Your dentist can point you in the right direction for treatment for many different oral conditions, whether it is something treatable at our office or requires a specialist or referral to your primary care physician. Below, we look at some common oral health conditions, some of their underlying symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
Whether due to excessive force or regular wear and tear, occasionally the enamel of a tooth can chip. Depending on the location and severity of the chip, it can be more than a cosmetic issue, resulting in pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Chipped teeth differ from cracked teeth in that the tooth has broken in such a way that a large or small piece of enamel has fragmented off.
Common causes of chipped teeth include:
Teeth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but teeth can be weakened by a number of things, making them more prone to chipping. Some things that can put you at greater risk of chipping a tooth include:
It’s entirely possible to not realize that you have a chipped tooth if the chip is minor or not somewhere you can easily see. Here are some possible signs you may encounter, however:
What treatment options are available for chipped teeth?
If you suspect you may have a chipped tooth, contact your dentist for an exam. If you are experiencing no major pain or issues with eating, this may not be an emergency, but it’s a good idea to have it addressed in a timely way so as to prevent the enamel damage from getting worse or an infection from developing, depending on the nature of the chip the tooth.
In the event that you can save the tooth fragment, there is a possibility that it can be cemented back into place. If this is the case, place the tooth fragment in a glass of milk to help keep it moist.
This method is used for shallow chips. The dentist will remove a small amount of the tooth’s enamel, smoothing out the surface of your tooth and making it look as though nothing ever happened.
Dental bonding is a typical treatment option for addressing a chip in a tooth. Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the chipped area and restore the tooth to its original shape.
Depending on the visibility and extent of the tooth damage, a veneer is another possible treatment option. Veneers cover the entire front-facing portion of the tooth with a thin layer of porcelain, giving the tooth a completely new appearance.
While most people are familiar with bruises, it may be strange to consider the idea that a tooth can be bruised. However, your teeth have connective tissues and ligaments that hold them in place and cushion them against the kinds of forces they are subjected to during regular use. On an occasion when a tooth has been put under too much pressure or has experienced trauma, these tissues can become damaged or inflamed. This is known as a bruised tooth or sprained tooth syndrome.
Much like a bodily bruise, a bruised tooth can happen from an injury. This can be the result of a sports injury, a blow to the mouth, or things like biting down on a hard object or tooth grinding. The surrounding connective tissue will attempt to absorb the impact, but the capillaries around the tooth will burst, leading to discoloration—much as with any other type of bruise. Some degree of pain in the area may result as well.
The discoloration of a bruised tooth is usually a shade that varies between pink and gray. This color may be an indicator of the amount of damage the tooth has sustained. The pink color typically indicates that the tooth is in a stage where it is attempting to protect the nerve, though it can also be a sign of problems with the root of the tooth, so it is not safe to make an assumption based on color alone. The gray shade is a more likely indicator that the pulp of the tooth is dying, and there is a risk of decay or infection.
In all cases, you should contact the dentist to have an examination.
The first symptom you may notice with a bruised or sprained tooth is a dull, achy pain in the general area, similar to a sprained ligament. Alternatively, the pain may be located specifically in the affected tooth, where it may be a sharper type of pain.
The tooth may become discolored—turning somewhere between pink and gray, as mentioned above—and the surrounding gums could become sensitive and inflamed.
It may be difficult to distinguish the pain of a bruised tooth from toothache resulting from infection or tooth decay, so we recommend having your tooth looked at by the dentist.
Whenever a tooth is showing signs of trauma, it is best to make an appointment to have it examined. X-rays will likely be taken to assess damage that might not be visible, and your mouth will be checked for loose teeth, sensitivity, or hidden problems like an abscess. Treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis. In cases where the bruised tooth is the result of teeth grinding, it may be recommended that you wear a nightguard to protect your teeth and ligaments from further damage. Mouthguards for sports are always recommended to protect teeth.
In many other cases, recovery for a bruised tooth will simply come down to giving the tooth time to heal. Over-the-counter modifications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with the pain from inflammation, and you should avoid further strain on the area if at all possible. Make sure you follow the treatment plan provided by the dentist to make sure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Malocclusion refers to a misaligned bite, caused when the upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly when the mouth is closed. In a properly-aligned bite, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth, with the points of the molars fitting into the grooves of the molars opposite them.
When the teeth don’t fit together in a proper bite, it can cause difficulty with eating and speaking and may lead to potential health problems, such as increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. An improper bite can also cause irregular enamel wear or result in jaw problems.
Often, malocclusion is inherited and passed down through families through genetics. It can be the result of the size or shape of the jaw or teeth causing teeth to be overcrowded or come together abnormally. Sometimes, malocclusion is the result of missing or extra teeth, which has caused the other teeth to shift positions. A misaligned bite can also result from childhood thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle.
Malocclusion is often noticeable just by appearance, but there are other symptoms that may indicate an improperly-aligned bite. Some symptoms include:
Teeth that are perfectly aligned naturally are rare, and not all misaligned teeth will require treatment. It is best to check with the dentist or an orthodontist to find out what may be needed in your case. Typically, malocclusion can be addressed via orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or clear aligner trays such as Invisalign. If the improper bite is due to irregularly shaped teeth, these issues can be treated via reshaping the enamel or through dental bonding. In some cases where teeth are overcrowded, tooth extraction may be recommended in order to make more room. Surgery is sometimes called for in cases where reshaping the jaw is the best way to address major bite issues.
A toothache is a type of pain that occurs in or around the teeth or jaws. It can range in intensity from a mild, dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. Toothaches can be caused by a variety of factors, and they can be a sign of underlying dental or oral health issues.
Toothaches can be a sign of a number of different oral conditions, including:
A toothache is usually a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If you have a toothache that persists for more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, you should see the dentist as soon as possible.
The treatment for a toothache will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
It is generally a good idea to see Dr. Williams as soon as possible if you are experiencing a toothache. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the underlying issue will become worse and more difficult to treat. If the toothache is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, you should make an appointment right away.
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or tooth root. Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can lead to a number of serious oral health problems if left untreated.
Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Some common symptoms of gum recession include:
If you notice any of the symptoms of gum recession, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Gum recession can lead to a number of serious oral health problems if left untreated, such as tooth loss, bone loss, and an increased risk of gum disease.
If gum recession goes untreated, it can lead to a number of serious oral health problems, including:
Treatment for gum recession will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the recession. Some common treatments include:
It is important to note that gum recession can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Brush the teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can increase the risk of gum recession and other oral health problems.
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, be sure to let us know!