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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

Does Your Wisdom Tooth Problem Call for a Visit to an Emergency Dentist?

by Jimmy Carter

Has one more of your wisdom teeth been taking a long time to come through? If so, this may lead to some dull or often nagging pain that may have a tendency to come and go. Yet, in recent times, that pain may have become somewhat more acute and may not go away at all. In fact, you may notice some swelling or may find it difficult to swallow food or drink. In addition, the lymph nodes on the side of your neck may also be swollen and uncomfortable. What should you do in this situation, and is it time for you to make an urgent visit to your dentist?

Failure to Erupt

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth do not always come through (known in the industry as "erupt") as they may not have enough room to do so. They may sometimes come up against your other molars and have nowhere to go, which will lead to a situation known as "impacted."

Unfortunately, that wisdom tooth in question will not necessarily stay in place but may start to move in a different direction. This can sometimes cause the gums in that area to stretch and crack, which can cause bleeding.

Ripe for Infection

When the gum is damaged in this way, particles of food and bacteria may penetrate. This can cause an infection and, in the worst-case scenario, could develop into a rather serious situation.

Time to Take Action

If you've noticed inflammation and the pain is constant, or if you are having trouble swallowing any food or drink, you will certainly need to call your dentist as soon as possible. They will probably bring you in for an examination and give you something to treat the infection and reduce the swelling. Once the infection is in check, you may need to remove that troublesome wisdom tooth, as the problem may return if you take no action.

Dealing with a Problem

The good news is that dentists today have special tools and equipment that allow them to remove a wisdom tooth without too much disruption. They may break the tooth into smaller pieces while it is in place, which is a relatively simple task and usually takes place under local anaesthetic.

Call for an Appointment

So, if you have any signs of infection, you must take action as soon as possible. Every infection needs treatment, as otherwise, it could spread and lead to other health problems instead. For more information, contact an emergency dentist near you.

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