- Why do people delay dental treatment?
- How dental problems progress over time
- Dental treatment postponement risks for tooth pain
- Why dental problems get worse by ignoring gum issues
- When to see the dentist immediately
It happens to a lot of people: a sudden toothache, bleeding gums, visible chips, cracks, or discolouration of the tooth, jaw pain, or other dental health problems present themselves, and you decide to contact your dentist…tomorrow.
When tomorrow comes, chances are you might put off making the appointment again. After a couple of days, it’s easier to ignore the issue, and you choose to simply wait until your next regularly scheduled dental appointment to raise the problem with your dentist.
After all, with your busy schedule filled with work, family, and social commitments, who has time to see the dentist outside of your twice-yearly checkup?
The truth is that even seemingly minor dental problems can progress into serious concerns without timely intervention from your dentist. They will help you prevent progressive tooth decay, gum disease, and other severe outcomes, and guide you on how to avoid further dental issues from occurring.
Why do people delay dental treatment?
As mentioned, busy schedules and life’s priorities often take precedence over seeking treatment for unexpected dental issues. However, there are other reasons why people might choose to ignore tooth pain, red, swollen gums, and other indicators of potentially severe dental health conditions.
For example, many people suffer from dental anxiety, rooted in fear of visiting the dentist. Fortunately, many modern dental procedures are non-invasive and are carried out by empathetic dental professionals who do everything they can to create a calm environment designed to ease anxiety.
Some patients do not mind tolerating a little pain, or think their current pain levels are manageable and do not warrant a visit to their dentist’s office. However, we cannot stress enough that dental issues only get progressively worse, do not self-heal, and must be addressed by a professional dental team to keep the condition from worsening.
For individuals with busy schedules, many dental offices offer flexible hours and can work with them to find a convenient time for an examination. All it takes is one phone call to your dentist to get back on the road to optimal dental health.
How dental problems progress over time
Cuts heal, bruises fade, and sore muscles get better quickly. However, dental issues do not self-heal like these and other body parts.
That is because bones and other tissues contain blood vessels that deliver nutrients and cells for repair. Enamel, the tooth’s outer layer that protects the soft tissue within, is primarily composed of minerals and has very few living cells. This means that once damaged, the enamel cannot repair itself.
It is an interesting irony that enamel, although the strongest substance in the body, is incredibly vulnerable when it is compromised. Bacteria on the enamel quickly get to work, promoting tooth decay and creating a domino effect that can lead to further problems if left untreated.
Dental treatment postponement risks for tooth pain
The tooth pain you are experiencing may be a sign of a small cavity. Without treatment, you are looking at a list of progressive problems that get worse with each stage, requiring more intensive treatment.
For example, a toothache can indicate a small cavity. In most cases, small cavities only require a simple filling. However, ignoring that small cavity will lead to deeper decay, which will require a larger filling or crown to correct.
If you disregard the pain associated with deeper decay, the bacteria will attack the sensitive tooth nerve. At this stage, the pain will be more intense, and your dentist may need to perform a root canal. Without treatment at this stage, you are at a severe risk of losing the tooth, requiring a tooth implant or bridge to fix your smile.
All of this additional treatment and time associated with visiting the dentist could have been avoided by visiting the dentist at the first sign of trouble.
Why dental problems get worse by ignoring gum issues
Problems with your gums should not be overlooked, as doing so can lead to dental health issues such as gum disease, which nobody enjoys. One of the biggest challenges is that gum disease progresses slowly and quietly, necessitating an early dental visit to correct the damage and prevent further decay.
Preventing the onset of gum disease begins with recognizing its warning signs, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. This condition, known as gingivitis, is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth that irritates the gums. At this stage, the gingivitis is reversible with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office.
If the gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation will extend deeper into the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This stage is known as early periodontitis, characterized by receding gums that create pockets between the teeth, allowing bacteria to accumulate. Bad breath and slight bone loss may also be present in the early stages of periodontitis. Managing this condition successfully requires intervention by your dentist.
However, if you choose to disregard these signs, gum disease will continue to damage your gum tissue and the supporting bone, potentially leading to loose teeth and bone loss. Dental invention is crucial at this point to prevent extensive damage that will ultimately lead to tooth loss.
When to see the dentist immediately
At the first sign of red, swollen gums, tooth pain, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, persistent bad breath, or if you have other sudden symptoms, be sure to seek intervention as soon as possible from the expert team at Yonge Eglinton Dental.
Our dental team will work with you to correct the issue, prevent it from recurring, and restore your smile to its natural brilliance.
Yonge Eglinton Dental: Your partners in early dental health intervention
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, our dental team will welcome you into our office to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
We will listen closely to your concerns, conduct a thorough examination, and discuss treatment options with you. Our team will also answer all your questions, so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Remember, we are your trusted partners in dental care, providing practical advice on how to keep a bright, beautiful smile for life. Contact us at the first sign of trouble with your teeth and gums – you will be glad you did!
Enjoy early dental health intervention from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Contact our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
