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Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for a Tooth Abscess

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Some patients who have severe dental anxiety don’t go to the dentist when the first signs of a problem begin, this can eventually result in a tooth abscess.

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. It is sometimes called a dental abscess. There are two types of abscesses, a periapical abscess and a periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root.

But how can you identify the symptoms of an abscess, what causes them and how can they be treated?

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

There are a number of signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess. Some of them include:

  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Severe and persistent tooth pain which can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
  • Hot and cold sensitivity
  • Swelling in your face or cheek
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
  • Discolored or loose tooth
  • If the abscess ruptures you could have a sudden rush of foul-smelling or bad tasting fluid in your mouth
  • Fever
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If you have any signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess, you should contact your dentist immediately. In addition, if you have a fever and swelling in your face but you can’t reach your dentist, you need to go to the emergency room. A tooth abscess left untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.

Causes of a Tooth Abscess

The innermost part of the teeth that contains blood vessel, nerves, and connective tissues is the dental pulp. When bacteria invades this area, a periapical tooth abscess occurs.

Bacteria can enter through a dental cavity or a crack or chip in the tooth. It can then spread all the way down to the root. The infection can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling at the tip of the root.

It is not uncommon for patients with special needs to develop an abscess. This may be due to fact that they can’t care for their teeth properly perhaps because of a physical or mental disability. Other patients have severe dental anxiety and they don’t go to the dentist when the first signs of a problem begins.

Treatment for a Tooth Abscess

Treatment for a tooth abscess focuses on treating the infection and relieving the pain. Your dentist will likely start with taking an X-ray, depending on your symptoms. This will help him see whether or not the infection has spread to other areas.

Some of the possible treatment options include:

  • Draining the abscess – To get rid of the pus, your dentist will make a small incision to drain it. Then, they will clean the area with a saline solution.
  • Root canal – A root canal in when your dentist drills into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp in the area. Then, your dentist will fill and seal the chamber.
  • Tooth extraction – If the tooth is too damaged, your dentist may have to pull the tooth before draining the abscess.
  • Prescription antibiotics – If the abscess has spread beyond the abscessed area, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to help your tooth heal completely.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Why Dental Care is So Important for Seniors

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Elderly ones that are suffering from cognitive health disorders, like dementia, can have difficulty taking care of their teeth.

As we age, some of the good habits we used to have we tend to let fall by the wayside. Good dental health is often one of the personal hygiene steps that gets forgotten. However, dental health is connected to the health of our entire body, so it’s important that our senior loved ones have someone to remind or help them keep their oral health a priority.

Reasons Why Senior Oral Health is Essential

There are a number of common senior dental problems. Oral health is directly linked to the health of the rest of the body and therefore, these issues need to be taken seriously. It is just as important to take care of elderly teeth and gums as digestive or heart health.

Here are some reasons why senior dental care is so important:

  • Diabetes – Elderly patients with diabetes need to have good oral care as well as regular dental checkups. Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, hinders the body’s ability to use insulin. One of the effects of diabetes is high blood sugar which can lead to infections in the gums.
  • Heart Disease – Research suggests that there could be a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Maintaining good oral health may be a powerful weapon against strokes, heart attacks, and other heart disease issues.
  • Gum Disease – This is caused by plaque and food that is left on the teeth. It can also be caused by an unhealthy diet, poor fitting dentures and bridges, and diseases like cancer, anemia, and diabetes. Gum disease can cause tooth loss and can be a very serious issue for the overall health of the body.
  • Dry Mouth – This is often a side effect of taking certain types of medications as well as cancer treatments which use radiation to the head or neck area. Saliva is important because it keeps the mouth wet and protects the teeth from decay and prevents infection. Saliva does this by controlling the bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the mouth.
  • Root Decay – Root decay is a common problem for the elderly. When the roots of a tooth become exposed because the gum tissue receded from the tooth, there is no protection for the root and it makes it prone to decay.

How Age Affects Oral Health

On its own, age doesn’t necessarily affect good oral health. Rather, certain medical conditions such as arthritis in the fingers or hands can make the task of brushing and flossing almost impossible to perform. Others are genetically predisposed to dental issues. Elderly ones that are suffering from cognitive health disorders, like dementia, can have difficulty taking care of their teeth.

