires prompt medical attention to prevent further damage.
Recognizing a Dental Crown Infection
Because dental crowns involve a cap covering the tooth, infections underneath the crown can be difficult to notice before they progress into the gums and jaw. Common symptoms of an infection include pain, swelling, temperature sensitivity and a leaking abscess in the gums underneath the tooth. You may also find that the crown feels out of place when you bite down, like the tooth has been pushed up too far. Once you notice these symptoms, call your dentist and schedule an appointment as quickly as possible. Fast action can mean the difference between taking antibiotics for a few weeks and undergoing full dental surgery.
Managing Symptoms
While you are waiting for your appointment, you must handle the discomfort of your tooth and attempt to slow down the infection. Gargling saltwater or rinsing with mouthwash can flush your mouth of the unpleasant fluids released by an abscess and slow the spread of harmful bacteria. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics before seeing you to fight the infection early, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Treating an Infected Dental Crown
Once you visit your dentist for an examination, he or she will be able to determine the cause of your infection and its most effective treatment. You may simply need antibiotics to relieve the infection, but there is typically an underlying issue that must be solved as well. In more severe cases, the crown could need to be replaced or the tooth itself pulled. Since this problem will only grow worse with time, the sooner you can seek treatment, the better.
Preventing Dental Crown Infections
The standard dental hygiene practices that dentists have encouraged for years can help prevent infection in all of your teeth, including those that have dental crowns. This includes regular brushing and flossing and avoiding harmful substances like sugar and tobacco. Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and exams can also catch potential issues before they escalate. If you suspect that something is wrong with your dental crown, do not hesitate to contact a dentist (such as A Q Denture Services) for a professional opinion and treatment.