The Risks of Ignoring a Dental Emergency

It may seem like delaying a visit to the emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, will save you time or money, but what will it ultimately cost you? There are serious and potentially life-threatening risks that come with ignoring a dental emergency.

Infection

At the top of the risk list is an infection that can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Dental infections can start small and will not simply go away on their own. More than likely, they will spread.

In some cases, an infected tooth or gum can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to a systemic infection, such as sepsis. The inflammatory response that occurs when someone has a body-wide infection can lead to death.

Infections from a damaged tooth can also spread to critical organs. For example, the disease can spread into the brain, causing an abscess to form. A brain abscess requires immediate surgery to prevent death. Dental infections can also travel to the heart and lungs.

Tissue Damage

It takes just one ignored dental emergency to cause irreversible damage to teeth and bone.

An ignored infection or loss of a tooth can also lead to severe damage to the jawbone. Loss of bone tissue can change the architecture of your teeth and face. It can also lead to problems down the road, such as jaw pain or teeth shifting.

Lost Opportunities

Waiting may mean the permanent loss of your natural tooth. Time is critical if you have a tooth knocked out. You have a short window of about 60 minutes for the emergency dentist to reseat the tooth and save it.

Higher Costs

Avoiding treatment for a dental emergency right away can cost you more in the long run, as even minor issues like a cracked tooth can worsen. That can mean expensive medical and dental bills.

Don’t wait. Contact our office today to receive fast dental care from our emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN. We are available 24/7.