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TEETH STAINING

Staining of teeth refers to discoloration of teeth due to either intrinsic or extrinsic causes.  CAUSES Intrinsic Pulp hemorrhage Pulp necrosis Metastatic calcifications Iron overload Chromogenic Bacterial overload Antibiotics  Extrinsic Diet (wine,tea,coffee) Amalgam fillings Caries Tobacco products CLINICAL FACT   Once, a patient came to the clinic with a very characteristic appearance of stained teeth. There was a continuous black line along the scalloped gingival margins of the teeth which would recur after every 3-4 months of scaling. He also told that his child was facing the same problem. Later, we found out that they both were sharing the cutlery with which they were consuming food. We asked him to get a blood test done to see his iron levels which came out to be normal and then it was found that the chromogenic bacterial overload was high and that he was transferring the same to his son. Hence, he was advised to get his scaling procedures done every 4 months...
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TOOTH JEWELLERY- Add a Diamond to your Smile!!!

 Tooth jewellery is the latest trend to add sparkle to your dazzling pearly teeth. A new craze that is sweeping across the world to be really unique and fashionable. Tooth jewellery is of following types -                ↙                            ↘ Twinkles                                  Tooth Gems - Collection of white                - Glass crystal fixed to teeth and yellow gold jewellery  including diamond Diamonds ( various colors and sizes) Stones Rings Crystals PROCEDURE  Tooth is cleaned with a fluoride free polishing paste and is dried. Increase the surface area of bonding by etching the tooth surface for 20-30 sec. Light cure bonding agent is applied and small amount of flow composite is applied on the surface Using a jewel han...

ENDODONTIC FLARE UPS !!!

An endodontic flare up is an acute exacerbation of an asymptomatic pulp or periapical pathosis after the initiation or continuation of root canal treatment. The reported incidence of inter appointment flare ups ranges from 1.4-19%. PREDISPOSING FACTORS- 1. Shaping errors Over Instrumentation during root canal procedure Under instrumentation- This may provide pulpal remnants for the persistence of microorganisms. Improper shaping protocol 2. Cleaning errors Irrigant extrusion beyond the periapex ( sodium hypochlorite accident) 3. Pulpo Periapical status Teeth with vital pulps result in fewer flare ups compared with the ones having necrotic pulps. 4.Retreatment cases These cases have a significantly higher chance as there is greater chance of pushing the necrotic debris apically during the treatment.  Microbiota associated with these cases are usually therapy resistant. 5. Anxiety 6. Preoperative history of pain MECHANISM OF FLARE UP Microbial infection and periapical inflammation ...

PHOENIX ABSCESS

This condition is an inflammatory reaction superimposed on an existing asymptomatic apical periodontitis. CAUSES Noxious stimuli from a diseased pulp can cause acute inflammatory response. Irritation during root canal instrumentation may trigger this reaction. Influx of toxins from root canal. SYMPTOMS Tender on palpation. Tooth gets elevated from its socket and becomes sensitive. Red and swollen mucosa over the radicular area. DIAGNOSIS Radiograph shows a well defined periradicular lesion. Patient may give a history of trauma or postoperative pain that might have subsided by then. Lack of response to vitality tests indicates a necrotic pulp. HISTOPATHOLOGY Areas of liquefaction with disintegrating PMN's Presence of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells around the cellular debris. TREATMENT Incision and drainage Antibiotics Needle aspiration  Trephination and decompression PROGNOSIS The prognosis of the tooth is good once the symptoms have subsided.

ROOT FRACTURES

Root fracture of the tooth is a dentine, cementum fracture involving the pulp. Traumatic tooth fracture occurs most often in middle third of roots of fully erupted teeth. However, RC treated teeth are more susceptible to root fractures as it involves removing the pulp thus weakening the tooth. VERTICAL ROOT FRACTURE These are longitudinally oriented fractures which run along the long axis of the tooth. When unrecognised can lead to inappropriate root therapy. Diagnosis is tricky as signs and symptoms are usually delayed and no single feature is indicative of the fracture. Predisposing factors- Roots narrower in mesiodistal dimension are more prone to fractures. Dentin of pulpless teeth is stiffer and is at a risk of root fracture. Sudden increased biting force on a particular tooth. Signs and Symptoms- discomfort/soreness Can be associated with infection Mild to severe intensity of pain Frequent dislodgment of an apparently well fitting post. Management HORIZONTAL ROOT FRACTURE When th...

TIPS FOR GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

Oral hygiene is a preventive care. This means you can stop oral health problems before they start up by taking good care of your oral cavity. Oral health is also linked to your overall general body well being. VISIT TO THE DENTIST First and foremost, regular visits to your dentist is a must. Timely visit, every 6-8 months will help in early diagnosing and early treatment of the disease if any. Scaling ( cleaning and polishing of teeth professionally ) is important in every 6 months. Patients with a family history of caries or who are at high risk should visit the dentist more often and get their teeth protected. As far as the kids are concern, first dental visit should be made as soon as the first tooth erupts in the oral cavity i.e, approx 6 months of age. TOOTHPASTE AND TOOTHBRUSH Brushing twice daily is a must with fluoridated non abrasive toothpaste. You should use a soft bristle nylon brush. Before going to bed whether an adult or a child the last thing that should be done is brus...

CRACKED TOOTH SYNDROME

  Tooth fractures usually occurs due to traumatic injuries to the teeth. Cracked tooth syndrome also known as CRACKED CUSP SYNDROME or SPLIT TOOTH is a condition where a tooth is incompletely fractured or cracked but no part is broken off. It involves enamel, dentin and pulp but the pulp is still vital. Such cracks are difficult to be seen on xray as these are under the gums. This syndrome mostly affects the lower back teeth as they bear the maximum chewing forces. CAUSES OF CRACKED TOOTH SYNDROME Chewing something really hard which puts a lot of pressure on the tooth and it cracks down. Directly opening cans and bottles from teeth. Its a big NO NO to open bottles from your teeth. Parafunctional habits like clenching and grinding of teeth makes people more susceptible to this. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatments or teeth with high points on restoration, improper crown placed are also at a larger risk. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Excruciating pain at initiation or release of bi...