Month: February 2022

A cleft lip or cleft palate describes a separation or opening in the roof of the mouth (palate) or both of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth (umbilicus). In unborn babies, cleft lip and cleft palate occur as a result of the facial structures that are developing during development not completely closing.

One of the most common birth defects are cleft lips and cleft palates. As a whole, these birth defects are most commonly found to be isolated, but they can also occur in conjunction with many inherited genetic disorders.

A child born with a cleft lip or cleft palate can certainly be upsetting. However, these conditions can be corrected. Most babies can be restored to their normal function and appearance with few scarring following a series of surgeries.

Symptoms
Clefts in the lips or palate are often immediately visible at birth. A cleft lip or cleft palate may look like:

• It may affect one or both sides of the face and occurs in the lip and the roof of the mouth (palate).
• Various types of splits in the lip, ranging from a small notch which appears on the lip to a split that extends from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the lower lip.
• If the split does not affect the appearance of the face, it is not a facial fracture.

The soft palate muscles (submucous cleft palate) are covered by the mouth lining and less commonly undergo clefts. Often, signs of a cleft may not be apparent at birth or diagnosed for some time afterward. Cleft palate with submucous symptoms may display the following signs and symptoms:

• Feeding difficulties
• Having difficulty swallowing, which may result in liquids or foods being expelled
• Nasal speaking voice
• Infections of the ears

When to see a doctor?
Most people are aware of a cleft lip or cleft palate at birth, and their doctors may begin coordinating services at that time. Consult your child’s doctor if your child displays signs or symptoms of a submucous cleft palate.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Trying to figure out whether you need a root canal is like trying to work out whether you need a filling. In the early stages of a problem, it can be hard to tell if better oral hygiene will resolve the issue or if a visit to a dentist is necessary. As a result, many of the signs can be determined only by a dentist. 

In case of any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist: 

• Cold and heat sensitivity: It is possible to have sensitivity to cold and heat without needing a root canal. Those with root canals experience sensitivity and pain long after consuming hot or cold drinks or foods.

• Having tender gums: A tender gum, even without touch, may indicate root canal pain. Be sure to tell the dentist about your tender gums when you visit.

• Gums that are swollen: Your gums may swell if you have an infected tooth. Inflamed gums can sometimes occur after flossing or brushing too hard, but this is different. It is normal for the swollen gums to be tender and to feel a little painful to the touch.

• Intense Pain: There is no need to ignore any pain in your mouth, but certain types may indicate root canal pain. An infected or dead tooth may need a root canal if it is causing you spontaneous pain like a wave.

• A painful abscess: Abscesses show up as dark spots on x-rays. A hole in the jawbone results from an infection because bone won’t grow around it. 

• Discoloration of the gums: A darkened gum is a sign that the gums are decayed. Gums begin to decay if there is an infection and the tooth is dying. It may be time to get a root canal if you have this symptom.

If you have any of these above symptoms, schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist.
Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Treatment of an inflamed or infected root canal is done in order to save the innermost and nerve-controlled part of a tooth, the root canal, which contains the tissue and nerves that cause hot and cold sensations. An infected root canal is accessed by drilling into the tooth, removing all the infected tissues, and filling the canal to restore optimal dental health. There are no other options to prevent complete decay of a tooth if the bacterial infection has spread to the pulp chamber.

You need not be afraid if your dentist recommends a root canal. This recommendation saves or treats millions of teeth each year, as it offers an opportunity to save an infected tooth. It can be relatively quick and painless, depending on the level of decay. The experience has become more comfortable and smooth thanks to advances in technology, tools, and anesthetics.

Healing Time for Root Canals
With most medical or dental interventions that require anesthesia, some discomfort is to be expected when the anesthesia wears off. Although there may be some discomfort, the level is generally quite mild, and over-the-counter medications and good oral hygiene can easily manage it. A root canal will numb your tooth for up to four hours. If you have any discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever may reduce your discomfort. A typical recommendation for healing time is to allow three full days for recovery, mild discomfort, and sensitivity.

The First to Third Days After a Root Canal
Your root canal-treated tooth may be sensitive. Brushing and flossing the area around the tooth should still be done gently. Your dentist may recommend specific oral hygiene products. By using these products and maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine, you can protect the tooth that has been treated, as well as keep your other teeth and gums healthy. You should contact your dentist if you are experiencing pain that lasts more than four or five days. It may be necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the tooth has healed properly.

Schedule your appointment with a Victoria dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Tooth decay is a common dental problem with 26 percent of the United States population with untreated tooth decay. There are various manifestations of untreated dental decay, one of them being root canal infection. 

Root canal therapy is an excellent alternative to tooth extraction and can help people keep intact their beautiful smiles without much hassle. However, having talked about the good parts of root canal therapy, it is essential to acknowledge that many people are afraid of it as it has a bad reputation for being excruciatingly painful. 

So, let us try to answer the lingering question of whether a dental filling is a feasible alternative to a root canal.

Is Dental Filling a Viable Substitute to Root Canal Therapy?

A dental filling is a more straightforward treatment than a root canal, and the former is more preferred by patients. However, the viability of a dental filling to treat a decayed tooth depends on the severity of the infection. If the infection has seeped into the tooth’s pulp, then root canal therapy becomes unavoidable. 

On the contrary, fillings can be used instead of a root canal if the tooth has a smaller cavity or a minor decay, which has not yet reached the pulp. Likewise, it is imperative to remember that the objective of root canal therapy is to prevent further damage to tissues. In contrast, a dental filling primarily aims to restore the function and appearance of the tooth. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!