1836 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001

Our Blog:

Archive:

Tags

My Blog

Posts for tag: tooth pain

By Bohle Family Dentistry
January 06, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth pain  
BeforeweExtractThatProblemToothLetsConsiderSavingit

Even though an implant is now as close to life-like as modern dentistry can produce, it won’t surpass the function of your own natural tooth. That’s not to say implants are an inferior choice—in fact, it’s often the best one if a tooth is beyond reasonable repair. But first, let’s consider saving your existing tooth.

We first need to know why your tooth is diseased—more than likely either from tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Although different, these infections both begin with bacteria and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

While your mouth is teeming with millions of harmless bacteria, a few strains that live in dental plaque (a thin biofilm on your teeth) can cause disease. As they proliferate—feeding mostly on leftover sugar—they produce acid, which can erode the protective enamel on teeth. This can create cavities, which must be cleared of decayed material and filled.

Sometimes, though, the decay spreads deep within the pulp and through the root canals putting the tooth in danger. We may be able to save it, though, with a root canal treatment. In this common procedure we access the pulp chamber and clean out all the diseased or dead tissue. We then fill the empty chamber and root canals with a gutta percha filling and then seal the tooth. We later cap the tooth with a crown to further protect it.

Dental plaque can also give rise to a gum infection that triggers chronic inflammation. The inflammation can cause the gums to weaken and detach from the teeth to form large, infection-filled voids called periodontal pockets. This could lead to bone deterioration, further loosening the tooth’s hold.

But we can effectively treat gum disease by removing the plaque, which is fueling the infection. We normally do this with special hand instruments, but may also need to use surgical measures for more advanced cases. After plaque removal the inflammation subsides, giving the tissues a chance to heal and strengthen. We may also need to provide further assistance to these tissues to regenerate through gum or bone grafting.

These efforts can be quite involved, but if successful they could give your tooth another lease on life. And that could be a much better outcome for your dental health.

If you would like more information on the best treatment choices for your dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Save a Tooth or Get an Implant?”

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Bohle Family Dentistry
November 29, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth pain   root canal  
TheremaybemoretothatToothachethatSuddenlyStopsAching

If a pain you’ve been feeling goes away, you might believe the problem that caused it is gone too. But that doesn’t mean it has, especially with a tooth. An excruciating toothache that suddenly stops should still be examined. Here’s why.

Tooth decay often works its way into a tooth’s innermost layer, the pulp, which contains bundles of nerves and other tissue. The infection attacks the nerves, which send pain signals to the brain. As the infection persists, though, the nerves will eventually die and will no longer be capable of sending pain signals — hence the “mysterious” end of your toothache.

Although the pain has stopped, the infection is very much active in the tooth and will continue to work its way through the root canals to the jaw. And ultimately, the pain will return as the infection invades the bone.

But there’s good news: a tooth in this condition can be saved with a procedure known as root canal therapy. We drill a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp, usually through the biting surface of back teeth or in the rear in front teeth. Once inside the pulp chamber, we clean out the infected and dead tissue. We then fill the empty pulp chamber and the root canals with a special filling and seal the access hole. In a few weeks the tooth receives a life-like crown to further protect it from re-infection and fracture years later.

A straightforward root canal treatment can be performed by a general dentist. If there are complications like a complex root canal network, however, then the skills and specialized equipment of an endodontist (a specialist in root canals) may be needed.

A root canal treatment resolves the real cause of a toothache that suddenly stopped, as well as puts an end to future pain and infection related to the tooth. More importantly, it can save your tooth and add many more years to its life.

If you would like more information on tooth pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “A Severe Toothache.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Bohle Family Dentistry
September 07, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
CharlizeTheronBackinActionAfterDentalSurgery

When they’re introducing a new movie, actors often take a moment to pay tribute to the people who helped make it happen — like, you know, their dentists. At least that’s what Charlize Theron did at the premiere of her new spy thriller, Atomic Blonde.

"I just want to take a quick moment to thank my dentists," she told a Los Angeles audience as they waited for the film to roll. "I don’t even know if they’re here, but I just want to say thank you."

Why did the starring actress/producer give a shout-out to her dental team? It seems she trained and fought so hard in the action sequences that she actually cracked two teeth!

“I had severe tooth pain, which I never had in my entire life,” Theron told an interviewer from Variety. At first, she thought it was a cavity — but later, she found out it was more serious: One tooth needed a root canal, and the other had to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant — but first, a bone grafting procedure was needed. “I had to put a donor bone in [the jaw] to heal,” she noted, “and then I had another surgery to put a metal screw in there.”

