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What is Tooth Polishing / Dental Polishing?

What is Tooth Polishing?

Tooth polishing is a standard dental procedure aimed at leaving your tooth enamel smooth and glossy. Often performed during routine cleaning appointments, it complements dental scaling to freshen breath and prevent tooth decay.

During the tooth polishing process, after dental scaling removes plaque and buildup, your dentist or hygienist will use either a dental drill with a rubber cup and polishing paste or a gentle blasting device with baking soda powder. This step smoothens the tooth surface, removes stains, and helps prevent gum disease and irritation.

This procedure not only enhances the appearance of your teeth but also contributes to overall oral health by maintaining a clean and polished surface that is less prone to plaque buildup and decay. It’s essential to have tooth polishing performed by dental professionals to ensure effective results and avoid potential damage to tooth enamel.

Benefits of Tooth Polishing

Tooth polishing offers both cosmetic and health benefits, effectively
removing dental stains, plaque, and microorganisms from the tooth’s
surface. While it enhances the aesthetic appearance by making the
enamel lustrous and clean, it also contributes to oral health by reducing
plaque buildup and bacteria. Polishing, combined with scaling to remove
tough plaque, is integral to maintaining healthy gums and teeth. This
procedure is painless and provides immediate results, leaving teeth feeling
smooth and polished after each session.

Dental polishing include reducing plaque buildup and bacterial presence,
although it doesn’t prevent gum disease entirely. Regular polishing helps
manage cavity-causing bacteria and biofilm, crucial for preventing gum
disease like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth and bone loss.

Types of Tooth Polishing

There are different types of tooth polishing techniques tailored to specific
needs:

  • Therapeutic Polishing: Removes microflora and endotoxins from
    exposed cementum during dental surgical procedures.
  • Coronal/Cosmetic Polishing: Eliminates plaque and superficial stains,
    enhancing the enamel’s reflective properties for a brighter smile.
  • Superficial Polishing: Primarily for aesthetic improvement, this technique
    polishes the crown of the tooth without significant therapeutic benefits.
  • Selective Polishing: Focuses on removing remaining stains post-scaling,
    ensuring a clean and polished appearance.

Choosing professional tooth polishing ensures thorough plaque removal
and maintains dental health, contributing to a brighter, healthier smile.

Polishing Teeth At Home?

Polishing your teeth at home using DIY kits or baking soda may seem
convenient, but it’s not recommended. These products can be too abrasive,
potentially wearing down your enamel, causing tooth sensitivity, and
leaving behind more bacteria. Professional dental polishing, done with
the right tools and expertise, is safer and more effective.

Using over-the-counter kits that claim to mimic professional polishing.
These products can lead to enamel abrasion and other dental issues if
used incorrectly. It’s crucial to maintain oral health through regular
brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings to keep teeth healthy
and glossy.

While dental polishing itself is generally safe, individuals with sensitive
teeth or severe tooth wear may require gentler methods. Regular dental
visits every 6 months for scaling and polishing are recommended, though
frequency may vary based on individual needs and oral health conditions.
Always consult your dentist before trying any at-home dental treatments.

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Tooth Abscess Symptoms Causes & Treatments

Tooth Abscess Symptoms Causes & Treatments

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection either inside the tooth (periapical) or in the gums (periodontal). Periapical abscesses stem from untreated cavities or dental trauma, infecting the tooth pulp. Periodontal abscesses result from advanced gum disease. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and possibly fever. Treatment involves draining the abscess, root canal therapy to save the tooth, or extraction if the tooth is severely damaged. Prompt dental care is crucial to prevent complications like infection spreading to other areas of the body.

Symptoms

A tooth abscess presents with distinct symptoms that indicate a serious dental
infection. These symptoms can escalate rapidly if left untreated, potentially leading
to severe complications.

Pain and Sensitivity: The primary symptom of a tooth abscess is intense, throbbing
pain localized near the affected tooth or in the gums. This pain can radiate to the
jawbone, neck, or ear, and may worsen with chewing or biting.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is common, accompanied by a
bitter taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath (halitosis).

Physical Signs: Visual indicators include redness and swelling of the gums around
the affected tooth, along with the tooth itself becoming discolored or feeling loose.
In some cases, a pimple-like bump may form on the gum, which, when pressed,
releases foul-smelling or salty-tasting fluid.

Systemic Symptoms: As the infection progresses, systemic symptoms may appear,
such as fever, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or neck, and a general feeling of
illness or discomfort.

Emergency Signs: Severe cases may lead to facial swelling that affects breathing or
swallowing, requiring immediate medical attention.

If an abscess ruptures, there may be a sudden discharge of foul-smelling fluid from
the affected area, accompanied by immediate pain relief. However, this does not
eliminate the need for professional dental treatment to address the underlying
infection and prevent further complications.

Tooth Abscess Causes

A tooth abscess develops when bacteria invade the dental pulp, the innermost part
of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. There are
several pathways through which bacteria can enter, leading to different types of
dental abscesses.

Periapical Abscess: This type of abscess typically originates from severe tooth
decay (cavities). Decay creates openings in the hard enamel of the tooth, allowing
bacteria to penetrate into the softer dentin layer. If untreated, the infection
progresses to the pulp, causing pulpitis. From there, bacteria can extend through
the root tip to form a periapical abscess in the surrounding bone.

Periodontal Abscess: In this case, bacteria in plaque infect the gums, leading to
periodontitis (gum disease). As gum disease advances, the bacteria can cause
inflammation that results in the separation of gum tissue from the tooth base,
forming periodontal pockets. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets, leading to a
periodontal abscess. This type can also occur due to an accidental gum injury or
as a complication of dental procedures.

