Dental conditions and treatments: various dental issues & how they are diagnosed and treated

1.Cavities (Dental Caries):

 

Symptoms: Toothache, sensitivity to hot/cold, visible holes or pits in teeth.

 

Diagnosis: Dentists use clinical exams and X-rays to detect cavities. Early stages might not show symptoms but are visible on X-rays.

 

Treatment: Minor cavities are filled with dental fillings (composite resin). Severe cases might require root canal therapy or crowns.

 

2.Gingivitis:

 

Symptoms: Red, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, bad breath.

 

Diagnosis: Dentists diagnose gingivitis through visual examination and checking for bleeding during probing.

 

Treatment: Improved oral hygiene (brushing, flossing), professional dental cleaning (scaling), and regular checkups.

 

3.Periodontitis (Gum Disease):

 

Symptoms: Persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, pus between gums and teeth.

 

Diagnosis: Dentists measure pocket depths, X-rays, and evaluate tissue inflammation.

 

Treatment: Scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), antibiotics, sometimes surgery for severe cases.

 

4.Tooth Sensitivity:

 

Symptoms: Pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods/drinks.

 

Diagnosis: Dentists examine dental history, conduct tests to pinpoint sensitivity triggers.

 

Treatment: Desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride applications, dental sealants, addressing underlying causes like gum recession.

 

5.Tooth Abscess:

 

Symptoms: Severe toothache, swelling, fever, pus drainage, foul taste in mouth.

 

Diagnosis: Clinical examination, X-rays, sometimes a percussion test to check for pain response.

 

Treatment: Drainage of abscess, root canal therapy, antibiotics, extraction in severe cases.

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6.Oral Cancer:

 

Symptoms: Persistent mouth sore, swelling, numbness, difficulty swallowing or speaking.

 

Diagnosis: Biopsy, oral examination, imaging tests (CT, MRI).

 

Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.

 

7.TMJ Disorders:

 

Symptoms: Jaw pain, clicking or popping sound, headaches, difficulty chewing.

 

Diagnosis: Clinical examination, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI), dental impressions for oral appliances.

 

Treatment: Oral appliances (splints), physical therapy, pain management, in severe cases, surgery.

 

Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention of these conditions. If you notice any unusual symptoms, it's essential to consult a dentist promptly for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment.