Detection of root caries
Diagnostics is carried out according to a standard scheme, which is used when examining dental patients. This may include:
- collection of complaints, as well as information about life, concomitant diseases (history);
- examination and examination of the oral cavity using a dental mirror and probe;
- primary visual assessment of the condition of the periodontium and visible root surfaces;
- X-ray examination with obtaining an intraoral targeted image, which provides information about the location, size and depth of the carious lesion.
When examining the oral cavity, the doctor evaluates the color of the tooth and the condition of the edges of the carious cavity. Probing makes it possible to assess the structure and density of root tissues and establishes the presence of painful areas. In the process of diagnosing root caries, special tests can also be used. They help determine the condition of the hard tissues of the tooth and periodontium, the oral hygiene index, and the status of the oral fluid.
Features of root caries
The clinical features of this type of caries include the spread of the pathological process mainly along the superficial part of the root. The carious cavity remains shallow for a long time. But at the same time, complications such as pulpitis and apical periodontitis often develop. This is due to the small distance from the root surface to the pulp.
Cyst on the root of a tooth - treatment
A cyst is a local neoplasm of dense consistency, on the root of a tooth, ranging in size from 2 mm to 2 cm. If left untreated, it progresses and increases in size. The formation of a cyst is the body’s response to the inflammatory process occurring at the root. In practice, there are two reasons leading to this disease:
1. Progressive infection.
2. Mechanical damage to the tooth.
Most often, this situation occurs when timely medical assistance in the treatment of caries is not provided. Unqualified filling of dental canals, malformations, trauma and infections of the nasopharynx are factors contributing to the development of infection in the oral cavity. In rare cases, a cyst occurs with progressive sinusitis, when microbes are transferred by the bloodstream to the apex of the tooth root.
A dental cyst is dangerous because it develops without symptoms for a long time. In some cases, minor pain occurs when biting on a sore tooth, or pressure on the gum at the site of swelling. X-rays help identify the disease. In acute cases, increased sensitivity to sudden temperature changes, mechanical and chemical influences appears.
Dr. Sadov's Center for Comfortable Dentistry performs tooth root treatment using the most modern equipment. Implantologist, surgeon and orthopedist, endodontist, who have completed internships in leading clinics in Europe and America, provide high-quality and painless treatment of this pathology.
The primary task in treatment is to remove the pus and save the tooth. Highly professional doctors of our clinic, using high-quality anesthesia, will remove damaged tissue, and if necessary, it is possible to remove damaged dental pulp. If the cause of the infection is improper filling, then the doctor removes the filling, washes all existing canals with antiseptics and expands them. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drugs must be prescribed.
Three days later, when you visit the doctor again, the area is re-treated with antiseptics and closed with a temporary filling. At the next visit to the dentist, if there is no purulent discharge, a permanent filling is installed. If the inflammatory process continues, then surgical intervention is necessary. The final x-ray examination, carried out using high-precision equipment, confirms the quality of treatment carried out at Dr. Sadov’s Center for Comfortable Dentistry.
Treatment at home
In case of inflammation of tooth roots, home remedies or your own efforts are not enough. Since the process occurs hidden, only a doctor can determine the intensity of the lesion and later select treatment tactics. Self-administration of any antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even more so the use of traditional therapy is strictly prohibited. Ignoring the problem and trying to treat root inflammation at home can lead to the formation of a purulent cyst, its further rupture and, as a result, sepsis.
It is worth considering that the roots of the teeth are located as close as possible to the brain. Therefore, any infection, pus, or serous contents that enter the bloodstream here quickly reach the brain vessels. No folk remedies (compresses, rinses) used at home will help here.
The only acceptable drug for home use is a local analgesic. To eliminate pain, you can take medications such as Ketanov, Ketalong, Analgin. After this, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Periodontitis of the tooth root
Periodontitis, in some cases, occurs as a complication of pulpitis. The tissue surrounding the root of the tooth, which holds it in the alveolus, is called periodontium. Accordingly, periodontitis is its inflammation; depending on the location, periodontitis is divided into:
1. Apical.
2. Marginal.
With the apical type, damage to the periodontal area located directly near the very apex of the tooth root is observed.
Marginal type - the inflammatory process originates at the edge of the gum. If medical care is not provided, the chronic disease progresses; over time, the bone tissue located in close proximity to the apex of the tooth root dissolves. The resulting cavity is filled with granulations, which lead to blockage of blood vessels. Lack of treatment provokes the formation of a fistula, or a growing granuloma that forms a cyst.
This is a disease of infectious origin when bacteria or fungi penetrate through a damaged surface to the root of the tooth. It should be noted that treatment of tooth root inflammation is a long process. The cause of the disease in some cases is:
1. Deep caries.
2. Pulpitis.
Chronic infection in the oral cavity leads to damage to the internal organs of a person, where the leading place is occupied by endocarditis, an infectious and inflammatory disease of the heart muscle.
