Throughout our lives, most of us will experience some form of dental health problem, from simple cavities to ulcers and lost teeth. Dealing with them is often a simple procedure for an expert dentist, but if left untreated, many of these problems can develop, progressing into worse health issues. There are a number of treatments available to combat the myriad of dental diseases and damage, and regular visits to your dentist is an important step to identify any concerning signs early on. We’ve put together an in-depth guide on the types of symptoms to watch out for, as well as the types of treatments you can have to rectify these problems.
Tooth Ache
Probably one of the most noticeable signs of a dental health condition is experiencing a toothache. If you have felt this pain before, you’ll understand just how unpleasant it can be. The symptoms of toothache include not only generic pain in the face and surrounding your teeth and gums, but also fever and swelling. The pain can get so intense sometimes that it can be debilitating and is difficult to remedy compared to other types of pain, although the pain can be lessened in some cases. However, it’s important to get to your dentist as soon as possible, even if the pain is mild, as it could be a problem that, if left untreated, could develop into something much more serious.
Loose Teeth
As we develop throughout childhood, we get wobbly teeth that fall out to make way for our adult teeth to come through. However, that doesn’t mean these adult teeth cannot become loose too. Many adults lose their teeth due to a lack of care and dental hygiene, as well as injury. If you notice that one of your teeth has become loose, it’s imperative that you visit the dentist as it is likely a sign of a more serious problem. Bleeding and swollen gums alongside your loose tooth are also a sign that you could be suffering from gum disease like periodontitis which can lead to tooth loss.
Bad Breath
If you’ve noticed an unpleasant smell or taste from your mouth which doesn’t go away no matter how much you brush and floss your teeth, this could be a symptom of a larger issue. A lack of proper dental care, the consumption of strong-tasting foods and drinks, and smoking can all contribute to bad breath. However, certain diseases can too. Periodontitis, as we talked about above, can cause a strong odour to emanate from the mouth, as can sinus infections and bronchitis. If you’re at all concerned about your health and are experiencing particularly bad breath or a strange taste in your mouth, we strongly advise speaking to your GP or dentist.
Finding A Quality Dentist
When it comes to diagnosing and quickly treating these problems, you’ll want to make sure you’ve found the right dentist for you. Of course, location is a big part of this decision, but if you must travel a bit further away for great quality treatment, it could be worthwhile. First, you’ll want to do your research into the dentists you’re considering. Searching for one with recognised dentistry awards is a tell-tale sign that their abilities are up to standard, and you’ll also want to identify what kinds of treatment they offer. This dentist in Fulham for example, not only lists their treatments but is also transparent with their pricing. Ultimately, you need to find a dentist that suits you, and spending time doing your research is the best solution here.
Dental Implants
Some treatments for dental problems can range from simple, quick fixes to complex, surgical procedures. Dental implants are one of these more complicated procedures that require significant dental expertise to carry out properly. If you’ve lost a tooth or need to have one extracted, a dental implant can be a fantastic remedy to this problem, assuming you are eligible. Granted, this treatment
s viable for most patients, and you’d only be at risk of being rejected if you didn’t have enough strong bone in your jaw to support the implant. Your dentist will implant a metal fixture into your jaw where your tooth is missing, and then a crown with a screw fixture can be added to that implant. This artificial tooth will be hard to discern from your real tooth as it will be customised to match the general look of your other teeth.
Bridges
Missing teeth are also able to be replaced using something called a dental bridge. There are a few different types of these but the most traditional version of this is where a false tooth or teeth fill a gap and are suspended between your remaining real teeth using crowns. These can be expensive but are a great alternative to getting dentures or having more invasive implant surgery. A bridge can help to restore your smile and allow you to resume normal functions with your mouth which missing teeth would have otherwise prevented. When you have a missing tooth, eating and even speaking can become more difficult and it can also lead to further complications if left for too long. Your other teeth can slowly migrate into the open space, causing deformation of your smile.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a great solution for those with worn or stained teeth who want to enhance their smile. A dentist applies a resin material to the teeth, sculpting it to improve their appearance and health while maintaining a natural look. This treatment can also address minor alignment issues and close gaps by adding bulk to your teeth. It’s also effective for repairing cosmetic damage, such as chips or worn-down enamel, by sculpting the resin to restore the tooth’s shape. Different materials are available, including nanofill options for superior strength and a smooth finish—you can search for “nanofill composite bonding near me” on the Web to avail of the treatment. Alternatively, you can choose microhybrid composites, which are durable and resistant to wear, while flowable versions are ideal for smaller fillings.
Invisalign
When it comes to aligning teeth, composite bonding isn’t always possible. When teeth are significantly misaligned, they require proper treatment to bring them into the right position. A common treatment for this is Invisalign. Using 3D imaging technology, an aligner will be created to fit over your teeth, gently forcing them into the correct positions over time. You will be required to wear this for a majority of the time, but you’ll be able to remove it easily for eating and cleaning your teeth and the aligner itself. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, Invisalign treatment can take between 1 to 2 years to fully rectify the problem, although it’s said that a difference can be seen within a few weeks.
Tooth Fillings
Another common dental treatment is tooth fillings, and it’s said that most adults in England have at least one filling. This procedure is done when decay has damaged the tooth and the hole needs to be filled with sturdy material to reduce further harm to the tooth. Fillings can be made of a few different materials, including metals and resin. If left unchecked, a decaying tooth can worsen and lead to further complications including a painful tooth abscess and the eventual loss of the tooth itself.
