Protect Your Mouth by Knowing the Signs of Gum Disease

January 25, 2013

In a previous blog post, we discussed the effects gum disease can have on your health, as well as what our team here at Papageorgiou Dental Associates could do for you in regards to periodontal therapy. But all of your questions might not have been answered. For instance, maybe you’re been wondering if you have gum disease, and if you do, how severe it is. After all, pain isn’t the only indicator that there could be a problem, as some would believe. Here at our Natick office, we offer you personalized and effective care that always puts your needs first – but first, you have to take that first step through the door. Here are some of the indicators of gum disease:

  • If your gums bleed during or after you brush your teeth
  • If you have bad breath that persists even after using mouthwash and other treatments
  • Tenderness, swelling, or discoloration
  • A bite that feels strange, or teeth that start to feel loose, like they’re shifting around
  • Pockets of pus that ooze around your teeth
  • If chewing is painful
  • Receding gums or teeth that are no longer appearing

In addition, there are also a number of factors that indicate a much higher risk of gum disease than normal. These are:

  • If you use tobacco
  • If you have diabetes
  • If you’ve undergone therapy for cancer of any kind
  • If you’ve taken steroids at any point in time

If any of these categories or symptoms seem to fit you, don’t panic – using either traditional tools or our soft-tissue laser, our team at Papageorgiou Dental Associates will help ease your gum disease symptoms and improve your overall health through periodontal therapies, giving you a reason to smile.

Gum disease can worsen if not treated, so don’t hesitate! Call Papageorgiou Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation visit. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou would be happy to assess your oral health and recommend a treatment plan. Our team serves patients from Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

January 24, 2013

root_canal2Out of all the dental procedures you could undergo as a patient, root canal treatment seems to be the one that makes the most people cringe in fear. Maybe that’s because of the longstanding rumor about it being unbearably painful, or simply because it’s a long procedure that seems incredibly invasive. Whatever the case is, root canals are not as bad as they’ve been built up to be over time. In fact, they’re a crucial and effective treatment that can save your natural teeth from having to be extracted due to extensive decay or infection.

Are you suffering from one or more of these symptoms?

  • Severe tooth pain when chewing
  • Prolonged sensitivity to excessively hot or cold temperatures
  • Your tooth has darkened a shade
  • Swollen or tenderness in the gums
  • A persistent pimple on the gums that keep recurring

If so, then you may be in need of root canal treatment.

When undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist will first take X-rays so as to see if there are any infections in the bone that surrounds your tooth. Then, a hole will be drilled into the affected tooth and the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related debris will be cleaned out. Your tooth is then sealed, either directly after the cleaning or at a second appointment in a week, depending on your dentist’s preferences (if if it’s the latter, you’ll be provided with a temporary filling to keep out contaminants). All that’s left after that step is for your dentist to see if any further restoration is needed to restore your tooth to full functionality.

Root canal treatment is highly successful, and many teeth that have undergone a root canal last a lifetime. Additionally, a root canal doesn’t hurt anymore than a common filling does, according to most people.

In the case of a root canal, seeking immediate treatment is crucial if you want to save your natural tooth. Call your local dentist if you’re exhibiting any of the symptoms above, or if you have any questions about the procedure.

Emergency Dentistry

January 3, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , — drpapageorgiou @ 8:08 pm

emergency dentistryDental emergencies strike without warning. Do you know what to do when one hits you? Many don’t, which is why we’d like to use today’s post to briefly explain what you should do if you find yourself facing a dental emergency. Below are some of the most common reasons patients have for seeking emergency dental care, followed by tips on how to handle them.

Knocked Out Tooth

Sometimes a knocked out tooth can be reattached if treatment happens soon enough. To increase the likelihood that your tooth can be reattached, gently clean the tooth and try to put it back in the socket it came from. If you can’t do that, store the tooth in a bag of milk. Call your local emergency dentist as soon as possible for an appointment.

Broken Tooth

As with a knocked out tooth, save as much of your broken tooth as you can and clean the area gently with water. To ease pain and swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Call your dentist for help.

Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of things. If you have a toothache, try flossing around the tooth that hurts to see if there’s any debris lodged nearby. If you find something that looks like a pimple near the tooth that hurts, that could be a sign that you have an abscess. If left untreated, the infection from an abscess can become more serious. Call your dentist as soon as possible if your pain doesn’t go away.

Lost Crown

If you have lost a temporary or permanent crown, your first step should be to clean the crown and temporarily put it back in place with toothpaste or denture adhesive. These are just short-term fixes, though. Call your dentist as soon as possible for a reattachment appointment.

Bit Lip or Tongue

In cases where you have injured your lip or tongue, clean the area and use ice to reduce pain or swelling. If you’re experiencing serious bleeding, visit your local emergency room.

Broken Jaw

As with an injured lip or tongue, a broken jaw will require a visit to your local emergency room. If you have lost any teeth as a result of your injury, call your dentist after you have sought care for your jaw.

These are just a few of the problems that patients can face. If you’re having an emergency that is not mentioned here, or if you want to learn more about one that is, call your local emergency dentist. Seeking immediate care in any of these cases is important. Call your dentist.