An aching tooth is one of those problems that nags at a person until it gets fixed. In some cases, the pain can be excruciating, and this makes most people difficult to deal with. Thankfully, Emergency Dentistry in Toms River NJ can help, but the dentist will need to examine the problem first. For example, if the patient has a cavity or decayed tooth, there may not be much that can be done at first. This is mostly because caries (cavities) tend to lead to infections, and an infection can interfere with most treatments. This issue will require an antibiotic regimen that will eliminate the infection before treatment begins.
The most common way to treat caries is removing any damaged dentin and enamel. This usually leaves the remaining shell healthy enough to hold a crown. However, if the cavity has gone deep, then the dentist may need to perform a root canal. This process is a bit more complex because the root pulp, the portion of the tooth that holds the nerve and blood supply must be removed. Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will create a crown to protect the remainder.
In some instances, the patient may prefer an extraction. That is, they may want to remove the tooth instead of dealing with long-term repairs. Ultimately, the choice is theirs, but the loss of the tooth can lead to other problems such as shifting teeth. To prevent this from occurring, the dentist may recommend a dental implant.
Of course, caries is not the only reason to seek out Emergency Dentistry in Toms River NJ. A chipped or damage tooth is another. Most damage of this sort is due to accidental trauma and may leave the tooth fractured. Repairing this damage will depend on how severe it is. A quick x-ray will provide the dentist with an image that displays any fissures or cracks. A necessary step in determining treatment procedures.
The need for an emergency dentist may also occur when prostheses break or crowns come loose. These are not items that can be repaired outside the dental office, and the use of super-glue is never recommended. Half-measures like this can usually cause more problems than they fix. This is why dental offices such as Atlantic Dental offer emergency services.
