Tooth Infection Signs

Tooth Infection Signs

What to Look For: The Signs of a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection, also known as an abscessed tooth, can cause serious dental problems if left untreated. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection in order to seek treatment right away. In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common signs of a tooth infection so that patients of 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Pete FL can identify them and take the necessary steps for treatment.

When it comes to identifying the signs of a tooth infection, there are some clear-cut indicators that you should look out for. Let’s review each one in detail:

Pain

Pain is often the first sign that something is wrong with your tooth. This pain may be localized to just one area or spread throughout multiple teeth or into your jawbone. If you experience any sort of pain when biting down on food or when flossing, it could be a sign that you have an infected tooth. Additionally, it’s important to note that this pain may become more intense over time as the infection worsens.

Swelling

Swelling around your mouth or near the affected area is another sign of a possible infection in your teeth or gums. This swelling may be accompanied by redness and soreness as well as tenderness when eating or drinking hot/cold foods and beverages. In some cases, swelling can also spread beyond your mouth and into other areas such as your neck, face, and head—which is why it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you notice any signs of swelling related to an infected tooth.

Fever

Fever is another telltale sign that something isn’t right with your teeth or gums—especially if you are experiencing other symptoms such as pain and swelling along with it. Be sure to check for a fever regularly during this time in order to ensure that the infection does not worsen further before seeking professional help from 4th Street Family Dentistry in St Pete FL.

Contact Us Today!

Tooth infections are serious matters which require prompt attention from dental professionals at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St Pete FL. By being aware of the signs associated with these infections—such as pain, swelling, and fever—you will be better equipped to seek timely treatment before things get worse. Don’t hesitate to call us today if you suspect that you may have an infected tooth! We’re here to help!

What To Do When Dental Emergency Happens?

What To Do When Dental Emergency Happens?

What To Do When You Need Immediate Dental Care

Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a sudden toothache, or an infection, dental emergencies in St. Pete FL can happen to anyone. They require immediate attention from a professional dentist near you. Here at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Pete FL, we are here for all of your dental needs and can provide assistance with any dental emergency you may experience. Let’s take a look at what you should do if you find yourself in the midst of a dental emergency.

Remain Calm and Call Your Dentist

The first step is to remain calm and contact your St Pete dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be able to provide same-day care or advise on the best course of action for your specific circumstances. It’s important to call them right away so they can help guide you through the steps necessary to alleviate your discomfort and address the issue before it gets worse.

Prevent Further Damage

In some cases, such as a knocked-out tooth or broken dental appliance, you may be able to prevent further damage by taking certain steps before visiting the dentist. For example, if you have lost a tooth due to trauma, place it in a cup of milk until you can get professional medical attention — this can help preserve your natural teeth and increase your chances of saving them. If you have broken a denture or other appliance, try not to wear it until it has been properly repaired by your dentist; doing so could cause further damage and make the repair more difficult.

Follow Up Care

Once your emergency has been addressed and treated by one of our professionals here at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St Pete FL, follow-up care will be necessary depending on the severity of the situation. This might include antibiotics or painkillers prescribed by our doctors as well as additional visits for further treatment such as fillings or root canals if needed. Following up with these treatments is key; failure to do so could lead to further complications and potentially even more severe issues down the line which could be costly both financially and medically.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry

Dental emergencies are never fun but they don’t always have to mean panic either! By remaining calm and contacting us here at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St Pete FL right away we can provide guidance on how best to handle the situation before visiting our office for treatment if needed. We understand that time is often of the essence when dealing with dental emergencies which is why we strive to provide quick yet effective care! Contact us today if you ever need immediate dental care!

When to See Your Emergency Dentist in St. Pete

When to See Your Emergency Dentist in St. Pete

If you have low-level, persistent discomfort in your teeth, gums, or jaw, you may think you can wait a few days to see your dentist at a routine visit. However, certain cases are so dangerous or cause so much agony that the only alternative is to schedule an emergency dental appointment and be seen as soon as possible.

Reasons You Might Need an Emergency Dentist Visit

You do not have to be “tough” or put up with unexplainable discomfort or swelling. Waiting too long might lead to more significant problems later on. I’m not sure what has to be addressed and what can wait a few days. Here are a few reasons you should schedule an emergency dental consultation as soon as possible.

