The unthinkable can happen to the teeth when we least expect it, which is why patients should have an emergency dentist who they know and trust in the Rosemead area for assistance with any dental need which arises. Dr. Brianne Luu and the team of Gentle Care Dentistry provide emergency dentistry and can help with a myriad of immediate concerns including treatment for toothaches.

Toothaches are one of the most common reasons patients visit their dentist on an emergency basis. Sometimes toothaches only occur when individuals are eating sweets or if they are experiencing sensitivity with hot and cold food and drinks. This is often a sign of a cavity, and the larger it is, the more troublesome it can become. Cavities may cause discomfort and they should be addressed as soon as possible for a filling. If left untreated, patients may begin to experience more pain and discomfort due to the cavity reaching deep within the tooth and infecting the dental pulp. The dental pulp is inside of a natural tooth and it protects the blood vessels and nerves. When infected, it can become extremely painful.

In situations such as this, Dr. Luu will have one of two choices: extract the tooth or perform root canal therapy. Extraction is the last choice because it requires patients to consider restoration of the teeth, which may be bridges, dentures, or dental implants. These can be costly and require replacement regularly over the course of one’s lifetime. Instead, if patients are appropriate candidates, the team of Gentle Care Dentistry will suggest root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy is done to remove the dental pulp from within the tooth. The area is then filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material that fills in all the areas to keep bacteria from reentering the tooth. Then composite resin filling is used to seal it off. In many cases, if a tooth is near the back of the mouth and is subjected to strong biting and chewing forces, Dr. Brianne Luu may also suggest the placement of a dental crown over the top for extra protection.

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