Portrait of unhappy mature man suffering from toothache

Is Minor Tooth Pain Normal?

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By definition, tooth pain that’s sharp and severe is difficult for anyone to ignore and usually results in either a call to anemergency dentist in Westlake or an impassioned plea to your regular dentist to see you as soon as possible. However, minor tooth pain is a very different story. We’ll look at whether these types of toothaches are normal and what you should do about them.

Types of Tooth Pain 

There are a few different types of tooth pain. In some cases, you might always feel a dull ache, a type of pain you can almost forget is even there. In others, you might have a sharp pain when you crunch down on something hard or eat something that’s too hot or cold. No matter what type of tooth pain you have, the answer is that none of these sensations are normal. If you continue to ignore it, the problem is liable to get worse.

Causes of Tooth Pain in Westlake 

Cavities, infections, teeth grinding, impacted wisdom teeth: there are a variety of reasons that you may feel tooth pain. If you want to solve the mystery, it’s time to see adentist in Westlake, OH. Because issues like fractures and nerve damage can hide on X-rays, it may take some exploration on the part of your dentist to figure out the cause of the pain. From there, they can devise a treatment plan to put your oral health back on the mend.

At the office of Walter R. Below DMD, you’ll meet a staff that will ask the right questions and target the right areas. Contact us today to learn more about our services, and how we can schedule you in for a check-up no matter when tooth pain strikes.

Recognizing and Treating the Symptoms of Gum Disease

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Gum disease is a common problem, affecting approximately half of the adult population in the United States and 70 percent of people over the age of 65. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can range from mild to severe. The good news is that gum disease treatment in Westlake, OH, can reverse mild to moderate cases before more serious oral health problems occur.

Common Gum Disease Symptoms

When your gums are healthy, they are firm to the touch and form a secure seal around your teeth. Gum disease causes multiple symptoms, including those listed below.

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gums appear purple or dark red
  • Gums bleed easily, especially after brushing your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • New spaces or gaps between teeth
  • Pain when chewing food
  • Pimples or pus on your gum line
  • Recession of gums, which means the tissue pulls away from the teeth
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Teeth do not fit together properly

Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria in your mouth create plaque and tartar on your teeth and can travel down into your gums between teeth, causing inflammation. Smoking, having diabetes, taking oral contraceptives, genetics, and certain chronic diseases can also increase the risk of developing gum disease.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

At Walter R. Below DMD, Inc., gum disease treatment in Westlake, OH, typically consists of scaling, root planing, or both. Scaling involves Dr. Below using a handheld dental instrument to scrape bacteria from the roots of your teeth, just below the surface of your gum line. If you have root planing performed, he smoothens the surface of your teeth to prevent a buildup of bacteria.

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting our dental practice bi-annually are the best ways to keep gum disease at bay.

Root Planing Explained  

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As dental professionals strive to provide effective treatments for gum disease, root planing has become a popular non-surgical procedure to prevent and address periodontal issues. If you’re curious about the process of root planing in Westlake, OH, here is root planing explained.

Consultation and Evaluation

Before beginning root planing, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if the treatment is suitable for you. This evaluation may involve a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, dental X-rays, and a discussion of your medical history and any medications you’re taking.

Local Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. This will help minimize any discomfort you may experience during the root planing process.

Scaling

The first step of root planing involves scaling, a process that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth’s surfaces and below the guml ine. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers or hand scalers, to clean your teeth thoroughly.

Root Planing

After scaling, your dental professional will proceed with the actual root planing. This involves smoothing the rough surfaces of your tooth roots, making it more challenging for bacteria to adhere and accumulate. By eliminating these rough spots, your gums can heal and reattach to the teeth more effectively.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the root planing process, your dentist will provide you with instructions for proper follow up oral care at home. This may include using a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing regularly, and using a medicated mouthwash to prevent infection and promote healing.

Root planing is a proven and effective method for preventing and treating gum disease and promoting healthier teeth and gums. If you have any questions about root planing or other dental treatments please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Contact us today to book your next Westlake, OH dentist appointment.

 

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Stop Being Afraid of the Dentist! Tips on Friendly Dental Visits  

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At Walter R. Below DMD, we make going to the dentist fun and friendly, even for children. As a full-service family dentistry practice or orthodontics, our Westlake, Ohio, dentist’s office has services for check-ups, emergency dental, gum disease treatment, and cosmetic dentistry. Discover why going to the dentist is exciting and nothing to fear–even if you go for the first time in your 90s.

Compassionate Dental Teams

Our healthcare professionals are in the dental industry to make people feel better about dental health. That is their daily mission. By being compassionate, dental associates ensure patients feel more confident about their oral health and well-being.

Dentists are Professionals

Dentists are also professionals dedicated to helping patients. Dentists can lose their licenses if they are not treating patients properly and carefully. That is why we have a team of professional dental associates working in our office to cover all of our patient’s needs to the best of our abilities.

Twice Annual Cleanings

Deep cleaning of your teeth and gums each year will reduce gum diseases, infections, cavities, and tartar. The cleaning process also involves an inspection by a dental team.

Our OH dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, or positioning concerns. Also, twice-annual teeth cleanings help patients minimize the fear and anxiety of visiting the dentist in an emergency.

Reduce Tooth and Gum Diseases

Unhealthy oral hygiene can lead to tooth and gum diseases, as well as health conditions and illnesses that can be deadly. These medical concerns include blood poisoning leading to sepsis, which is fatal. Protect your health by visiting our Westlake dentist for friendly dental visits.

Make a Dental Appointment for a Westlake, OH Dentist Today

Please schedule an appointment with Walter R. Below DMD by calling 440-871-1155 to speak with one of our dental associates. We look forward to assisting you in choosing the right dental services for you and your family.