A Tooth That Has Been Broken or Knocked Out

A badly fractured tooth may be giving you so much agony that you cannot function. A permanent tooth knocked out will bleed all over the place. Without prompt treatment for either circumstance, you will most likely be unhappy and may permanently lose that tooth. Worse, if you wait too long to get treatment, the solution may be considerably more intrusive and costly.

Fillings or Crowns That Are Missing

When a crown or filling comes loose, you may notice it right away. And sometimes, all you have on your tongue is a peculiar taste of pennies. Don’t ignore the flavor sensation; instead, go to an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may need a far more intrusive (and frequently feared) operation such as a root canal.

Tooth Pain That Isn’t Explainable

Maybe you bit down incorrectly or don’t know what occurred, but your mouth hurts. You get the sensation that your teeth are on fire. Even the air is painful. our friends over at Shreveport Dental Solutions, a dentist in Shreveport LA, talk about how while several factors might cause sudden and unexplained tooth pain, don’t put up with it for a few days until you can arrange an appointment during regular office hours. Instead, schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Gums That Bleed

When you have established conditions like gum disease or plaque buildup, it’s not uncommon for your gums to bleed slightly. Hopefully, you’re collaborating with your dentist to strengthen your gums and address any underlying dental or health issues. However, if your gums start to bleed and do not stop, or if you have discomfort or swelling, you should visit a dentist near you right away. Get in as soon as possible.

Tooth Abscess

You may be unaware that you have an abscessed tooth, but you will be in agony. You cannot speak, breathe, drink, or eat because the thought of anything touching your teeth is excruciating. Don’t wait until Monday or Tuesday to suffer. Instead, make an appointment with an emergency dentist to get the tooth repaired and the discomfort relieved.

Nerves Exposed

The pain from an exposed nerve, like an abscessed tooth, may be terrible. It’s almost hard to go about your typical evening or weekend activities. If the pain disappears quickly, you may have an exposed nerve or an abscessed tooth. This does not imply that the Tooth Fairy exists and that you have been healed. Instead, it might signify that the nerve has been so destroyed that you can no longer feel anything. This is an issue.

A Swollen Mouth

No, swelling in your jaw or mouth for no apparent cause is not normal or usual. Swelling, on the other hand, may be caused by many factors, ranging from enlarged lymph nodes to an infection in your mouth or jaw. Cancer may cause it in very rare circumstances. It’s better to come in for an emergency dental visit since there’s not always a reliable way to tell. You may be in such severe agony that you need to visit the dentist more than the swelling. Don’t delay, no matter whatever aspect bothers you the most.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry Today

Emergency dental visits were probably not an option decades ago. You had to suffer through your discomfort or yank your own teeth out back in the day. Nobody should have to go through a dental emergency in the twenty-first century. Instead, take advantage of your dentist’s emergency dental treatment near you. If they do not provide it, look for a dental clinic that can assist you in any dental emergency.

When To See The Emergency Dentist

When To See The Emergency Dentist

When To See The Emergency Dentist

How can you know whether your aches and pains are normal or if you have a serious toothache to worry about? Your St. Petersburg dentist states, if left unaddressed, those apparently little issues may soon escalate into a toothache you’ll never forget. Here are some signs to know when to see the emergency dentist 33704.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Toothaches occur in a variety of forms, sizes, and pain levels. Knowing what constitutes an emergency and what does not might help you save money over time. Putting off your aches and pains might sometimes lead to a worse dental issue down the road. Because your body is so interconnected, pinpointing the exact reason for your dental pain might be challenging. A proper diagnosis from Dr. Brian Leeson is the most reliable approach to get quick toothache relief and maybe avoid a more serious problem.

Loose Tooth

You should never suffer loss of teeth as an adult. If you’ve noticed that your teeth are becoming loose, there are a few factors that might be causing this. Patients may have severe pain as a result of this, and you should seek emergency dentist St. Pete right away. Whether it was a sports-related injury or a traffic accident, you’ll want to make sure your teeth are healthy and robust. Even if your teeth seem to be in good shape, you should see an emergency dentist rule out any nerve or jaw injury. While nerve or jaw injury may not show symptoms right away, it is critical to get treatment before your situation worsens. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this circumstance, as it is in most.

Toothache

The intensity of your toothache may indicate that you should see your dentist for fast toothache treatment. If your toothache is minimal, there are a few home remedies that you might try. If not, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, since toothaches may be caused by a variety of factors. Treatment will be determined by the underlying cause, thus accurate diagnosis is essential for long-term toothache treatment.

