Archive for category: Dental Care

Knowing if you have a cracked tooth should be a concern for you if you love your teeth.

A cracked tooth is most common on teeth in the back of your mouth where the majority of chewing happens. All degrees of a crack can be classified under the diagnosis of “Cracked Tooth Syndrome.”

As we continue to age, our teeth can begin to have little lines or cracks on the surface. Although these may seem concerning, oftentimes they are simply what we call “craze lines.” These craze lines are in fact cracks in the tooth enamel, generally limited to the superficial outer layer of the tooth, that develop over time with normal wear and tear. Craze lines are not serious as long as they do not penetrate to the inner surface of the tooth called dentin.

If you have a cracked tooth, you may notice sensitivity or pain when biting and chewing food. In more severe cases, it will hurt consistently, especially around the gums if the tooth segment is loose. There are various types of cracked teeth, and depending on how deep the damage goes, certain treatment options are suggested based on your situation. Treatment can be as simple as a crown, but in more extreme cases removing the tooth completely is required.

Typically a cracked tooth will require more invasive treatment than a chipped tooth. If the crack extends beyond the surface of the tooth, a root canal is likely recommended and then places a crown to cover the entire tooth.

Here are the most common treatments for a cracked tooth:

Least severe: The tooth will require a dental crown to cover and restore the damage.

Medium severity: If the crack has extended a little deeper into the tooth, it is often treated by performing a root canal procedure, then placing a crown on the tooth to restore aesthetics and functionality.

Most severe: If the crack has extended deep into the tooth, a tooth extraction needs to be performed. This is the most extreme situation and dentists usually try their best to keep your natural teeth and repair the damage if possible. If an extraction is the best treatment plan, a dental implant can be used to replace your original tooth.

Let’s fix your cracked tooth. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule a FREE dental consultation.

Curious if you have healthy gums? You should be as your gums’ health is integral for your oral health as well. You should perhaps know if you have gum disease.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as a periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some signs that may signify that you might have gum disease:

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums bleed easily
• Constant bad breath or bad taste
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Moreover, here are some factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease:

• Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• Poor oral hygiene
• Genetics
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Diabetes
• Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.

Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

See our dentists if you suspect you have gum disease. The sooner you get treatment, the better.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule a FREE dental consultation.