Dental treatments are designed for your ultimate comfort and health but there are so many terms out there. Which ones should you understand and what treatment options will benefit your unique situation?
1. Abscess
A pus pocket caused by a bacterial infection.
An abscessed tooth will not go away on its own therefore requires treatment by your dentist. If you have an abscess tooth, your dentist has 4 options:
- Make an incision to drain the abscess
- Root Canal
- Pull your tooth
- Prescribe antibiotics
Your dentist will determine what particular dental treatment you need depending on your individual circumstances. Having an oral exam is the best way to see what is going on inside your mouth.
2. Benign
A non-cancerous tumour that does not spread to other parts of your body. A benign tumour of the mouth changes the cells in your mouth. There are many types of benign conditions including warts and cold sores.
Your dentist will check for any non-cancerous tumours by performing an oral exam and taking x-rays of the roots of your teeth. He/she will then prescribe the best treatment for you depending on the type of benign tumour you have.
3. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Do you have pain in your tooth when chewing food or experience sensitivity while drinking? You may have cracked tooth syndrome, a toothache as a result of a broken tooth. If you have a cracked tooth you are likely to have other cracked teeth at the same time or later on.
Dental treatment options for cracked teeth involve everything from bonding, a crown, root canal or, in a severe case, extraction. If you suspect a cracked tooth, it is important to book an appointment with your dentist right away. Your dentist will take into consideration the location and severity of your tooth fracture in order to provide the best treatment option for your individual case.
4. Dry Socket
Inflammation in a particular location of your tooth’s socket following extraction due to loss of blood clotting or infection. Pain from dry socket usually occurs one to three days after your tooth is removed.
3 dry socket treatment options are:
- Flushing out the socket
- Packing the socket with medicated paste or gel and medicated dressings
- Pain medication
It is vital to keep your dentist appointments for dressing changes.
5. Exostosis
Depending on where it occurs in your mouth, exostosis is also known as torus or osteoma. Exostosis is an overgrowth of bone. Exostosis often happens during childhood and you may not feel anything, or it can cause severe pain. The exact cause of this condition is still a mystery. Exostosis is non-cancerous but complications can occur from it. Interference with denture placements or scratches and injuries can result in ulcers due to the irregular bone formation.
If this condition interferes with normal mouth functions, dental treatment becomes necessary. Your dentist will determine what can be done for you when you get a checkup.
6. Frenum
The muscular attachment of the cheeks, lips and/or tongue to dental mucosa (the mucus membrane lining the inside of your mouth).
Your dentist might suggest a frenectomy, dental surgery where the frenum is removed through eliminating the tissue between your teeth by cutting and releasing your upper lip.
Next week, our professional team at Fort McMurray Smiles will inform you of further dental issues and treatment options. This information will help you be aware of dental concerns so you can book your treatment as soon as possible. When you are in doubt of any oral issue, be sure to contact your dentist to have it assessed. The future of your beautiful smile depends on regular visits to the dentist and good oral health.