For patients, preventing a toothache in the first place is desirable, but we understand that this isn’t always possible. Habits and lifestyle choices may get in the way, and before you realize it, you’re dealing with a toothache. See your dentist if your toothache has become more severe and the pain persists following sensitivity to warmth or touch.

Swollen or Aching Gums

While seeing your gums bleed after flossing isn’t ‘normal,’ it might be an indication of gingivitis or early gum disease. However, if your gums are bleeding excessively, often, and even leave your gums sore, there are several red flags to be aware of. These are some of the most frequent gum disease symptoms.

If your gums are hurting or swollen, though, your dentist will need to check them to see what’s wrong. Early detection of gum disease is critical for maintaining the health and integrity of your gums and teeth. Untreated symptoms of gum disease, in particular, may progress to the point of no return. Because gum disease progresses in phases, some patients will be unable to return their teeth to their previous level of health. Treatment for periodontal disease is totally dependent on where you are in the disease’s progression.

Swollen Jaw

Swelling of the jaw might be an indication of a severe infection. Salivary gland infection is one of them. If you have a swollen jaw, a terrible taste in your mouth, a fever, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, you should get emergency dental help right away. A bacterial infection caused by a blockage in your salivary glands is known as a salivary gland infection. Saliva may get clogged, preventing it from fulfilling its task of breaking down food and washing away microbes. While this form of infection is unusual, you should see a dentist about your symptoms before disregarding them.

Abscess

If you see signs of a tooth abscess, you should contact your dentist right away. An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that develops at the base of the tooth. This is usually caused by an untreated cavity or severe gum disease. It might also be caused by any damage to your teeth, such as a chipped tooth. Fever, a bad taste in your mouth, pus, and swollen glands are all symptoms of an abscessed tooth. The symptoms are similar to those of the majority of other illnesses, and treatment should be sought as soon as possible. An abscessed tooth usually needs surgery to ensure that the infection is adequately drained and treated.

Canker Sore Isn’t Improving

This usually applies to any lesions that have developed in your mouth and are refusing to go away. Canker sores are common, and they may strike anybody at any moment. Only if the sores persist or get infected should this be a matter of worry. If you have an open sore in your mouth that hasn’t healed after two weeks, see your doctor or dentist to determine what’s wrong.

Regular Migraines

Our friend Dr. Eastham, best dentist in Grand Junction CO, states that headaches may be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, illness, or eating something cold too fast. If your headaches have become persistent and recurrent, though, it might be an indication of something more. Because your teeth and skull are linked, any discomfort in your mouth or jaw might cause or contribute to a headache. If you grind your teeth on a regular basis, you may have bruxism. Patients who grind their teeth on a regular basis sometimes suffer from headaches. If you believe this is the case, see your dentist about any additional bruxism warning symptoms, such as worn down tooth enamel or increased tooth sensitivity. Wearing a mouth guard at night might occasionally suffice as treatment.

Numb Tooth

If you had a terrible toothache and then suddenly lost all sensation in your tooth, it might be an indication that the infection has progressed to the root. A tooth that is completely devoid of sensation is never a good indication. It’s possible that an abscess has reached your root, where your nerves reside, necessitating a root canal. Keep a watchful eye on your toothaches, since they might signify a significant dental problem that requires immediate treatment.

It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in your mouth as a patient. Any major changes might indicate the presence of a larger problem. An emergency dental appointment is usually a smart option if you have a toothache and require toothache treatment. 

Make an appointment with our office today if you have any of these symptoms.

Tooth Pain Relief

Tooth Pain relief st petersburg fl

What to Do When You Have Tooth Pain

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how painful it can be. Today on the blog, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL, Dr. Brian Leeson discusses tooth pain relief.

Typically, a toothache or tooth pain occurs when the nerve in the root of a tooth or the area around a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) inflammation, rotting, fracture, or removal of a tooth are the most frequent sources of dental pain. Pain can also occur following an extraction (tooth is pulled out). Pain can originate in other places and radiate to the jaw, giving the appearance of tooth pain. Bacteria in your mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth erosion, all of which can cause discomfort. Mostly, gum disease does not cause much harm. Thus, flossing, cleaning with fluoride toothpaste, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist twice a year will help you avoid the majority of dental issues. Sealants and fluoride can be applied by your emergency dentistry St. Petersburg, which is sometimes necessary for children’s teeth.