Symptoms observed with periodontitis of the tooth root:
1. The patient feels that the diseased tooth is longer than the others.
2. Aching toothache. Increased pain with pressure.
3. Purulent periodontitis is characterized by throbbing pain, sometimes radiating to the ear, under the tongue or temple.
The chronic form is practically asymptomatic, sometimes unpleasant sensations appear when pressing on the diseased tooth. But a damaged tooth always has a grayish tint; in advanced cases, a fistula forms through which pus flows into the oral cavity.
Treatment of ongoing inflammation of the tooth root involves treatment of the root canals, with mandatory physiotherapy, which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. During this period, it is necessary to direct efforts to prevent the spread of infection into nearby cavities.
Dentistry AcademyDent, having the most innovative technologies, provides high-quality medical services until the oral cavity is completely healthy in the most advanced cases. A personalized course of treatment, based on the use of innovative technologies and high-quality materials, allows patients to get rid of progressive oral diseases and gain freedom in communication, thanks to a “Hollywood” smile.
Filling methods
Until recently, the procedure was carried out using pastes, which are inexpensive and do not require complex technologies. Now professional dentists have abandoned them due to insufficient fluidity, which leads to the formation of cavities. Voids lead to depressurization and relapse of inflammation.
At the moment, doctors choose progressive methods:
- Thermophile system. The filling is performed with hot gutta-percha, which hardens as it cools. It is characterized by high plasticity. There is no pain after treatment. The risk of complications is minimal;
- depophoresis. It is used for filling difficult, curved canals, as well as for restoring elements from which it is difficult to remove old fillings and where fragments of ostomy instruments remain in the cavities. Efficiency - no less than 95%;
- E&Q Plus. The latest generation method, which provides various methods of filling the roots of one tooth. The injection gun heats the gutta-percha directly inside the cavity. The doctor can control the temperature of the material using the information display.
Another common method is filling the canals with cold gutta-percha, which is used in several ways:
- lateral condensation;
- softening due to chemical action;
- with one pin. To give the shape, a pin is installed in the canal. Sealing is ensured through the use of paste.
There are other technologies that are selected depending on the location of the channels, the condition of the tissues and the experience of the doctor.
Tooth root caries
Tooth root caries is less common, periodontitis or cysts. This disease occurs as a complication of cervical or root caries. Damages the root structure, which is located under the gum tissue itself. This pathology is almost impossible to detect during a visual dental examination.
To make a timely, accurate diagnosis, Dr. Sadov’s Center for Comfortable Dentistry has installed a universal X-ray system with the highest accuracy of the images taken - ORTHOPHOS XG 5, which has the ability to take panoramic X-rays. With a special gentle regime for children.
With the active proliferation of pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity, bone tissue rapidly loses: potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The result is a thinning of the cementum layer - the tissue covering the root and neck of the tooth and holding the tooth in its alveolar space. One of the main causes of dental caries is insufficiently performed hygienic procedures for oral care.
At AcademyDent you can undergo professional teeth cleaning. Hygienic teeth cleaning, carried out in our clinic by a highly professional dentist - orthodontist, in rare cases causes minor discomfort. But the procedure performed using ultra-modern equipment will qualitatively relieve you of: tartar, remove plaque from the dental surface, perfectly polish the enamel or perform fluoridation. These activities will help avoid diseases such as caries. Its danger lies in the fact that, as it progresses over a number of years, it does not cause pain and only a highly qualified doctor can recognize it in the early stages and prevent tooth loss.
The resulting gap between the gum and the neck of the tooth root creates a kind of pocket where food debris accumulates. Such a gum pocket is the cause of the formation of deep root caries.
The second reason for the appearance of this disease is inflammation of the gums and infectious processes occurring in the oral cavity:
1. Periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis.
3. Periostitis
4. Jaw osteomyelitis.
Inflamed periodontal and periodontal tissues often lead to detachment of the cervical part of the tooth from the gums and form a gum pocket. Where pathogenic microflora actively multiplies. In special cases, an ultra-modern method of x-ray examination is used for diagnosis - an orthopantomogram, which is successfully used by highly qualified doctors of our clinic, which allows us to obtain a detailed image of the teeth and bones of the facial part of the skeleton.
Many dental clinics consider damage to the root of a tooth by caries as a direct indication for its removal. But Dr. Sadov’s clinic has extensive experience in treating this pathology. Based on the most advanced technologies using drugs that have proven themselves in the best clinics in the world, the patient’s tooth is preserved and possible complications are effectively prevented.
Dental formula
Human teeth are arranged symmetrically in the form of two dentitions - the upper dentition and the lower dentition. There are eight teeth on each side of the dentition from the median plane.
A person has 4 types of teeth:
Perforation of the tooth root
This disease occurs as a result of cracks or holes, through which the tooth cavity or its root comes into contact with nearby tissues. This occurs as a consequence of unprofessional treatment or incomplete treatment. Tooth tissue affected by caries softens and collapses, followed by perforation (formation of a through hole).
