TOOTHACHE

This is the commonest reason patients visit the dental clinic however majority of them do not present until they have suffered repeated episodes of pain which  is so severe as to disturb sleep, then some of them remember that there are professionals called dentists.

Most of the time the cause of the toothache  which is usually dental caries ‘HOLE IN THE TOOTH’ would have progressed to the stage of utmost destruction of the tooth necessitating extraction of the tooth hence the nickname of the dentists by patients ‘YOYINYOYIN’ meaning tooth extractor.

Please be informed that tooth extraction is not the only treatment for toothache, neither is that the only treatment performed by dentists. It is only a tooth/teeth that cannot be restored back to function due to certain factors that are extracted to prevent further damage to the jaws and general health.

An unrestorable tooth is usually caused by prolong delay in presentation of your case at the dental clinic. The degree of tooth destruction by microorganisms which is a continuous process unless arrested is a major determinant of the treatment option,which is modified by patients financial status ,health condition and patient's choice.

Bear in mind that toothache when it starts as a result of dental caries does not usually stop on its own unless patient/dentist intervenes.

Patients intervention methods include

Adequate and appropriate toothbrushing
Use of fluoride containing toothpaste
Regular flossing to clean inbetween the teeth
Diet modification which involves avoidance of refined carbohydrate food in between meals
Consult your dentist when pain persists

Dentist intervention
This is dependent on the stage at presentation.The earlier the patient present the better for the patient because the disease will be diagnosed at a stage where little or no therapy is required.
The treatment options ranges from reassurance,to fluoride therapy,dentine dissensitization, ,amalgam filling,root canal therpy with or without advance restorative care,tooth extraction with or without incision and drainage and hospital admission for to monitor patient's health.Note that at advanced stage all the above will not help the patient because death can occur from Ludwigs angina,a dental emergency resulting from toothache.

For more information on your oral health ,stay glued to this blog and send your complaints through the comment box.
Always remember that good oral health is important for a good general health.