Toothache Causes


First off, let’s start with the basics. What causes a toothache? Toothaches are caused by inflammation of the pulp, the core part of the tooth. The pulp includes nerve endings that are very vulnerable to pain. Inflammation of the pulp, also known as pulpitis, may be caused by oral cavities, trauma, or infection. You may have toothache symptoms due to referred pain from the jaw.

Symptoms of Toothache


Is your toothache in your tooth? Is it in your jaw? Regardless, you’ll want toothache pain relief. If the pain gets more intense as the region of inflammation becomes larger, it can radiate to the cheek, lip, or jaw. As follows, other signs and symptoms that can prompt you to seek medical attention include the following:

  • Chewing pain
  • Exposure to heat and cold
  • Bleeding or leakage from a tooth or gums
  • Swelling around a tooth or in the jaw
  • Injury or trauma to the area

These signs and symptoms are often associated with dental decay, tooth fracture, or gum disease (periodontal disease). Dental deterioration or a region of redness around the tooth’s gum line may indicate the cause of the pain. Messing with an infected tooth can aggravate the pain, making it essential to see your St. Petersburg FL dentist immediately. Even if the tooth looks fine, this sign may indicate a problem tooth.

A toothache must be distinguished from other causes of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or throat pain, or an injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can all be associated with toothache. Pressure from a deeper structure (referred pain) may travel along the nerve and be felt in the jaw or teeth.

How to Treat a Toothache at Home

If you can’t make it to our dentistry, there are a few things you can do for tooth pain relief at home. These are:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used. Take these as instructed on the box when you schedule a dental appointment.
  • Avoid hot or cold foods as they can aggravate the discomfort.
  • You can find comfort by chewing on a cotton ball soaked in clove oil.

Of course, we’d love to see you as soon as you experience tooth pain so that we can properly diagnose you and relieve your pain. Fillings, tooth extractions, and other procedures can be done by your St Petersburg FL dentist if needed. However, we will always try to save your tooth first. Though, if the condition is serious on permanent teeth, root canal surgery and crown operations are usually performed there is a fever or swelling of the mouth. In most cases, such operations are undertaken in steps, with pain and infection treated first and reconstructive procedures performed later (weeks to months). You will be allowed to return to work or school as you recover.

Tooth Pain Relief


Regular dental treatment can help most people prevent toothaches and serious dental issues. Preventative dentistry is key to the success of your oral health. That’s why all dentists recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.

Additionally, our friends over at Gentle Dental Group, the best dentist in Bethlehem GA, recommend maintaining a balanced diet. Dr. Uyen Hoang explains that bacteria feed on processed sugar which can get into the enamel on your teeth. Have an eye on what you eat and be wary of food that gets stuck on and under your teeth. They also recommend brushing immediately after breakfast.
Also, the American Dental Association recommends using a smooth toothbrush containing fluoride toothpaste. As follows, floss between the teeth on a regular basis. Additionally, using an antiseptic mouthwash on a regular basis to help eliminate bacteria that cause plaque and early gum disease.

Visit Your St. Petersburg Dentist Today

As stated above, prevention is key to oral health success. That’s why we recommend visiting us every six months for a proper cleaning to help prevent tooth infections. Ready to schedule your appointment? Contact us today!

Toothache Myths

St. Pete emergency dentist

There are plenty of theories and misconceptions when it comes to toothaches. When it comes to your health, don’t take any chances; find out the truth about toothaches. Below, Dr. Leeson, your St. Pete dentist, explores the different toothache myths that many patients believe today.

Toothache Myth: Painkillers Treat Toothaches

It’s not the case here. The pain can be momentarily relieved by taking panadol or nurofen, and antibiotics can combat infection surrounding the tooth, none of which is a remedy or permanent solution. The issue is still there and is only going to get worse.

Toothache Myth: A Toothache Equals Cavity

A toothache can often be caused, but not always, by a cavity or early decay. Your bite, scratching, a chip or crack, a fracture, or nerve issues may be associated with a toothache.

Toothache Myth: Toothaches Happen To Everyone

While toothaches are widespread, they are a sign of an issue and should not be ignored. The longer you neglect a toothache or put up with it, the worse the issue will get. If the pain is from a cavity, the cavity will decay more and more rapidly. If the ache is from nerve problems, if left untreated, the nerve will die.