The second reason is mechanical impact. The cause may be a blow and unskilled actions of the dentist when installing the pin associated with excessive use of force. There are often cases when perforation was discovered untimely. For a long period of time, the patient experienced aching pain and an ongoing inflammatory process in the gums surrounding the damaged tooth. Only an x-ray can confirm or refute this diagnosis.
By contacting highly qualified specialists, you can save the tooth and completely restore its function. Dr. Sadov’s Center for Comfortable Dentistry employs highly qualified doctors who have repeatedly successfully corrected the mistakes of their colleagues and restored health to patients. But in the future, the health of the oral cavity depends only on the patient himself, who is obliged to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the oral cavity and follow all the doctor’s instructions.
Disease prevention
Properly treated root caries has a favorable prognosis. But sometimes a secondary carious lesion develops around the filled area. This may be due to the patient’s health status, as well as his failure to comply with oral hygiene rules.
To prevent caries damage to filled and intact (healthy) teeth, it is necessary:
- Treat gum recession promptly.
- Regularly undergo professional hygiene procedures at the dentist.
- If you find exposed root surfaces, immediately make an appointment with a specialist.
- For daily brushing of teeth, use toothpastes recommended by your dentist.
- Use dental floss, brushes and irrigators for high-quality cleaning of interdental spaces.
- Rinse your mouth with special products or warm water after each meal.
- Increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products in the diet, and reduce the proportion of sweets and flour products in it.
- Eliminate smoking and reduce alcohol consumption as much as possible.
Your doctor will tell you about additional preventive measures after examining and assessing the condition of your oral cavity.
Root resorption - treatment
Resorption is a resorption process that occurs with the roots of teeth, which is not always a consequence of caries or tooth decay. In practice, two types of resorption have been registered:
1. Internal resorption - the pathological process begins from the inner root surface of the tooth, where it borders the pulp (nerve cavity).
2. External resorption - it begins on the outer surface, in the area of the connection of the tooth root with the jaw, using the ligaments with which the tooth is held in the socket.
Both injuries are devastating and in the vast majority of cases lead to tooth loss. Treatment of this disease at AcademyDent allows you to save the tooth, although this is very difficult and in most cases not possible.
Internal resorption is the result of long-term chronic inflammation in the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, usually asymptomatic. Often the cause is improper installation of a deep filling or mechanical injury.
External resorption progresses asymptomatically. It is characterized by the rapid penetration of connective tissue and blood vessels into the root of the tooth and is localized below the gum line. The first sign is a change in tooth color, which is confirmed by an x-ray. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to take x-rays for people who want to avoid a terrible disease once every three years.
Treatment of internal resorption consists of root canal treatment - endodontic treatment. The pulp from the tooth and all inflammatory agents are removed. In the treatment of external resorption, tissue that has penetrated into the root of the tooth is removed. To prevent possible relapse, restoration material is used on the root surface itself. In particularly advanced cases, tooth extraction is recommended. An endodontist at AcademyDent Dentistry will conduct professional treatment in comfortable conditions and painlessly in order to restore the functional ability of a damaged tooth.
Causes of inflammation
As a rule, inflammation of the root part of the teeth is provoked by two factors - infection and trauma to the jaw and dental units.
In turn, the development of infections leads to:
- Untimely elimination of advanced caries.
- Incorrect treatment of pulpitis.
- A poorly made and then installed crown, under which food debris penetrates. When they decompose, they lead to the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
- Injuries to the gums due to an incorrectly installed crown or prosthesis. More often, these areas are visible as bleeding, scarlet-red, and swollen.
- Frequent diseases of bacterial sore throat.
- Chronic sinusitis, provoking the growth and reproduction of pathogenic flora.
In all of these cases, the root also becomes inflamed, since pathological processes are transferred to it.
As for injuries, as causes of pathology, these are:
- An incorrectly filled tooth, on which the load increases when chewing.
- Fractures that occur after injuries to the jaw, incorrectly installed crowns.
- Increased tooth mobility that occurs due to injuries to the nerves or vessels of the root canal.
- Excessively high crown restored from composite materials.
- The use of “old” antiseptics to treat canals that are inflamed (we are talking about arsenic).
Regardless of the cause of the development of the inflammatory root process, the patient experiences obvious discomfort and constant pain.
Anatomical summary
Each tooth consists of several parts. We see only the enamel, it can be white or yellowish in color and protects the root of the tooth. The roots are located behind the gums, thanks to them the teeth sit firmly in the jaw.
There is also pulp inside the tooth. It is responsible for nourishing the teeth and is penetrated by nerves and tiny vessels. The pulp helps teeth grow, and after the baby teeth fall out and the molars are fully formed, it becomes unnecessary. Once grown, molars can be nourished by the tissue around the root.
If for any reason an infection penetrates inside the tooth and affects the pulp, it becomes inflamed and this is fraught with very unpleasant consequences.
