dental emergency Archives - Bayou Dental Group

How Can Treat a Tooth Infection at Home?

Posted on January 14, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How can I get rid of tooth infections at home? Three of my upper left molar teeth have cavities, but I cannot afford a dentist and do not have dental insurance. The left side of my face has been swollen for over a month. I’ve called ten dental offices within ten miles of my house, but none will accept a payment plan for filling cavities. I have a steady cleaning job, but my credit isn’t good, so I do not qualify for a healthcare credit card Also, I will have to pay for transportation to and from the dental office, so I’m limited in how far I can travel for dental work. How can I care for the infections at home? – Thanks. Lei

Lei,

Unfortunately, you can’t find a dentist to accept payment plans. However, you need prompt care when a tooth infection causes facial swelling to prevent the infection from compromising your overall health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a severe untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body and have serious effects. In rare cases, the infection can cause death. Five to ten people in the U.S. die from dental infections yearly. While antibiotics work for various infections, a dentist must remove infected tooth pulp to prevent it from spreading. Taking antibiotics without dental treatment can result in an antibiotic-resistant infection.

We recommend looking for a dental clinic or health clinic that provides dentistry services. In larger cities, dental schools offer free or discounted care for minor dental problems like fillings or extractions, but they may not offer root canal treatment.

Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

Swollen Pocket in My Gums Hurts So Bad

Posted on February 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a swollen pocket in my gums that hurts really bad. It has been there for about 4 or 5 weeks. It is worse at night and keeps me awake sometimes. I got a job this past Tuesday, but the dental insurance isn’t active until next month. Will an antibiotic keep any infection controlled until I can see a dentist? I want to limit my out-of-pocket expenses until this job works out for my family and me. Anne from Salem, OR

Anne

Thank you for your question. Although one of our dentists at Bayou Dental Group would need to examine the swollen pocket and take x-rays, we will explain why antibiotics are insufficient.

Can You Take an Antibiotic for a Swollen Pocket in Your Gums?

Taking an antibiotic for a swollen pocket in your gums will not get rid of the infection. The infection will worsen over time and may infect other teeth and spread to your jawbone or into your bloodstream. A dentist may prescribe an antibiotic after removing an infection, but we cannot guess about your treatment options without an exam and x-rays.

It’s best to see a dentist right away. The sooner a dentist treats the infection, the easier the process will be, and you will be less likely to experience increased pain. After relieving your pain, the dentist will take an x-ray to explain the extent of treatment you need now and how much of it, if any, can wait until your dental insurance is in effect.

Delaying treatment can lead to a dental emergency that requires you to miss work days. Your oral health is the most important thing now, so don’t delay making an appointment. Ask the dental office’s billing representative about payment plans or financing.

Monore, Louisiana, accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Find out why so many in the Monroe community choose Bayou Dental Group for some of the best care in Monroe.

Will I Need Another Root Canal?

Posted on October 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My 2018 root canal on my lower right molar went smoothly, but since June this year, the tooth has hurt daily. Within the past week, I have taken ibuprofen daily to concentrate on work. The timing of this toothache is in the middle of my plans to leave town next week. How urgent is this issue? I don’t want to say I don’t have time for another root canal, but please tell me if I should see a dentist this week. Thank you. Haley from NH

Haley,

Thank you for your question. One of our dentists would need to examine and x-ray your tooth to determine the issue, but we can explain what is probably happening.

What Can You Do About Pain in a Root Canal Tooth?

If you feel pain in a tooth that had root canal treatment years ago, we recommend promptly scheduling an appointment with a dentist. You have symptoms of root canal failure, but only an exam and x-rays can confirm that.

Is Root Canal Failure Common?

Root canal failure occurs if a dentist does not entirely remove the infection. Although a tooth may initially feel better, the infection will eventually recur. Sometimes, a dentist cannot see curvy tooth channels, and the disease will remain. Unless a dentist has advanced training in root canal therapy, they probably do not have instruments that access deep channels in the teeth. Your dentist may refer you to a root canal specialist (endodontist).

What Is the Treatment for Root Canal Failure?

Repeat root canal treatment or surgery is the treatment for root canal failure. After taking an x-ray of the infected tooth, an endodontist will use specialized tools to remove the infection and then sterilize the tooth. An apicoectomy or root canal surgery is sometimes required to access the root tip through your bone.

An endodontist will evaluate the condition of your tooth and determine whether it is savable or must be removed and replaced with a dental implant. Please do not delay treatment to prevent the situation from escalating.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Can I Glue a Tooth Back in Place?