Toothache Myth: If My Toothache Goes Away, My Tooth is Okay

Even if the toothache’s intensity decreases or even appears to vanish, it doesn’t mean that the issue is fixed, explains Dr. Christopher Green sedation dentist Parker CO. Decay can cause pain and sensitivity that comes and goes, or it may mean that because the nerve has died, you simply do not feel the pain anymore. You always see the dentist.

Toothache Myth: Sensitive Toothpaste Will Help Treat My Toothache 

Responsive toothpaste will temporarily alleviate a toothache that responds to hot or cold foods or beverages, but as with any other short-term solutions, this is not a permanent cure and will not necessarily address the cause of the toothache.

Now that you know the truth about toothaches, you can decide whether or not you should visit your dentist in St. Petersburg, FL. If you’re still unsure about seeing your dentist, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for a consultation. Dr. Leeson will take dental x-rays, give you a full mouth evaluation, and treatment plan.

How to Repair a Broken Dental Crown

4th Street Family Dentistry - How to fix a broken crown

How to Repair a Broken Dental Crown in St. Pete

Sturdy as they may seem, our teeth aren’t immune to damage. Your teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and physical trauma. That’s where dental crowns come in. Said to be the single most productive procedure performed in dental practices, dental crowns are effective ‘caps’ that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental crowns are usually used when the tooth is too damaged for dental fillings to restore functionality properly. On average, dental crowns can last between five to fifteen years, depending on the amount of wear and tear and your oral hygiene practices. But did you know crowns can get chipped or broken just like regular teeth? If you notice a chip or fracture in your crown, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for emergency treatment. 

Before you had your crowns installed, you probably had a conversation with your dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, to determine the type of crown that will work best for you. Crowns are usually made from a variety of different materials, and this determines how resistant they will be to damage. Ceramic and resin crowns are usually the least durable, while crowns made from base metal alloys, gold alloys, and porcelain fused with metal are highly durable.

Signs Your Dental Crown is Fractured or Broken

The best dentists in St. Petersburg, FL, will tell you that spotting a cracked or broken crown may not be easy, especially if you don’t visit the dentist regularly. Digital Doc, the maker of the best intraoral cameras, says that cracks may start out small, making it almost impossible for you to spot them with the naked eye. Seeing your St. Pete dentist twice a year will allow them to catch the issue and treat it while it’s still early.

If the crack isn’t treated soon enough, you may notice increased pain or sensitivity. The sensitivity will occcur while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or bleeding at the affected tooth. A crown may break due to a blow to the face, a fall, grinding your teeth, wear and tear, or biting down on something hard. If your crown gets broken from physical trauma or chips off as you chew, contact an emergency dentist in St. Pete for treatment.

In certain circumstances, a painful crown may be a sign that the underlying tooth is the issue. If it can no longer support the crown, your dentist in St. Petersburg may have to extract it and install a dental implant to restore the tooth’s functionality.

What You Should Do if Your Dental Crown Breaks

While broken crowns aren’t usually considered an emergency, you may require emergency treatment if caused by a fall or blow to the face and cause intense pain. If you notice it, the first thing you ought to do is examine the area to see the extent of the damage before contacting a dentist in St. Pete for further guidance. Get a mirror and study the affected area if the broken crown is visible. Use your tongue to check for sensitivity. Are pieces of the crown missing or dislodged? Are there any jagged edges that may cut the inside of your mouth? Does the area feel sensitive to air or food?

While dentists don’t always recommend it, you may have to pull off the crown if there is a risk of swallowing it. If there is any bleeding, use a piece of gauze to gently apply pressure to the area. Dr. Ben Kacos, a sedation dentist in Shreveport, LA, says you can apply a little clove oil with a cotton swab or dental cement directly to the tooth surface if it feels sensitive. This will protect the remaining tooth and reduce the pain and sensitivity until you can finally see a dentist. 

Treatment for a Broken Crown

Make sure you see a dentist within 5-7 days of your dental crown breaking, even if it isn’t causing you too much pain. Leaving it for too long creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and leads to infection down the road. If you are afraid of brushing around the broken crown before your dentist’s appointment, you can use mouthwash or a saltwater solution after brushing to kill off bacteria.