Ways to Improve Senior Dental Health

If you are helping to care for a senior loved one, there are a number of things you can do to help them with their oral health. Some of these things include:

  • Brushing teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride
  • Use an electric toothbrush with soft bristles
  • Use floss or another inter-dental cleaner
  • Rinse with mouthwash at least once a day
  • Clean dentures daily and remove them at night
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Quit smoking which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay
  • Go to the dentist for regular check-ups
  • Eat a healthy diet that include dairy and foods high in fiber

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

While you may be able to help your loved one keep their teeth clean, it may not be so easy when it comes to getting them to the dentist. Elderly patients often have dental anxiety or they have health issues that make going to the dentist difficult.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms complete dental procedures for patients with Special Needs requiring general anesthesia or sedation. Individuals with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Patients with special needs can have a thorough exam that includes taking x-rays and receiving a dental cleaning with general anesthesia. The Dental Anesthesia team is compassionate and here to help patients accomplish dental care that they may have never had before.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Dental Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy

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We specialize in special needs dentistry, helping our patients with cerebral palsy achieve the best possible oral health.

Some parents hesitate to get dental care and treatment for their child with cerebral palsy because they fear it may be difficult or may go poorly. However, at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in special needs dentistry, helping our patients with cerebral palsy achieve the best possible oral health.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impairs muscle coordination and function. It may be associated with uncontrolled body movements, balance-related abnormalities, seizure disorders, and sensory dysfunction. Many children with CP require a wheelchair and a lifetime of personal care.

Maintaining good oral health for children with cerebral palsy can be difficult for the parents and the dentist. While CP itself does not cause any oral abnormalities, several conditions are more common or more severe in children with cerebral palsy.

Why Children with CP are at Risk for Dental Issues

Many of the symptoms of cerebral palsy lead to oral problems and thus children with CP are at greater risk of developing dental issues. However, it is possible to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums!

One of the issues with children with CP is the tendency to reflux or vomit on a regular basis. Increased drooling can also contribute to cavities as well as some of the medications that children with CP are required to take. However, there are a number of other issues that contribute to dental problems. Some of these include:

  • Difficulty using a toothbrush and floss
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Excessive gagging
  • Habitual grinding of the teeth
  • Having food in the mouth for long periods of time
  • TMJ disorders
  • Enamel defects
  • Malalignment of the upper and lower teeth

Providing Dental Care

When looking for a dentist for your child with CP, it is important to find one that specializes in working with children with special needs. Safety training is required for oral health professionals who work with special needs kids. Some of this training includes:

  • Supporting children with involuntary bodily movements
  • Knowing how to properly monitor breathing
  • Knowing how to clear breathing passages
  • Ability to establish a trusting relationship with the child
  • Ability to give commands in a friendly yet understandable way

Special Needs Dentistry at The Dental Anesthesia Center

Patients with cerebral palsy in St. Louis may be more hesitant about visiting the dentist for the fear that the visit might go poorly. This is especially true with parents who have young children with cerebral palsy. Luckily, we have Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Thoms on our team, each of whom specializes in working with a wide variety of patients, including those with cerebral palsy.

Our office is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We can accommodate patients with wheelchairs of all sizes.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

5 Medical Conditions that Can Affect Your Teeth

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There are a number of different medical conditions that can affect your overall oral health.

When you go to the dentist for your routine dental exam, your dentist will check for more than just cavities. Your mouth can actually signal problems that are going on in the rest of your body. From your lungs to your heart and to your immune system, be aware of 5 health conditions that are linked to tooth and gum disease.

5 Medical Conditions that Can Harm Your Mouth

  1. Gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as acid reflux, can affect your teeth. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows upwards into the food pipe. The result of powerful stomach acid in your mouth causes erosion on your back teeth because it dissolves the enamel. Brushing your teeth or rinsing vigorously with water during the day can reduce the effect of acid on your teeth. To prevent nighttime reflux, avoid eating before bed and avoid foods that are acidic and caffeine and alcohol.
  2. High Blood Pressure can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Some of the medications used to lower blood pressure can cause unwanted side effects such as gingival enlargement which is a condition in which your gums swell and begin to grow over your teeth.
  3. It is believed that there is a link between heart disease and oral health. Although not completely understood, if you suffer from gum disease, you are two times more likely to have heart disease. The idea is that bacteria from your gums is able to travel through your body, reaching your heart and causing cardiovascular issues. Therefore, the healthier you keep your mouth, the lower your risk of heart disease may be.
  4. Diabetes can cause severe gum disease. Diabetes may cause some peoples teeth to pull away from the gums, which can make them loose and even fall out. If you have diabetes and experience this problem, you need to work with a specialist so they can help you keep it under control with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.
  5. There is a link between severe gum problems and chronic kidney disease. Long-term kidney disease can lead to a number of health problems including heart disease, poor bone health, and high blood pressure. All of these conditions can cause gum disease. It’s especially important for patients with kidney disease to have good oral care as a minor infection in your mouth could develop into a more serious problem.

