Toothaches are a common dental problem in Aliso Viejo. They occur due to several reasons. Toothaches are usually associated with cavities or tooth decay. However, they can also be caused by other factors. Toothaches can be mild or severe, depending on their cause. Severe toothaches should be treated right away.
There are many causes of toothaches. Some of the most common include:
- Cavities – When a tooth has a cavity, the decay has eaten away at the enamel and dentin (the hard outer layers of teeth). This means that the inner parts of the teeth (the pulp and nerves) can become irritated. When the nerves become inflamed or infected, it causes pain. If a cavity is caught early, it can be treated with a simple filling. However, if the decay is not treated, it will continue to spread, leading to an abscessed tooth and an extraction.
- Cracked Teeth – Cracks can occur when a tooth suffers trauma, like getting hit in the mouth with a ball or being in a car accident. The crack can progress over time, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp and cause an infection. Additionally, when chewing, hot or cold foods or drinks can cause discomfort to a cracked tooth because the crack allows the hot and cold to irritate the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. If left untreated, a crack can lead to infection or extraction.
- Gum Disease – When a patient suffers from gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria can collect. The bacteria release toxins that cause gum inflammation. This inflammation leads to swelling around the root of the tooth and even bone loss around the roots of the teeth. As the disease progresses, patients can experience sensitivity to hot and cold, bad breath, and bleeding of the gums. If the disease isn’t controlled with deep cleanings and at-home oral hygiene practices, it can lead to tooth loss.
- Orthodontic Issues – Some patients deal with pain and discomfort after orthodontic work is completed.
If your toothache is severe or it lasts more than a couple of days, contact your dentist in Aliso Viejo immediately. An abscessed tooth should be evaluated as soon as possible. While an abscess may be painful, it’s a minor issue compared to the infection spreading to other parts of the body.
Gum Disease In Aliso Viejo
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues. It is a common infection of the mouth caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.
How is gum disease treated in Aliso Viejo?
If your dentist in Aliso Viejo identifies gingivitis early, treatment may include a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus. You may also be prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash to use at home to keep bacteria under control and prevent recurrences.
If the infection is more advanced, it’s necessary to remove the bacteria and diseased tissue from the roots of the teeth. This is usually accomplished with root planing and scaling, which removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. It’s often followed by antibiotics or antimicrobials to reduce oral bacteria and suppress inflammation. In cases of severe periodontitis, more complex surgical procedures such as flap surgery may be necessary. This involves lifting back the gums to clean below the surface of the teeth. Gum grafting is often performed afterward to restore the gum line to its original height.
Once periodontal treatment by the dentist in Aliso Viejo is complete, it’s essential to keep up your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene habits and making regular dental checkups. Maintaining a healthy mouth can help to prevent future problems and protect the health of your gums.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to take good care of your teeth at home by brushing and flossing daily, as well as visiting your dentist in Aliso Viejo every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup. By keeping your oral health in check, you can avoid plaque and tartar accumulation that leads to gum disease.
It’s never too late to start taking better care of your teeth and prevent future problems! If you’ve already been diagnosed with gum disease, it can be treated through deep cleanings and checkups with your Aliso Viejo dentist.
Tooth loss
Tooth loss is a very real problem for many Americans. In fact, missing teeth are as common as they are inconvenient. Fortunately, Dr. Lee at Dr. Gannon Lee DDS offers dental implants in Aliso Viejo that can replace missing teeth and improve the quality of life for our patients. Dental implants fill in gaps in your smile, giving you a more attractive and youthful appearance. Besides, unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent and become a part of your dental structure. That makes them a better long-term solution.
Dental implants at Dr. Gannon Lee DDS, Aliso Viejo
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth that look and feel natural. They are replacement tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as an anchor for replacement teeth.
Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. The implants are stable and permanent, looking and feeling like natural teeth. Dental implants support dental restorations with a secure fit and a natural appearance. They are very strong and durable and will last many years, even a lifetime.
Dental implants can be helpful for individuals who want a permanent restoration of their missing teeth. Unlike a dental bridge, a dental implant is a permanent fixture in the mouth. While the bridge may need to be adjusted or replaced over the years, the dental implant remains in place.
Reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee. Please call us at (949) 380-0315 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