The dentist will thoroughly clean and examine the remaining tooth and crown to assess the damage’s extent. If the crown is too damaged to be reapplied and the tooth is strong enough to hold a new dental crown, you will be fitted with a temporary crown while a new permanent crown is fabricated. Your St. Petersburg, FL dentist can also bond a composite resin to a porcelain crown to repair the crown if it has a minor crack or fracture. However, this requires a very specific porcelain repair kit, and not every dentist has it.

If it turns out that the underlying tooth was the problem, you may have to undergo a tooth extraction. Then have a dental implant installed once you heal. While they can be uncomfortable, broken dental crowns are entirely fixable. Whether through bonding with a composite resin or outright replacing them. Leaving a broken crown in could lead to more severe dental problems down the road. Are you looking for a dentist to fix a broken crown? Contact 4th Family Street Dentistry for emergency treatment today.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

Root Canal Therapy Procedure - 4th Street Family Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

For many people, the term root canal is scary. Plenty of folks believe that the treatment is extremely invasive and painful, but that is far from the truth. As we all know, most dental procedures are preventive, designed to treat issues and prevent them from becoming more severe down the road. Similarly, root canal therapy is known as one of the best and most effective dental treatments out there.

Root canal therapy is endodontic, meaning it treats the inside of the tooth. To get a good idea of what root canal therapy is, you’ll first have to get a better understanding of a tooth’s inner workings. With a good defense, however, you may never have to know what a root canal is. This includes practicing a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine and visiting 4th Street Family Dentistry every six months to prevent any dental issues from progressing and becoming severe.

What is a Root Canal?

The teeth are made of three layers; enamel, the outermost protective layer, dentin, a hard layer below it, and soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp, which is located right in the middle of the tooth, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It extends from the crown of the tooth down to the tip of the roots inside the root canal.

It connects the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth to the ones in the jaw right below the tip of the tooth root. The pulp is crucial during the developmental stages as it aids in the tooth’s growth and development and supplies nutrients needed to sustain its growth. Once the tooth is fully mature, however, it can easily survive without the pulp. Root canal therapy essentially removes pulp that has been infected from the root canal. This saves the tooth and surrounding teeth from further degradation. But how does the pulp become infected?

It can happen in two ways, deep tooth decay or a fracture that creates an opening for bacteria to enter the pulp. All the best dentists in St. Petersburg, FL, recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing for a good reason. If you don’t, bacteria in the mouth will feed on food debris and form plaque. 

Plaque is acidic, and it strips the enamel of minerals, resulting in tiny holes or openings. The cavities will eat into the enamel and dentin if they aren’t treated. Over time, the bacteria enters the pulp causing an infection. If you have dental decay, contact a St. Pete dentist near you to prevent it from progressing to something more severe like dental decay.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Once bacteria have breached the pulp and it becomes inflamed, an emergency root canal therapy in St. Petersburg becomes a necessity. If you don’t seek treatment from a dentist in St. Pete soon enough, the infection can spread to the surrounding nerves, bones, and other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from the root canal and fills the space with a rubbery filling material.

The treatment usually consists of two steps, the root canal therapy itself and other dental procedures to restore the function of the tooth. First, your St. Petersburg, FL dentist, Dr. Leeson will take an x-ray of the tooth to see the shape of the root canals and to determine if the surrounding bone shows any sign of infection. A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area around the tooth and to make you more relaxed and at ease during the procedure.

Your dentist will then place a rubber sheet around the tooth to keep the area free from saliva and to prevent the bacteria in your mouth from entering the tooth. Once this is done, the dentist will drill a small access hole into the tooth using a dental drill. The pulp, along with the decayed nerve tissue, is removed from the root canal. A series of root canal files of increasing diameter will be inserted into the access hole and used to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals while water or sodium hypochlorite is used for flushing away the debris.

Post Treatment

Some dentists in St. Petersburg prefer to wait a week before sealing the root canal, especially if the pulp was infected. In that case, they may put medication inside the root canal to clear up the infection before sealing it. In the meantime, a temporary filling is placed to keep out contaminants like saliva and food. Once the infection is cleared, the now hollow root canal is sealed with a soft, rubbery material.

Depending on your smile, you may have to undergo further dental treatments to restore 100% functionality. Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, an endodontist in Shreveport, LA, says most dentists recommend a buildup to fill the hole in the middle where the access is made and a crown to protect the exterior of the tooth. You may experience some pain and discomfort for 3-4 days after the treatment, which is completely normal. If over the counter pain relievers do not work and you are in pain for five or more days after the root canal therapy, contact your emergency dentist in St. Pete immediately. 