Although it might sound like the kind of treatment only an action hero would need, bone grafting is now a routine part of many dental implant procedures. The reason is that without a sufficient volume of good-quality bone, implant placement is difficult or impossible. That’s because the screw-like implant must be firmly joined with the jawbone, so it can support the replacement tooth.

Fortunately, dentists have a way to help your body build new bone: A relatively small amount of bone material can be placed in the missing tooth’s socket in a procedure called bone grafting. This may come from your own body or, more likely, it may be processed bone material from a laboratory. The donor material can be from a human, animal or synthetic source, but because of stringent processing techniques, the material is safe for human use. Once it is put in place your body takes over, using the grafted material as a scaffold on which to build new bone cells. If jawbone volume is insufficient for implants, it can often be restored to a viable point in a few months.

Better yet, when grafting material is placed in the tooth socket immediately after extraction, it can keep most of the bone loss from occurring in the first place, enabling an implant to be placed as soon as possible — even before the end of a movie’s shooting schedule.

Will Atomic Blonde prove to be an action-movie classic? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: When Charlize Theron walks down the red carpet, she won’t have to worry about a gap in her smile.

If you have questions about bone grafting or dental implants, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implant Surgery” and “Immediate Dental Implant.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Dr. Charles Bohle and Bohle Family Dentistry
April 21, 2016
Category: Cosmetic Dentistry
Tags: tooth pain   dentist  

What to do When You Have a ToothacheWhat to do when you have a toothache.

Oh no, you have a toothache,  What do you do know?  Here are some tips for trying to control that pain if you get that screaming toothache.

  • Painkillers can help-It doesn't have to be a full strenght prescription medication.  Several over the counter meds can help.  Products like Advil and Aleve are very effective anti-inflammatories.  Try taking 600-800mg of Advil or 2 Aleve.  These doses are only for short term use.  Also  acetamenophen (Tylenol) is a good product.
  • Apply a cold Compress-Make a home made icepack and apply to your face.  Make sure not to get frost bite on your skin.  Never use a hot pack as it can cause the infection to spread.
  • Apply a Numbing Gel-There are several over the counter products that work here.  Oragel is a favorite.
  • Make a Record of your pain-write down when it hurts, how long it hurts and what makes it hurt.  This will be valuable informatin once you see a dentist.

Just a tip, you won't find those cocaine toothache drops at your local store.  Those are long gone.

Click to learn more about the Services or to get an Appointment at Bohle Family Dentistry.

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Dr. Charles Bohle & Bohle Family Dentistry
March 10, 2016
Category: Oral Health

Don't Cause A Tooth Problem!everyday day things that can cause a tooth problem

There are lots of things you need to do everyday  in order to keep your mouth healthy.  By doing that you prevent a tooth problem.  But can you overdo things trying to be healthy and cause that tooth problem. Or do you have an unhealthy habit?  Let's take a look at some common at home dental care issues.

Do you use too much mouthwash?  Who doesn't want fresh breath?  But if you are taking a  mouthfull of mouthwash multiple times a day it could cause a dental problem.  Many products are high in alcohol and have a certain acid content.  Limit yourself to once or twice a day.

Do you eat too many acidic foods?  Certain juices, vegatables and fruits are acid rich.  Some of those include citrus fruits and tomatoes.  They can leave an acid coating on your teeth.  They may be health foods but in large amounts can hurt your teeth.  Cut that acid with some milk or a piece of cheese.  That can protect your enamel.                                                         .

Do you use tooth whiteners?  Heavy use of tooth whiteners either professional or OTC can cause some temporary tooth sensitivity.  If this is true for you then take a break from the whitener and let your teeth recover for a day or two.  The sensitivity should go away.

Do you brush your teeth too hard?  We see this problem regularly.  People either brush too hard or don't use a soft bristle brush.  This wears through the outer layer of the tooth usually causing temperature sensitivity.  Like we say, dont hurry, don't rush, do it right, when you brush.

Do you chew on ice or hard candy?  Chewing on hard objects can seriously damage your teeth.  Repeated abuse can cause tooth cracks and fracture, even tooth loss.  Don't be abusive to your teeth.

Do you grind or clinch your teeth?  Your tooth enamel is exceeding strong but you can overcome it by constantly grinding or clinching your teeth.  Get a mouth guard of some type to prevent the serious wear and tear.

Be good to your mouth.  Eat healthy foods, brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.  Your teeth will certainly appreciate it.

Click here for the Services offered at Bohle Family Dentistry.  You can call 270-442-0256 or click for an Appointment.  #paducahkydentist

0 Comment(s) Permalink