Dental trauma

 

 

What is dental trauma?

 

Dental trauma is a damage to the teeth ,soft tissues in the mouth as well  jaw bones.It usually occurs accidentally or during practicing sports and could require urgent treatment.

 

What types of dental trauma exist?

 

1.Trauma injury limited to the teeth- it  ranges from just a small enamel chip to extensive fracture affecting the tooth nerve(pulp)

 

2. Trauma  to the teeth extending down the root and sometimes involving the underlying jaw bone

 

3.Trauma to the tissues in close proximity to the teeth- it could make the tooth wobbly(subluxation),displace it(luxation) or completely  remove it from its socket(avulsion)

 

4.Trauma to the gums,and inner mouth lining (abrasion,contusion and laceration)

 

What are the symptoms of dental trauma?

 

They could widely vary. It might be just a rough tooth surface and  insignificant sensitivity when there is only a  minor enamel fracture. In other scenarios involving pulp exposure, tooth mobility or loss,there would be pain,bleeding and swelling.

 

What is the treatment for dental trauma?

 

It depends on the scale of the damage.

 

If there was no nerve involvement it would be a case of just doing a filling or crown.

 

If there was pulp exposure then root canal therapy would be necessary in order to safe the tooth.

 

When the thave suffered luxation  they will require repositioning as well as stabilizing splinting.  

 

You  might be able to save an avulsed tooth if prompt replantation is performed otherwise you may loose it. Time is of critical importance. If you received treatment within 1 hour of the avulsion the chances to keep the tooth would be good.

 Is there prevention of dental trauma?

 

The most common way of protecting teeth against dental injuries  while practicing  contact sports  is by using a mouthguard. This is  made of elastic material that reduces the force of  impact and  also minimizes the risk of severe injury. 

 

People who suffer from destructive grinding overnight would benefit from using  night guard.

 

We should try and avoid chewing hard foods or biting on hard objects as this could lead to dental injuries.

 

Additionally seatbelts are of paramount importance for providing protection in motor vehicles.

 

Furthermore helmets are highly recommendable to use while riding a bicycle.

 

If you have  experienced dental trauma and require professional help,please contact Irby Dental Practice at your earliest convenience.

 

Dental X-rays

 

 

What are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays ,also known as radiographs, are internal images of your teeth and jaws.They are part of the routine dental examination and help the dentist detect hidden problems . These could be tooth decay,low bone levels,root infection or buried roots.

Why are X-rays important?

Visual examination is not always sufficient to identify all of the problems in your mouth. Radiographs reveal conditions you may have not been aware of. Early detection of a problem will allow your dentist to diagnose and treat them before they become more serious.

How do the X-rays work?

While you seat in the dental chair your dentist will place special film or sensor in your mouth. They will then position X-ray machine tube over your face and press a button to capture the image.

What types of X-rays exist?

There are two main types of radiographs: intraoral and extraoral.

Intraoral: sensor or film is inside the mouth.

These could be bite wings,periapical or occlusal x-rays.They show different areas of the teeth.

Extraoral: sensor or film are outside your mouth

These are panoramic,cephalometric X-rays and CBCT scan. They show all of your teeth as well as jaws and skull structures.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Harmful effects from dental X-rays are very low because they give only a small amount of radiation. Digital X-rays in particular produce 80% less radiation than traditional ones. Radiographs though should not be taken more often than is necessary as in large doses they can increase cancer risk. It is also important for a female patient to advise their dentist if she is pregnant.

How often should I have X-rays?

Frequency of routine radiographs depends on the caries risk. The usual interval for a  healthy mouth is 12-18 months. In case of recurring decay or periodontal disease though the interval should be reduced to 6 months.

Teeth sensitivity

What is teeth sensitivity?

 

The experience could vary from mild twinge and insignificant discomfort to sharp,brief shock and even  pain   lasting for hours. It could also indicate that there is more serious problem that requires further investigation.

 

What causes sensitivity to teeth?

 

The outer layer of the teeth is called enamel. It has a role of  a shield that covers and protects the   main tooth substance,tooth  dentine. When the enamel  wears down that exposes the underlying dentine and results in development of sensitivity. 

 

Possible causes for for teeth sensitivity  are:

 

1/ Over enthusiastic  tooth brushing  or employing incorrect brushing technique  thatcould lead to loss of enamel. This usually occurs  at the area where gums join the tooth

 

2/ Gum disease and gum recession could be another reason. Build-up of tartar  makes the gum tissue drift away from the tooth  which results in  exposure of the root surface.

 

3/ Dental erosion. This is when the enamel is lost because of frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks

 

4/ Grinding teeth could cause the enamel to wear away over the course of the time

 

5/Tooth decay or tooth fracture could expose the dentine

 

6/ Teeth whitening may lead to increased sensitivity but this  is transient and  normally easy to manage

 

What should I do when I have sensitive teeth?

 

You should avoid foods and drinks that are very  hot,cold or sweet . Using toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth could be very beneficial. You can rub  this  in the teeth as an ointment in order to achieve quicker relief. Sensitivity should not prevent you from maintaining  good oral hygiene.

 

What treatment can be provided when having sensitive teeth?

 

Your dentist will apply fluoride products such as gels,rinses or varnishes. If the problem is more advanced you may need some type of restoration or even root canal therapy.

 

Can teeth sensitivity be prevented ?

 

You have to brush your teeth regularly using the correct brushing technique in order to avoid gum recession and enamel wear. Powered tooth brushes are very good as they have pressure sensors that indicate when you are using too much force.

 

You should consume sugary foods and fizzy drinks  in minimal amounts and at meal times only.

 

If you are aware of clenching teeth overnight or during the day do speak to your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to advise what is the right course of action.

 

Root canal treatment in Wirral

 

 

What is root canal treatment in Wirral?

 

This is a type of dental treatment that becomes required if a problem that was initially simple to resolve has become more complicated. 

 

The procedure takes place  inside the tooth and usually requires a couple of appointments to complete.

 

Why would  I need a root canal treatment?

 

If you had a crack or  decay that you failed to pay attention to this would advance and get closer to the nerve. This on its turn will result in  inflammation  or infection of the nerve(pulp tissue) . This is when you will experience significant pain which is difficult, or impossible, to manage with painkillers. The symptoms would also include pain on biting,swollen gum or face,lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.

 

What happens during this treatment ? 

 

Your dentist will cut an opening on the crown of the tooth through which the they will gain access the canals . They will be then cleaned and shaped using  very small instruments called files. The last stage includes  sealing  and filling of the root canal space with specific type of  materials.

 

Will I feel any pain while having root canal treatment ?

 

No. We do all of the above under local anesthetic and you will not experience any pain or  discomfort.

 

What is the recovery time after root canal treatment?

 

There could be minor pain and some tenderness on completion of the therapy which could last for about a week. You should be able to easily manage this with analgesics.

 

Why should I have root canal treatment instead of getting my tooth removed? 

 

Because it could save your tooth and there is nothing better than natural smile. 

 

How much does a root canal treatment cost?

 

Even though this is relatively expensive procedure it is still cheaper than having replacement of missing tooth. Generally speaking treatment on molars is  more expensive than  one carried out on a front tooth. This is because of the greater number of canals and more complex anatomy in the back teeth. This means more time that your dentist needs to dedicate on dealing with such cases.

Book your dental appointment with Irby Dental Practice today to boost your confidence and smile.

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