Mountain West Dental Specialists – Pediatric Dentistry and Family Orthodontics
6970 S Cimarron Rd, Ste 100, Las Vegas, NV 89113, United States
+1 702-707-6897
Mon 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Tues 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Wed 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Thurs 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Fri 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dental Care Now
7595 W Washington Ave, #170, Las Vegas, NV 89128, United States
+1 702-444-2494
Mon Closed
Tues Closed
Wed 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thurs 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Fri 9 AM – 4 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Urgent Care Dental
2850 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121, United States
+1 702-458-9399
Mon 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Tues 6 AM – 6 PM
Wed 6 AM – 6 PM
Thurs 6 AM – 6 PM
Fri 6 AM – 4 PM
Sat 6 AM – 1 PM
Sun Closed
Why do I need an emergency dentist in Las Vegas?
Most people who are enjoy good oral health think they will never need to see an emergency dentist in Las Vegas. But a dental emergency can arise even if you follow good dental hygiene practices and don’t have any underlying dental issues.
Let’s consider a situation where you might need to see an emergency dentist in Las Vegas for urgent dental care. Imagine you’re experiencing severe tooth pain accompanied by swelling in your mouth. The pain has been getting worse over the past day, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for you to eat or speak.
In this case, you could be dealing with a dental abscess, which is a bacterial infection of the root of a tooth or in the space between your teeth and gums. Dental abscesses can be incredibly painful and require immediate attention.
In such a situation, having easy access to an emergency dentist in Las Vegas can be incredibly useful. The Express Dentist hotline is a 24/7 toll-free line that can connect you with leading dental providers in your area who offer same-day, after hours, and weekend appointments. Call Express Dentist on 1-844-593-0591 and let us help you get the care you need without delay. We can get you urgent dental appointments in or near Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills, Spring Valley and other neighborhoods as well as nearby cities such as Henderson. Call us today for family dental clinics as well as specialists including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons.
What are the causes of a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is typically caused by a bacterial infection that develops within the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. This infection can occur due to various reasons, such as: 1
- Tooth decay: When tooth decay progresses and is left untreated, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth where the pulp and nerves are located. Bacteria can then infect the pulp, leading to a tooth abscess.
- Gum disease: If gum disease (periodontal disease) is left untreated, it can cause the gums to recede, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate. These bacteria can potentially travel to the root of the tooth and cause an abscess.
- Dental trauma: Trauma to the tooth, such as a crack or fracture, can provide an entry point for bacteria into the tooth, leading to an infection and abscess formation.
- Weakened immune system: Certain health conditions such as diabetes or treatment with steroid medicines or chemotherapy drugs can weaken the body’s immune system and make you more susceptible to infections such as dental abscesses.
How can you prevent a tooth abscess?
The easiest way to prevent dental abscesses is to maintain good oral hygiene and seek timely dental care for any dental symptoms. Here’s how you can take care of your dental health, reduce the risk of developing an abscess, and lower the chances of needing to see an emergency dentist in Las Vegas.
- Brush and floss regularly: Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to remove trapped plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and address them promptly to prevent abscess formation.
- Treat dental problems promptly: If you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as tooth sensitivity, pain, or visible cavities, seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Call Express Dentist on 1-844-593-0591 for urgent dental appointments. Early intervention can prevent the progression of decay and the formation of abscesses.
- Practice good oral habits: Avoid habits that can contribute to dental issues, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chewing tobacco. These habits can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral infections.
- Eat a balanced diet: Limit your consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, choose a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products to keep your mouth healthy and support your overall health.
What are the complications of an untreated dental abscess?
If you delay seeking care for a dental abscess from an emergency dentist in Las Vegas, several complications could arise:
Increased pain
Dental abscesses can cause excruciating pain. As time goes on, the pain may intensify and become unbearable, affecting your daily activities and ability to work as well as your overall well-being.
Spreading infection
If left untreated, the infection from the abscess can spread to surrounding areas, such as your jawbone, sinuses, or even the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious health issues, including facial cellulitis, sinusitis, or, in severe cases, sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.
Tooth loss
An untreated abscess can damage your tooth and its supporting structures, including your gums and jawbone. Delaying treatment can increase the likelihood of tooth loss, which can result in both functional and aesthetic problems.
Compromised oral health
Neglecting urgent dental care from an emergency dentist in Las Vegas might lead to other oral health issues. The infection can affect adjacent teeth, causing further abscesses or tooth decay. Additionally, untreated dental problems can contribute to gum disease and overall deterioration of your oral health.
Increased treatment complexity
Delaying care may complicate the dental abscess treatment process. For instance, if the abscess ruptures, the infection can drain externally, temporarily relieving pain. However, this does not eliminate the underlying problem. The abscess may recur, requiring more extensive treatment that is both time consuming and expensive.
Financial implications
If dental emergencies are left unaddressed, the required treatment can become more complicated and costly. Timely intervention can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, potentially saving you significant expenses.
About the author
Dr. Greg Grillo
Dr. Greg Grillo DDS studied at the University of Washington where he received a bachelors degree with Honors and later attended dental school on the same campus. Following school Dr. Greg served in the United States Navy as a dental officer. During this time he received advanced training in specialty areas of dentistry while also treating families of members of the military.
As well as sharing valuable information on dentistry and oral health, Dr. Greg remains a practicing dentist to this day. He works with families in the Okanogan Valley where he lives with his wife and three children.
- NHS Inform. Dental Abscess. Available online. Accessed on May 26, 2023.
