Causes of a Toothache
I found this diagram on the internet and it really helps explain causes of tooth sensitivy or pain. Causes of a toothache can be many different things. I wanted to share this. Dr. Johnston
Bonnie and her Steak
Meet Bonnie- Bonnie came to us for a crown that fell out. Upon the exam, it was discovered the she had multiple teeth that needed to be removed. At the consult, she was surprised at the treatment plan of removing her teeth. She was told we could replace the teeth with dental implants. Again, she was surprised at the cost and considered not doing them and just removing the teeth. We removed 4 very importnat teeth (2 on each side) and put her in a partial denture. We bone grafted the extraction sites, which take 4-6 months to be ready for implants. She did not like that partial dentures and elected not to wear them. 4 months went by and we placed the implants. At this appointment she asked me when she was going to get to eat steak. We then had a few more follow up visits on the implants and again she asked me when she was going to be able to eat steak. The time came for the implants to be restored with teeth on them. I again heard about the steak. The day we placed the teeth, I had aranged a steak dinner in our consult room. We placed the teeth and I led her into the consult room to show her, her steak. This was one of the top rewarding moments in my career. To see the smile on her face and her surprise. I had to return to other patients, but was told she didn’t leave a crumb on that plate! Here’s to Bonnie and her Steak!!! – Dr. Johnston
Deep Cleaning / Dental Scaling
When teeth and gums don’t get cleaned properly, the food particles mix with bacteria in your mouth and develop a soft substance called plaque. This plaque if not removed can turn into a harder substance known as dental tartar or calculus. If tartar is still not removed, it start impinging on the gums and create a seperation between the gums and the tooth. Once this seperation occurs, it allows for more food particles and bacteria to work its way down into the gum. The bacteria secrete waste from eating your microscopic food particles that can destroy gums and bone around the tooth. Once this sequence is established, brushing or flossing will not help remove this. A dental deep cleaning or Scaling and root planing procedure is needed. This is where dental professionals such as a dentist or dental hygienist takes their instruments and goes under the gumline to remove this structure of tartar. Once destruction of the bone has occured, the bone cannot grow back. If enough bone gets destroyed around the tooth, the tooth then loses its support and removal of the tooth is indicated. We commonly find that missing rountine cleanings (depending on one’s dental hygiene) over 1-2 yrs will lead to this. Its very important to see a dentist and have your teeth professionally cleaned so this process does not occur. I have attached a diagram that describes this. – Dr. Johnston