Dentist in Coquitlam: Don’t Let Dental Infections Catch You Unaware

Have you ever experienced a dental infection?

Dental infections, or dental abscesses, arise when a tooth is exposed to bacteria. Even simple cavities can result in dental abscesses when they're left untreated.

We're here to talk about dental infections and how a trip to your local dentist in Coquitlam can help you prevent them. Read on to learn more.

Why Are Dental Infections So Dangerous?

Dental infections don't only affect your teeth and gums.

While infections start in the mouth, they're quick to spread. Your infection can spread throughout your body and even to your brain (after all, your mouth and your brain aren't that far apart).

Dental infections don't have to be serious to cause those problems. Even a bad untreated cavity or a crack in a tooth can lead to a dental disaster.

Health Problems Associated With Dental Infections

Aside from the obvious pain that comes alongside a dental infection, there are several health problems that can arise if you don't get treatment from your local dentist.

A tooth infection can turn into a jaw infection which is harder to treat. You'll notice significant swelling and pain. Tooth infections can also turn into sinus irritation.

In more serious cases, a tooth infection could trigger Ludwig's Angina. This can cause your neck and throat to swell, which will make it harder to breathe, speak, and eat.

In the most serious cases, an untreated dental abscess could lead to meningitis.

Signs Of Infection

So how can you know if you have a dental abscess? What are the dental infection symptoms that you should look out for?

First, keep in mind that infections don't always cause pain, at least not right away. If you've had a root canal, or if you have a dental implant infection, you may not feel it because your nerve is dead.

In most cases, you'll experience at least some discomfort and inflammation. Most of the time patients will experience pain, and that pain will increase with pressure or hot and cold temperatures.

It's common to feel ill when you have a dental abscess and you may have a fever.

People with dental infections often have bad breath and they may find it difficult to open their mouths, eat, and sleep.

Prevention

Although problems can arise after dental emergencies (like cracked teeth), most dental infections can be avoided if you regularly visit your dentist.

One in four adults has at least one untreated cavity. While a cavity is "no big deal" when it first forms, it can turn into a dental abscess if it's allowed to grow.

When you visit your local dentist, they'll be able to identify problems before they get serious.

When you're not at the dentist's office, make sure that you're taking good care of your own dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice per day with high-fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once per day, and make sure to replace your toothbrush every few months.

Is It Time To Visit Your Dentist In Coquitlam?

Dental infections are no joke! If you think that you might have a dental infection, or if it's been a while since your last appointment, it might be time to visit your dentist in Coquitlam.

At Brookmere Dental Group, we're here for all of your dental needs. Contact us to set up an appointment today.

Dental fillings are typically used to replace missing tooth structures. Generally, they are used to treat enamel defects caused by decay, trauma, or previous restorations.

Is Prolonged Soreness Common After a Dental Filling? What You Need To Know

What if there is severe pain following a filling, or if a prolonged soreness persists?  How about a temporary soreness that returns? In this article, we'll discuss what to expect after a dental filling, and when you should call your dentist.

Dentists Commonly Perform Dental Filling Procedures

Fillings are used to treat cavities in the mouth.  To stop decay and strengthen the tooth, a cavity filling is a straightforward procedure. The procedure can be repeated for multiple cavities in one visit. Dentists select the most suitable dental filling material from several different materials available.

How is a Dental Filling Done?

To numb the area surrounding the tooth, a local anesthetic (usually Novocaine) is injected. Before the affected area becomes numb, patients usually experience a pin prick-like sensation.

The decayed parts of the tooth are ground away by the dentist once the area has been numbed. The tooth is then cleaned and filled with filling material. To ensure that the filling does not affect the patient's bite, the tooth is polished and filed.

There is usually no need for follow-up visits after the treatment, and the patient can resume normal activities.

What To Expect After a Filling

After a filling, some discomfort is to be expected, especially in the first few hours. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel tingling and even twitching.

When the pain does not diminish within a few hours, then there may be a problem with the affected tooth. Occasionally, the pain subsides and then returns. This often means the cavities may have been larger than previously thought, or there may be decay around the filling.

Similarly, the area around the filled tooth may also be sensitive to hot and cold liquids for a short time after the procedure. An uncomfortable sharp pain is usually felt in the sensitive area of the filling. It could mean that there is something wrong with the filling if the pain lingers or if the sensitivity persists after a week.

Reducing Pain

The procedure of placing a filling can occasionally result in complications, even though it is a common one.  To reduce the pain caused by fillings, patients can take a variety of steps. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both available over the counter, can help relieve pain. Cold compresses can also be helpful.

If the home remedies listed above do not alleviate severe pain after a dental filling, individuals should consult their dentist.  A dentist may have to redo the filling or find other treatment options to relieve the pain.