Root canal therapy is a treatment designed to save the tooth, the surrounding teeth, and bone and to restore functionality. If you are suffering from deep tooth decay or had an injury to the teeth and are looking for a dentist for treatment, we’ve got your back. Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for a consultation today.

When Does a Tooth Need to be Extracted?

when does a tooth need to be extracted - 4th Street Family Dentistry

When Does a Tooth Need to be Extracted?

Your permanent teeth are quite strong and ideally, they should last your entire life. With proper oral hygiene coupled with regular dentist appointments and a little bit of luck, your teeth will remain strong and healthy even as you advance in age. However, it doesn’t always play out like that in real life. Despite being sturdy and hard, teeth are susceptible to damage. If the damage is extreme enough, it can result in tooth loss. So under what conditions does a tooth need to be extracted?

Dentists in St. Petersburg agree that teeth are important and no one should let their oral health get to the point of tooth loss. In fact, Dr. Leeson, a dentist at 4th Street Family Dental, would prefer to save your teeth rather than pull it out. This can only be done if the problem is caught early enough. On top of a consistent oral health routine, you should visit the dentist every six months for a comprehensive exam and dental cleaning. However, if a tooth is too damaged to be restored, extracting it may be the only way to prevent the damage from spreading to the rest of your teeth. 

Seeing as the procedure is usually done after most other restorative measures have been ruled out, tooth extractions in St. Petersburg can only be carried out under certain circumstances. Additionally, you will later have to replace the missing tooth with an implant to fully restore bite function, aesthetics, and to prevent additional bone loss.

Extensive Tooth Decay

Your teeth require proper care to stay healthy and strong. This requires daily brushing and flossing coupled with regular dentist visits. If your oral hygiene is poor, plaque and bacteria will build on the surface of your teeth over time, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. If your cosmetic dentist in St. Pete catches the tooth decay in time, it can easily be treated. 

If the decay isn’t reversed in time, it will eat through the enamel and the dentin, granting bacteria access to the sensitive pulp underneath. Once the pulp becomes infected, your emergency dentist in St. Petersburg will prescribe a root canal to save the damaged tooth and to prevent the infection from spreading to the other teeth. If the damage is too extensive, pulling out the tooth may be the only viable option. 

Overcrowded Teeth

Also called dental crowding, this happens when there isn’t enough space on the jawbone for permanent teeth to grow in straight. This results in crooked teeth that overlap each other, affecting your bite. Not only does this make it difficult to chew and eat, but it makes it virtually impossible to properly clean and floss. Depending on the size of your jaw and how many teeth you have, the overcrowding can either be mild, moderate, or severe.

Since they are hard to clean, overcrowded teeth can collect plaque and germs. This increases your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. If you are suffering from overcrowded teeth, a dentist in St. Petersburg will have to extract one or more teeth to create room in your jaw. This will be followed up by braces to correct the position of the teeth. 

Impacted teeth

As our baby teeth fall all out, they are replaced by a permanent set designed to last the rest of our lives. However, when the permanent tooth doesn’t properly erupt through the gums, it is considered impacted. This happens when the jawbone doesn’t have enough space to hold the new tooth, and it usually involves the wisdom teeth. Dr. Cody Boals, an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, says it can also be caused by irregular tooth growth, over-retained baby teeth, having extra teeth, and dental trauma.

An impacted tooth may result in:

  • Bad breath and a constant bad smell in your mouth, especially near the impacted tooth.
  • A gap in the teeth where the impacted tooth should emerge.
  • Tender, red and swollen gums.
  • Pain while opening or closing your mouth.
  • Persistent headaches that come on suddenly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have an impacted tooth. Contact a St. Pete dentist near you to have the tooth extracted to prevent further damage. 

Gingivitis

Periodontal or gum disease is caused by continued poor oral hygiene, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. When food debris isn’t removed from the surface of your teeth and gums, plaque and bacteria build up over time, inflaming and irritating the gum tissue. Your gums may bleed if you brush your teeth. If the condition isn’t treated at this stage, it advances to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.

