Tag: cracked tooth

Everything you need to know about Peri-Implantitis

 

Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry, providing patients with a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. However, like any medical procedure, dental implants come with their own set of risks and complications. One such complication is peri-implantitis, a condition that affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. When left untreated, peri-implantitis can have consequences, potentially leading to implant failure. 

Causes of Peri-Implantitis 

Several factors contribute to the development of peri-implantitis, including: 

  • Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup around the implant, causing inflammation. 
  • Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for peri-implantitis. Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums, hindering the body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation. 
  • Patients with a history of gum disease are more susceptible to peri-implantitis. The bacteria from previous infections can re-infect the implant site. 
  • Poorly controlled diabetes can compromise the body’s immune response and increase the risk of infections. 
  • Teeth grinding and clenching can pressure dental implants excessively, leading to bone loss and implant failure. 

Symptoms of Peri-implantitis 

Early detection of peri-implantitis is crucial for successful treatment. Look out for these common symptoms: 

  • Swelling and redness around the implant. 
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing around the implant area. 
  • Pus or discharge around the implant (suppuration). 
  • As the bone around the implant deteriorates, the implant may become loose and unstable. 
  • Pain or discomfort around the implant site or when biting down. 

Prevention for Peri-implantitis 

Preventing peri-implantitis begins with a proactive approach to oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Here are some essential preventive measures: 

Regular Dental Visits: Visit the dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. The dentist will monitor the health of your implants and catch any potential issues early on. 

Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Consider using an interdental brush to clean between the implants and gums. 

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting to reduce the risk of peri-implantitis and other oral health problems. 

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and manage conditions like diabetes that may impact oral health. 

Treatments for Peri-implantitis 

When diagnosed early, peri-implantitis can be treated successfully. Here are some common treatment options: 

Professional Cleaning: Your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning around the implant to remove plaque and bacteria. 

Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection and reduce inflammation. 

Surgical Intervention: Advanced cases may require surgical treatment to remove infected tissues, bone grafting, or implant replacement. 

Conclusion 

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition that can jeopardize the success of dental implants. Being aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures can help you maintain your implant’s health. Regular dental check-ups, diligent oral hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle ensure that your dental implants last long and you have good oral health. If you come across any issues with your dental implants, consult our dental experts at Bravo! Dental today before the condition worsens.

All that you should know about Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia is a dental condition in which too many teeth develop in the mouth, or in other words when a person’s additional teeth grow around their existing teeth. ‘Supernumerary’ teeth, or additional teeth, does not only occur for adults but also for infants.

Some may feel it looks charming for many, but it can also cause discomfort and other problems.

The additional teeth are usually the same size and form in terms of appearance. However, they can occasionally appear in varied shapes and sizes. Hyperdontia is also twice as frequent in males as it is in females.

Extra teeth can be of many types:

Supplementary – Teeth are of regular size and form

Tuberculate – Teeth with a barrel shape

Conical – Teeth that are peg-shaped or pointed

Compound/complex odontoma – A cluster of teeth-like growths or a bulk of tooth-like tissue

Causes for Hyperdontia:

According to experts, the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown; however, it is thought to be linked to specific inherited problems. As a result, if you have hyperdontia, you are likely to have another ailment as well. Gardner’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are two more frequent genetic disorders that may result in Hyperdontia. Hyperdontia is caused by a problem in the tooth formation malfunctioning. This issue is frequently simple and inexplicable. The inadequate cells proliferate during the formation of a new tooth, resulting in an “extra” tooth.

Risks faced due to Hyperdontia:

Supernumerary teeth might overlap, making it harder for those with Hyperdontia to properly clean their teeth and gums. This may result in certain gum diseases. While some people may never encounter oral health concerns as a result of their extra teeth, others may experience issues such as:

  • Malocclusion
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum diseases
  • Impacted teeth
  • Aesthetic concerns
  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Problems with teeth sprouting in a regular pattern
  • Food chewing issues
  • Speaking difficulties
  • Pain and inflammation

Treatment for Hyperdontia:

Hyperdontia cannot be prevented as hereditary disorders mainly cause it, but you can recognize the indications early and seek treatment to avoid as many issues as possible.

If your permanent teeth have been impacted by the extra teeth, causing them to grow crookedly, you may require orthodontic therapy to straighten them out. Invisible aligners are a good option for minor changes, but you’ll definitely need conventional braces if your teeth are rotated or your bite has been impacted.

Extraction is the most common treatment for Hyperdontia. However, some people may require orthodontic therapy to rectify malocclusion or other alignment concerns after tooth extraction. Traditional braces, which may address mild to severe alignment difficulties, are frequently the best option for such problems.

Talk to our dental experts at Bravo Dental today to understand the impact of hyperdontia on your teeth.

5 Steps You Have To Take When You Have A Chipped Tooth

Both adults and children are prone to get their teeth chipped. Despite the fact that enamel is the body’s strongest and most mineralized tissue, chipping a tooth can happen to anyone. Dental disorders such as tooth decay or nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism) can also cause a tooth to chip, in addition to biting on anything hard or any accident.

And if you’ve recently chipped a tooth, it’s necessary to understand the consequences.

What happens if a chipped tooth isn’t fixed?

A small crack in a tooth may not seem like a huge concern unless they are sharp, which may cut or scratch the inner surface of your mouth. However, if the chip is large enough, it can cause more serious issues

Your cheek, tongue, and gums can be injured by sharp edges causing discomfort
Deep chipping can damage the tooth’s root, resulting in infections or toothaches
Severe chips can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity to warmth and cold, swollen glands, and foul breath
Chips of all sizes can get larger and create more serious problems, necessitating root canals or extractions.

What you need to do once you see a cracked or chipped tooth

If you feel that one of your teeth is chipped or broken, seeing your dentist right away is essential regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms. It’s important to be as specific as possible when describing your symptoms so that your dentist can assess if you have an emergency and when you need immediate medical/dental attention. In addition, chipped or fractured teeth are fragile because they are left exposed, making them more prone to additional damage and infection.

Here are a few steps to be taken when you have a chipped tooth:

  • Preserve the tooth (if possible). Try to save a tooth chip that has fallen out of your mouth. If a tooth has completely fallen out, locate it and gently clean it with milk or water. (Do not scrape the tooth because this damages the periodontal ligament tissue and makes it more difficult for your dentist to reattach the tooth.) Replace the tooth in its socket as carefully as possible. If that isn’t an option, keep the tooth in cold milk, saltwater, or even a small puddle of saliva until you visit your dentist.
  • Take note of where the pain is coming from and how it presents itself. Does the discomfort worsen when you chew, eat sticky foods, or drink cold drinks, for example? This might help your dentist to treat you accordingly.
  • Take care of the sensitive point. To help keep the area surrounding your injured tooth clean, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. If the region around the injured tooth is bleeding, apply mild pressure with sterile gauze to stop the flow. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the injured tooth, and avoid eating anything hard or sticky. If you’re in pain, two approaches can help: Take an over-the-counter pain killer or apply a cold compress to the face or lips above the injured tooth.
  • If your chipped tooth feels like a sharp edge due to the chip or crack, consider covering the point with paraffin wax, dental cement, or sugarless chewing gum to protect the rest of your mouth.
  • Once done with the basics, visit your dentist at once, who will identify the best course of action for you. Some cracks are modest enough to be cosmetic, while others may necessitate treatments such as a filling, root canal, veneers, or in extreme cases, tooth extraction.

bIf you have a chipped or injured tooth, visit us at Bravo Dental and get it treated immediately to prevent further damage. Show your complete smile with confidence!