Posted on April 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have a front tooth that just broke this morning, and I want to glue it back in place. Please do not recommend an emergency dentist because I do not have the time or money to get to a dentist right now. The lower-left corner broke, but I have the piece of tooth. It is a decent size chunk. In June, I should be able to afford a dentist and get time off from work. What are the pros and cons of gluing the piece back on myself? Thanks. Kevin from TN

Kevin,

We cannot give you instructions for gluing a tooth. You need to see an emergency dentist. There are no pros to gluing the broken piece of the tooth back on. We will briefly give you three reasons to see a dentist instead of trying to resolve it yourself.

Can You Glue a Tooth Back in Place?

You cannot glue a tooth back in place and get lasting results. Using glue in your mouth will create other oral health problems. And your delay in seeing a dentist can result in intense pain and costly treatment. We will explain.

Glue Does not Belong in Your Mouth

Glue is not for use in your mouth. It can be toxic. You may create more problems than you solve if you try to glue the tooth back together. Besides, your saliva will prevent a do-it-yourself fix from staying in place. You may also damage your tooth even further.

It Can Get Worse

A break in your tooth can get worse if it is not properly restored. The tooth can weaken and become infected. You can end up losing the tooth altogether. It is possible that your tooth has internal damage already.

It Is More Expensive to Wait

If you have lost a chunk of your tooth, there is no way you can continue to avoid seeing a dentist. Eventually, the broken tooth will become so painful that you will need to see a dentist to relieve it. As the condition of the tooth worsens, it will become more costly and more time-consuming to repair. If you wait too long and a dentist must remove your tooth, there will be additional costs to replace it.

You can find a dentist who will offer payment plans or other arrangements to help you get the care you need. See an emergency dentist right away.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited Fellow and Monroe, Louisiana dentist, Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

Does a leaky filling need to be replaced urgently?

Posted on August 4, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Last week I visited a new dentist who said I have a “leaky filling,” and I have some questions about what he recommends. Two of my back molars have composite fillings in them. The dentist says the fillings are leaky and might fail. He recommends removing the fillings and replacing them with newer composite. He can remove a section of one filling and replace it with a new composite, but he says it’s best to replace both fillings to correct the seals. Although I didn’t reschedule the appointment, the dentist said that I should let him complete the work ASAP. Since this is a new dentist, I’m not sure what to do. Is this situation urgent? Thanks. Nichole from Arkansas

Nichole,

Thanks for your question. Leaky fillings require attention, but we’ll provide some background on the fillings and when it’s urgent to replace them.

What Is a Leaky Filling?

A leaky filling is a filling that doesn’t fit snugly against your tooth on all sides. The technical term for it is microleakage. Any gaps between the filling and your tooth allow saliva, bacteria, and food particles to enter. Bacteria can breed beneath the filling and promote decay (recurrent decay) that irritates your tooth, makes it sensitive to heat or cold, and causes pain. A leaky filling can lead to inflammation and infection.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth colored and make it easier to notice decay around them. Decay beneath amalgam fillings is often unseen until it grows and is advanced. Many dentists who replace amalgam fillings with composite find decay beneath them. But decay beneath composite is usually detected before it advances.

Is Replacing a Leaky Filling Urgent?

Photo of African American woman with dental pain who is holding both hands over her mouth; for informatoin on treatment options from Bayou Dental Group in Monroe, LA.

If your leaky filling hurts or is irritated, don’t delay getting it replaced

Whether or not replacing a leaky filling requires urgent treatment depends on the filling material in the tooth. If the filling is an amalgam, it’s challenging to tell if tooth decay exists and how much of it exists. Decay begins deep within the tooth, so an infection can occur if you delay getting it treated. It’s easier to tell if there is decay beneath composite. Your dentist says that there is a risk of decay beneath your leaky fillings, so your dentist didn’t detect decay.

As your dentist mentioned, if a filling is leaky, he can get a better seal by replacing all of it. If part of an old filling is left, it might eventually start leaking in another area.

David Finley, DDS of Bayou Dental Group in Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.

Expect Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction but Know When You Should Be Alarmed

Posted on March 31, 2020 by AllSmiles.

I wish I had taken my son back to his pediatric dentist because she was gentle and never had any complications as I’ve seen over the past 3 days. He had all 4 wisdom teeth removed 2 days ago. His face and eye are swollen. I’m wondering if he is going to need additional surgery or if the swelling will permanently damage his eye. I hate that this is happening now. I wanted his oral surgeon to delay the extractions, but my son has been in so much pain. Is there anything I can do at home or do I need to get an emergency appointment? Carter from Shreveport.