Finding a trusted dental office is crucial to exceptional oral health. Brookmere Dental Group has over 20 years of experience. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Vancouver area lead dentist.

5 Good Reasons to Schedule a Dental Check-Up

As kids, we're imprinted with the idea that dentist offices are scary places (I'm looking at you, Finding Nemo). We lose many of our childish fears as we grow up, but this one seems to stick around a little longer.

Why else would only 64% of adults get a dental check-up in 2019?

It's easy to go about our daily lives and forget to focus on our oral health. Unfortunately, skipping these routine visits can lead to serious permanent issues. In the long run, that means thousands of dollars.

Do your mouth and your wallet a favor by scheduling your next dental visit. Don't believe this is important? Read on to discover the five main reasons to schedule a dental check up.

1. You'll Receive Quality Advice

A regular dental check-up every six months allows you to touch base with your dentist. Not only do they inform you of the state of your teeth, but this is your chance to ask questions.

Your doctor is there to help you.

For example, if your smile has always made you self-conscious, you don't have to suffer from that discomfort forever. Treatment options exist, like orthodontics or Invisalign, that completely transform the look of your smile. You can read more about our orthodontic treatment benefits.

Without a dental visit, you may never know how close you are to a better life.

2. You'll Uncover Hidden Issues

Gum disease and oral cancers are difficult to spot with the untrained eye. Waiting multiple years between check-ups is dangerous because you're letting diseases grow without treatment (unless you have X-Ray vision in which case we'll give you a pass).

Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide. They're preventable in the early stages, so just go get your check-up.

3. You'll Save Money

This idea directly relates to the reason above. If you think that oral cancer, periodontitis, and gingivitis sound expensive and complicated, you're right. Treatments for these diseases can blow a big hole in your wallet.

Stop these problems in their tracks by taking a detailed look at your teeth and gums twice a year.

4. Your Dental Check-Up Might Be Covered

The majority of employers offer dental coverage. If you're paying for it already, why not take advantage of these benefits? They don't roll over to the next calendar year, so use them while you can.

5. You'll Prevent Plaque Build Up

Cleaning your teeth is one of the most memorable parts of a check-up. Did you know that stripping your teeth of plaque does a lot more for your health than just making you feel cleaner?

People with plaque buildup are 65% more likely to have dementia. There are also direct links between plaque and pneumonia, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.

Don't Risk It

Your health should be your number one priority. Schedule a dental check-up to reap the benefits we mentioned above. From saving money to preventing serious diseases, there's no reason not to visit us here at Brookmere Dental Group.

Visit our website to view the services available to you and get in touch with one of our professionals. Click here to read our special message to new patients and schedule your appointment today!

There's no boogeyman at the dentist, we promise.

Our teeth are protected by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Over time, however, it can erode.

Take sugary and acidic foods, for example, they can cause the outer layer to degrade over time. If anything, that’s what causes cavities.

The good news is that it is preventable with proper brushing and flossing. Not only that, but regular dental checkups are important as well.

Are you looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? Want to know how often you should get your teeth checked? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more!

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

There are several reasons why you want to go for regular dental checkups. Here’s what you need to know.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Plaque can build up on your teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Left alone, it will turn into tartar, which is impossible to remove without going to the dentist.

Ultimately, the goal is to remove the plaque and tartar before it becomes a problem.

Oral Cancer Detection

Oral cancer can be life-threatening if it’s not diagnosed and treated quickly. That's why it's so important to go to the dentist—they’re highly trained to recognize the signs of the disease.

The earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to treat.

Gum Disease Prevention

Periodontitis is a serious infection that damages the tissues surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, it can cause abscesses and receding gums, the former of which can be life-threatening if the infection travels to the bloodstream.

Fortunately, this can all be prevented with regular dental visits.

X-Rays

Certain things such as impacted teeth are invisible to the naked eye—that is, they can only be seen with x-rays. This is especially true with destructive diseases that show little to no systems but progress rapidly.

Keep Bad Habits In Check

Various habits can have a negative impact on your oral health. For example, both biting your nails and chewing ice can damage your teeth.

When you go for a checkup, your dentist will be able to see if there’s any damage caused by these habits. If necessary, they’ll help fix the damage that’s already been done.

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

As a general rule, you want to go for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Some people, however, may have to go more often.

Some higher-risk groups include smokers, pregnant women, and diabetics. Those who are prone to cavities should also visit their dentist more frequently.

Finding a Dentist in Coquitlam

As you can see, there are several reasons why it’s important to go to a dentist regularly. If anything, it's the best way to prevent oral health problems.

Looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? We, at Brookmere Dental, would be happy to help—feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!