General Dentistry St. Louis

For more than 20 years, The Dental Anesthesia Center has been a general dentistry office, unique to the field of Sleep Dentistry. We specialize in helping patients of all ages achieve good oral health. We value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

What is TMJ and How Can it Be Treated?

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TMJ refers to a variety of different issues that affect the TM joints, jaw muscles, and facial nerves. However, relief is possible!

Temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ, is a condition that millions of Americans suffer from. A person with TMJ may suffer from chronic facial pain, such as jaw pain, earaches, and headaches. The source of this pain comes from one or both of the temporomandibular joints which are located on each side of the head.

Your temporomandibular joint is like a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. This is what allows your jaw to move up and down and from side to side so that you’re able to talk and chew.

Symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ refers to a variety of different issues that affect the TM joints, jaw muscles, and facial nerves. Signs and symptoms of TMJ may include:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw joint area
  • Ear pain when you chew, talk, or open your mouth wide
  • Issues with opening your mouth wide
  • Jaws that get stuck in the open or closed position
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or when you – it may or may not hurt
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Tired feeling in the facial muscles
  • Swelling on the side of your face

Causes of TMJ

The exact cause of TMJ may be hard to determine. It may be due to a physical injury to the jaw. Genetics, disease, and wear and tear are other factors. Other causes of TMJ include:

  • Bruxism – or teeth grinding, is a habit that may contribute to muscle spasms and inflammation that can cause the initial pain
  • Clenching – someone who continually clenches their jaw or bites on things while awake
  • Arthritis – just as other joints in the body, the jaw joint can be affected by arthritis
  • Malalignment of the top and bottom teeth
  • Jaw dislocation or trauma to the jaw
  • Stress and anxiety

How Can TMJ Be Treated?

If you suffer from TMJ that is painful or disruptive to your life, you no doubt would like to find relief.

For most people, the discomfort from TMJ will likely eventually go away on its own. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may help relieve your pain. There are several things you can do that may help. Some of these things include:

  • Stretch the jaw
  • Relax your jaw
  • Strengthen jaw muscles
  • Do not grind your teeth
  • Do not clench your jaw
  • Increase jaw mobility

All of these things promote jaw healing. While it may take a concentrated effort to do some of these things, it may very well eliminate your pain associated with TMJ.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain in some way or another, make sure that you set up an appointment with us so that we can get to the underlying cause and get you back to your normal self! We’re the only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

How Anemia Can Have an Impact on Oral Health

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide gentle, safe, and relaxing dental care.

It is known that oral health can have an affect on your general health and that it is connected to the other functions of your body. Poor oral health might contribute to numerous diseases and conditions, like digestive issues, bone erosion, extended infections, and possibly cardiovascular disease. But your oral health can also be influenced by other conditions in your body.

How can anemia impact oral health and oral health treatments?

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition that directly affects your body’s blood cell numbers. A low number of blood cells is the main indicator that you have anemia, and it leads to various symptoms in your body. One of the most common symptoms of anemia is having pale gums. This symptom also shows how oral health is directly impacted by this condition.

Blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell of your body, so having a low level of blood cells will deprive your body of the necessary vitamins, minerals and from the needed amount of oxygen.

There are many types of anemia, the most common ones being: iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, and vitamin deficiency anemia. Getting the right diagnosis is important for choosing the best treatment and for understanding its impact better.

How Does Anemia Affect Your Oral Health?

When your gums and teeth don’t get the nutrients they need through the blood, they are much more susceptible to disease. Patients with anemia can get cavities, gum disease, ulcers, infections and even problems with the tongue, like soreness or pain.

Iron deficiency anemia can have pica as a side-effect. Pica is an eating disorder in which patients tend to eat things that lack nutrients: chips, paper, cardboard, etc. This not only makes them ingest items with no nutritional value, but it can also damage the teeth.

Sickle cell anemia leads to different types of problems: glossy, sore tongue, demineralization in the tooth enamel, delayed tooth eruption.

Vitamin deficiency anemia shows symptoms like gum disease, mouth ulcers and a reduced feeling of taste.

There are many other associated symptoms that may show up in your oral health, and proper diagnosis is important in solving the underlying issues. Be sure to see your general practitioner if you suspect having anemia.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide gentle, safe, and relaxing dental care. During your consultation, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level of sedation is best for you based upon your medical history and current physical health.

Call us today to schedule an appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!