San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
People commonly ignore minor dental problems, like tooth sensitivity, tender gums, or chipped teeth. However, whether they suffer from symptoms that cause a mere inconvenience or debilitating pain, avoiding immediate treatment could result in more severe and advanced oral health conditions that require additional time and money for repairs. Our San Francisco family dentists at Glen Park Dental share on the blog today how procrastination could wreck your teeth so that you can address problems early enough to mitigate expensive damages.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Common problems that may cause significant pain and tooth loss are tooth decay and cavities. As the tooth enamel gets attacked by harmful acids secreted by bacteria, it breaks down, weakening its structure. Our Oakland family dentists explain that the longer you wait to begin treatment, the more damage can occur, increasing your health risk and dental expenses. Most patients merely need a filling to stop decay progression. However, the advanced deterioration could require another permanent form for replacement, like a dental implant.
In some cases, the pain is severe and accompanied by swelling in the jaw or cheeks. Unfortunately, the symptoms signify that bacteria have infected the tooth’s nerve, which typically requires root canal therapy to remove the infection and restore functionality. Our Marin family dentists warn that untreated infections can lead to extensive dental repair. More importantly, if left untreated, the disease may grow and spread through the bloodstream, enter the brain and heart, potentially causing adverse health conditions or even death. Therefore, when you have tooth pain with swelling, it’s best to visit a dentist for treatment.
Tooth Fractures
Chipping, cracking, and breaking your teeth reduces your tooth’s natural fighting ability to resist harmful bacteria. In fact, the damaged areas provide tiny nooks and crannies for harmful bacteria to hide and begin destroying tooth enamel. Additionally, since the rough edges are more challenging to brush clean, bacteria can quickly build up without you realizing it. Unfortunately, badly damaged teeth cannot repair naturally, but dental treatment can stop the pain and infection while stabilizing the tooth and preventing further damage. After a thorough exam at our San Francisco dental office, we can present your treatment options.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis or gum disease affects half of Americans, and it results from daily poor oral health care and avoiding the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Symptoms begin as sensitive gums with inflammation that can progress into throbbing pain. Our Bay Area emergency dentists warn that if gum disease remains untreated, it may cause tooth loss or infection, potentially leading to a harmful condition. Therefore, gum disease treatment is vital to oral and overall health.
Family Dentists in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Busy work schedules and demands at home may entice you to ignore dental problems, no matter how minor. However, skipping the dental visit can cost you more in the long run due to extensive damages. Therefore, our family dentist in Oakland recommends maintaining a regular regimen of brushing once a day and flossing twice daily and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to reduce your risk of compounding dental problems. Feel free to call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or request a consultation online to restore your smile today!