Carter,

Two days after surgery is usually the peak time for swelling after wisdom tooth removal. The swelling is worse when wisdom teeth are impacted. If an upper tooth is difficult to remove, or if the oral surgeon had to remove some bone to access the tooth, it’s not unusual to have swelling around or in the eye.

Common Signs and Symptoms After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Slight to moderate bleeding
Swelling
Minimal to moderate pain
Nausea

No doubt, the oral surgeon gave you post-operative instructions. They should include directions on how to address the above symptoms. Follow the instructions carefully, and you should expect a steady recovery for your son. If his pain and swelling increase, call the oral surgeon.

If you and your son were not expecting pain and swelling—and if there was difficulty extracting any of the teeth but you were not told about it—let the oral surgeon know how the lack of communication affected you. Most dentists will give you a thorough explanation of what to expect before, during, and after tooth extraction.

Would a Pediatric Dentist Have Completed a Better Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Pediatric dentists don’t extract wisdom teeth

No. Pediatric dentists try to preserve kids’ primary teeth so they can guide permanent teeth to the correct position. They don’t do lots of tooth extractions for children—and certainly not for adults. Although your son’s former dentist may be gentle, it’s unlikely that she is trained to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

An oral surgeon, or a family dentist with advanced oral surgery training, is the right choice for wisdom tooth removal. Due to misunderstanding or miscommunication, your son has more pain and swelling than you expected, but it’s common for two days after surgery.

Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms if they don’t improve in a day or two, or if they get worse.

Monroe, LA dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

How Urgently Does He Need to See a New Dentist for a Sensitive Crown?

Posted on March 28, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Can you tell me if it’s urgent to see a dentist about these issues with my CEREC crown? I received the crown in late February. I thought it was the perfect solution since I could get the crown in a day.

My dentist said my tooth was in bad shape, so she used an image of my teeth that the staff took two years ago. After she made the crown and put it over my tooth, it didn’t fit. She butchered my tooth just to get the crown over it. Then she put the crown on again and tested my bite. The crown was too high, so she started grinding on my tooth again. Now the crown is too wide at the base, and my tooth is sensitive.

I’ve been to the office once about the issue. I also went on the CEREC website and learned that digital technology is supposed to help the crown fit perfectly. And I see that my dentist should have taken a new scan of my teeth. If I can wait until things calm down with COVID-19 before I go to a dentist, I would prefer to do it. I know I can get an emergency appointment if needed. I don’t trust my dentist anymore. Thanks. Kyle from Biloxi

Kyle,

Your lack of trust in your dentist is understandable. There are several questionable choices your dentist made. But don’t randomly schedule an urgent dental visit. The factors below will help you understand why you need a skilled cosmetic dentist who has experience with CEREC technology.

CEREC Images

Photo of a brunette woman sitting in a dental chair and having her teeth scanned with a CEREC handheld digital camera.

It takes time, skill, and care to place CEREC crowns that last

We’re not sure why your dentist didn’t want to take new images of your teeth. CEREC scans teeth and precisely crafts a crown based on the current condition of a tooth. CEREC uses your current tooth structure to makes a digital model of how your tooth will look when it’s restored with a crown. New images would help your dentist ensure your bite is well balanced.

Did Something Go Wrong with the Crown?

It sounds like your dentist sculpted and placed the crown without taking any precautions.

Gap beneath the crown – If a crown doesn’t fit well, you might have a gap between the bottom of your crown and the gumline. Bacteria can leak beneath the crown and promote tooth decay.
Problems with your bite – If your bite is misaligned, you can begin to experience TMJ issues.
Improper fit – A crown should fit perfectly all the way around. If the sides are correctly contoured, the crown can irritate and inflame your gums and lead to gum disease.
Sensitivity – If your tooth is sensitive to cold air, food, or drinks, there is probably an opening at the margin of the crown and your gumline.

We recommend that you get a second opinion. But don’t schedule an appointment just because a dentist will see you right away.

Tips for Your Second-Opinion Dental Appointment

Ongoing irritation to a tooth can damage the tooth pulp—or living tissue—inside. Although the issue is may not be an immediate emergency, you don’t want to prolong treatment.

Don’t tell the second-opinion dentist about the history of your crown. Just let the dentist how that it’s uncomfortable, and you want to know his or her opinion on what’s causing the issues.
Don’t mention your current dentist’s name. You don’t want a biased second opinion.
Be willing to pay for a digital x-ray so the dentist can properly evaluate your case and determine your options.

This post is sponsored by award-winning Monroe, LA, dentist Dr. David Finley.

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