The plaque will spread and grow below the gum line, breaking down the tissue and connective bone that holds the tooth in place. As this progresses, the teeth become looser and looser and they may even fall. You may notice some of the following if you have gingivitis:

  • Red, swollen and tender gums.
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Looser or shifting teeth

For most emergency dentists in St. Pete, tooth extraction is often the last resort. Taking proper care of your teeth and visiting the dentist every six months will keep major dental issues at bay. However, if you are experiencing any of the conditions described above, do not suffer in silence. Contact 4th Street Family Dental today for a consultation.

Causes of Tooth Pain

common causes of tooth pain - 4th Street Family Dentistry

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

If you have ever felt the misery of tooth pain, you know how rotten it can make you feel. When it comes to toothaches, our St. Petersburg patients know that they can rely on us to relieve their tooth pain. The first step to getting you out of pain is finding out what the cause of your tooth pain is. Do you know what some of the most common causes of tooth pain are? Read below to learn more.

Decay of One or More Teeth 

Cavities are perhaps the most common cause of tooth pain. Tooth decay happens as a result of the bacteria in the mouth eroding the tooth enamel. If the decay is not addressed in its early stages, it can eventually expose the nerves inside of the tooth.

Tooth decay is quite preventable, with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using quality mouthwash can help to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control. If you do have tooth decay, you’ll appreciate how Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL, treats the decay and restores your smile.

Periodontal, or Gum, Disease

Gum disease is a common concern faced by men and women of all ages. It becomes a reality when the bacteria in the mouth forms tartar on the teeth, at or below the gum line. The bacteria can lead to pockets of inflammation that can quickly cause a tooth abscess. Most patients have no idea they have gum disease. That’s why our friends at Digi-Doc recommend that all dental offices have intraoral cameras or high-quality dental x-ray systems. If you are experiencing pain from gum disease, then it is time for you to schedule your deep dental cleaning. A professional dental cleaning at 4th Street Family Dentistry will help to clean and clear up the infection and inflammation.

A Direct Tooth Injury

When you experience a tooth injury, the tooth can become chipped, cracked or completely broken. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain in that tooth, you should consider it an emergency. Only a professional will know the extent of the damage. So, if you have a broken or chipped tooth, contact the best emergency dentist St Petersburg, Dr. Leeson. X-rays and an examination can be done and the tooth will be repaired if needed. Failing to address a broken tooth can lead to decay, resulting in the need for root canal therapy. It can also ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Impacted Teeth

Teeth that never fully erupted can become infected. This is quite commonly seen with wisdom teeth, which is why during a visit to our dental office in St Petersburg, FL, the dentist may recommend extracting the wisdom teeth sooner than later. The impacted tooth may simply exist for years, without causing any issues at all. Or it may become infected, and start to cause you significant pain. It’s often not worth taking the time to address the infection in wisdom teeth, but the recommended plan of treatment is to extract the impacted tooth/teeth.

Referred Pain From Sinusitis

If you have a sinus infection or sinusitis, you may have a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection that is causing inflammation and pain. The roots of the teeth on your upper jaw are close in proximity to your sinuses. This can lead to referred pain in your upper teeth. If x-rays and an examination don’t reveal a cause for your toothache, you may be referred to your primary care physician for further testing. It could just be that you need a round of antibiotics and steroids to resolve your sinusitis.

Resolving Tooth Pain

The best way to resolve the pain that you are feeling is to visit your St. Petersburg dentist. If x-rays and an examination of your mouth determine that decay is responsible for the pain, the answer may be a filling, root canal, or potentially a tooth extraction.

If, on the other hand, gum disease is responsible for the toothache, it may be that a root planing and scaling are necessary. You may also need antibiotics to control the bacteria in your mouth.

If the tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked, a filling may not be sufficient to restore stability and functionality to the tooth. A dental crown may be the better option to stabilize and protect the remaining natural tooth. 

Preventing Tooth Pain

While there are some very effective ways of treating tooth pain, the best cure is truly prevention, says Dr. O’Grady, an emergency dentist in Denver Highlands. Some types of toothache can’t necessarily be prevented, but gum disease and decay can be prevented simply by practicing good oral hygiene routines at home. Visiting our office for a dental cleaning and routine examination every six months can also help to prevent dental problems. 

Don’t ignore tooth pain. If you’re wondering, “Can a dentist near me help with my toothache?” You’ll be happy to learn that we offer comprehensive dental solutions to get you out of pain and get you smiling once again.