Cracked teeth

A good one third of the population has a problem with clenching and grinding of their teeth.

Human teeth are subjected to enormous forces in the mouth and as a result cracking teeth is unavoidable, especially as we age. Cracked teeth are painful and can occasionally cause loss of the tooth.

To understand the various types of cracks and appreciate the variations in treatment options, a basic understanding of the tooth anatomy will be helpful

Cracks in enamel only are generally asymptomatic and require no real treatment. Almost all adults have cracks in the enamel of teeth. These are caused by eating hard foods, biting accidents, contact sports and aging. Some preventative measures include softening hard foods before biting into them and avoiding hard and brittle foods like peanut brittle, corn nuts and chewing ice.

Cracks in dentin cause sharp pain when biting especially when there is contact on the cracked portion of tooth. Contact with sweets also causes lingering pain. Cracks in dentin above the gum line are easily corrected by removing the cracked portion of tooth and placing a crown covering the tooth including the cracked defect.

Cracks in dentin extending below the gum line require a surgical modification of the surrounding bone away from the fracture line and a subsequent placement of crown. This combination of treatment can become questionable if crack extends deep down into the root surface, especially when exact extent of crack cannot be determined. Tooth removal and replacement with implant or bridge can be an alternative.

Cracks into pulp can be very painful and usually need immediate attention. Conservative treatment options are of limited value and generally involve removal of tooth and replacement with a bridge, implant or removable prosthesis. Sometimes, a root canal therapy is performed and root temporarily restored and observed for several weeks and if asymptomatic, restored with a more permanent crown. If pain persists, an extraction becomes necessary.

Only superficial cracks can be left with no treatment. Most cracked teeth require treatment as soon as pain is experienced. Early treatment can mean less invasive and less expensive treatment. 

If you are concerned about a fracturing or a cracked tooth, feel free to call our office for a no obligation 10 minute consultation. Call 909 627 6699 or visit www.smileartistrychino.com

Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
• Occlusal adjustment: improper bite or bite prematurities from night grinding need to be corrected.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain.  Selection of an appropriate tooth brush and toothpaste  reduce the abrasion (wear) which in turn reduces senstitivity.

For a complimentary consultation, call 909 627 6699 or visit mydentistchino.com

Body Art

Oral Piercings

Body piercing is a popular form of self-expression. Oral piercings or tongue splitting can be dangerous to overall health. That’s because mouth contains millions of bacteria and infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings. For instance, mouth and tongue could swell so much that it closes off  airway or  choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in the mouth. In some cases, a tooth could fracture when accidentally biting  hard on the piercing, and repeated clicking of the jewelry against teeth can also cause damage. Oral piercing could also lead to more serious infections, like hepatitis or endocarditis.

Piercing of the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat,)  can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing. It may also cause:

• Infection, pain and swelling.  mouth is a moist environment, home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria, and an ideal place for infection. An infection can quickly become life threatening if not treated promptly. It’s also possible for a piercing to cause tongue to swell, potentially blocking your airway.
• Damage to gums, teeth and fillings. A common habit of biting or playing with the piercing can injure gums and lead to cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth. Piercings can also damage fillings.I have painfully restored multiple good healthy teeth with crowns that have fractured because of a tongue ring says Dr Cherukuri
• Hypersensitivity to metals. Allergic reactions at the pierced site is also possible.
• Nerve damage. After a piercing, experiencing a numb tongue  is caused by nerve damage that is usually temporary, but can sometimes be permanent. The injured nerve may affect the sense of taste and movement  of the tongue. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.
• Excessive drooling. Your tongue piercing can increase saliva production.
• Dental appointment difficulties. The jewelry can get in the way of dental care by blocking X-rays.

If you already have piercings:

• Contact your dentist or physician immediately if you have any signs of infection—swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red-streaked appearance around the site of the piercing.
• Keep the piercing site clean and free of any matter that may collect on the jewelry by using a mouth rinse after every meal.
• Try to avoid clicking the jewelry against teeth and avoid stress on the piercing. Be gentle and aware of the jewelry’s movement when talking and chewing.
• Check the tightness of your jewelry periodically (with clean hands). This can help prevent you from swallowing or choking if the jewelry becomes dislodged.
• When taking part in sports, remove the jewelry and protect your mouth with a mouthguard.
• See your dentist regularly, and remember to brush twice a day and floss daily.