It happens to most people at least once in their life: your teeth become sensitive to cold drinks, or a tooth develops a dull ache, or a sore on the gums doesn’t heal up. It could even be as simple as an injured tooth darkening or pain developing in your lower sinus area. These are all symptoms we see and treat often at Staten Island Dental Care.
This is definitely not a situation where the “ignore it and it will go away” mentality is wise. If the pain is the result of a harmful infection, there are grave consequences of postponing treatment.
Oral bacterial infections can destroy teeth, gums and jawbone and even lead to life-threatening sepsis. In fact, prior to the 19th century, tooth decay-related infection was a leading cause of death.
An oral infection doesn’t always cause pain. Bad breath, fever, swelling in the gums, glands or jaw, or a strange taste in the mouth can indicate the presence of an infection.
If an infection is caught and treated early, there may be no additional problems. Sometimes, however, the infection is the result of a dental issue that needs to be treated. If the infection is caused by tooth decay, the decay will have to be removed and the tooth filled. If the decay has penetrated to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary.
The infection may be the result of a pocket of undrained pus called an abscess. Pus is a by-product of the immune system’s efforts to fight infection and consists of dead white blood cells.
Mouth sores have various causes, including an infection or virus. White patches in the mouth can indicate thrush, which is an oral yeast infection. All of these conditions can be treated – but you need to see your dentist.
At Staten Island Dental Care, we are ready to help with any oral discomfort or pain. We offer general and restorative dentistry, and patients from Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Bayonne also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!
Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht:
347-695-4380
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314