Is a Toothache ever a Cosmetic Dental Issue?

Imagine if you were to wake up in the middle of the night with a searing pain in your mouth. What could this be? Over-the-counter pain meds do nothing as you toss-and-turn, trying to get some rest, but the minutes go by so slowly. Finally, morning comes and the magical hour hits the clock when your dental office opens. When you describe the situation, they want to see you right away. X-rays will be ordered and a thorough examination will be done. It could turn out that you have a severe bacterial infection called an abscess. This might not sound like a cosmetic dental issue, but it can certainly head you down a road towards aesthetic needs where your smile is concerned.

Abscess from Tooth Decay

Your teeth are covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body. In the entire world, the only thing harder than enamel, is diamonds. Unfortunately, with all the wear and tear we put our teeth through, enamel does get damaged. Acidic food and beverages can soften and damage enamel and allow cavities to occur. When cavities are ignored, bacteria can reach the pulp of teeth and potentially cause an abscess.

Abscess from Dental Injury

Think of all the sports and activities that a person can be involved with. What are your hobbies? If you are an active person, you are doing your body and health a great service, but you do run a higher risk of injuries. One common athletic injury is chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Once this occurs, it’s the equivalent to tooth decay because the pulp of your teeth is now open to bacteria. If you damage a tooth and don’t go to the dentist for repairs, an abscess is possible. It the tooth has to be pulled, you’ll face cosmetic replacement.

ABOUT YOUR LIBERTYVILLE DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.