Gingival Abscess: A less common type, a gingival abscess, occurs when a foreign
object, such as a popcorn hull or toothbrush bristle, becomes embedded in the
gums, causing infection.

Risk Factors: Factors increasing the risk of tooth abscesses include poor dental
hygiene, untreated cavities, gum disease, and dental trauma. Prompt treatment is
essential to prevent the spread of infection and complications such as facial
swelling or systemic illness.

Understanding the causes of tooth abscesses underscores the importance of
maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely dental care to prevent infections
and preserve dental health. If you suspect symptoms of a tooth abscess, such as
severe toothache, swelling, or fever, it’s crucial to seek professional dental evaluation
and treatment promptly.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis: To diagnose a tooth abscess, your dentist will conduct a thorough
examination of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues. Key diagnostic steps
include:

  1. Clinical Examination: Your dentist will inspect the tooth for signs of infection,
    such as swelling, redness, and tenderness. They may also tap on the tooth to
    assess sensitivity.
  2. Dental X-ray: X-rays help identify the extent of the infection and any structural
    damage to the tooth. This helps in planning appropriate treatment.
  3. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): If the infection has spread beyond the
    tooth to areas like the neck, a CT scan provides detailed images to assess the
    severity and extent of the infection.

Treatment Options: The goal of treating a tooth abscess is to eliminate the infection
and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

  1. Incision and Drainage: For severe abscesses, your dentist may make a small
    incision in the abscess to drain out the pus. This relieves pressure and aids in
    healing. A small rubber drain may be placed to keep the area open for further
    drainage.
  2. Root Canal Treatment: This procedure aims to save the affected tooth by
    removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal thoroughly, and filling it with a
    sealing material. A crown may be placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen
    it, especially for back teeth.
  3. Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be saved,
    extraction may be necessary. The dentist will remove the tooth and drain the
    abscess to eliminate the source of infection.
  4. Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection,
    especially if it has spread beyond the immediate area of the abscess or if you
    have a weakened immune system. Antibiotics are used in conjunction with other
    treatments to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Emergency Situations: If you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing due to
swelling from the abscess, seek immediate medical attention at the emergency
room.

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help
alleviate discomfort while awaiting dental treatment. It’s essential to follow dosage instructions carefully.

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Dead Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Dead Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A “dead tooth” might sound scary, but it’s a common dental issue that many people face. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you take the right steps to preserve your oral health. At Dentistium, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dental conditions, including dead teeth. Let’s take a closer look at what a dead tooth is and how to deal with it.

What is a Dead Tooth?

A dead tooth, also known as a non-vital tooth, is a tooth that has lost its blood supply.
This happens when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and
blood vessels, becomes damaged or infected. Without a healthy blood supply, the
tooth cannot stay alive, and it will eventually die.

Symptoms of a Dead Tooth

A dead tooth may not always be immediately painful, but there are several signs to
look out for. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist
at Dentistium as soon as possible:

  1. Discoloration of the Tooth: One of the most noticeable symptoms of a dead tooth
    is a change in color. The tooth may turn gray, brown, or even black due to the lack of
    blood flow and decay.
  2. Pain or Sensitivity: While not all dead teeth cause pain, some may be sensitive to
    hot or cold. In some cases, a dead tooth may become infected, leading to severe pain
    or discomfort.
  3. Swelling and Tenderness: If the tooth has become infected, you might experience
    swelling around the affected area, including the gums. This swelling can be painful and
    may also lead to a bad taste or odor in the mouth.
  4. Abscess: An abscess, which is a pocket of pus, can form around the dead tooth as
    a result of infection. This may cause a throbbing pain, fever, and swelling.

Causes of a Dead Tooth

There are several reasons why a tooth can become non-vital. Some of the most
common causes include:

  1. Tooth Trauma or Injury: A blow to the tooth, such as during a sports injury or
    accident, can damage the pulp, leading to a dead tooth. Even if there is no immediate
    pain, the damage can cause the tooth to die over time.
  2. Untreated Tooth Decay: If a cavity is not treated in time, bacteria can spread into
    the pulp of the tooth, causing an infection that leads to the tooth dying.
  3. Repeated Dental Procedures: Frequent dental treatments on the same tooth, like
    fillings or crowns, can sometimes cause damage to the pulp over time, leading to tooth
    death.
  4. Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can affect the blood supply
    to the tooth, causing the pulp to die.

Treatment for a Dead Tooth

If you suspect that you have a dead tooth, it’s important to visit Dentistium to get an
accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are several options for treating
a dead tooth:

  1. Root Canal Treatment: The most common treatment for a dead tooth is a root
    canal. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans out the
    canal, and fills it with a special material to prevent further infection. Afterward, the
    tooth is sealed and often topped with a crown to restore its strength and function.
  2. Tooth Extraction: In some cases, if the damage is too severe or the tooth is
    beyond saving, the dentist may recommend extraction. This is usually the last resort
    if other treatments are not viable.
  3. Dental Implant: If the tooth is extracted, a dental implant can be used to replace
    the missing tooth. This permanent solution involves placing a titanium post into the
    jawbone, which supports a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

How to Prevent a Dead Tooth

Preventing a dead tooth involves good oral hygiene and taking care of your teeth.
Here are some tips:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to prevent injuries to your teeth.
  • Visit Dentistium regularly for checkups and cleanings to catch any potential issues
    early.

A dead tooth can be a serious issue, but it’s treatable. Whether through root canal
therapy, extraction, or replacement with a dental implant, Dentistium is here to help
restore your smile and protect your oral health. If you think you may have a dead
tooth or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t wait—schedule an
appointment with us today!

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