A healthy oral function is associated with better health, quality of life, and reduced mortality. The decline in oral function due to ageing is a major cause of physical frailty, sarcopenia, and disability. 札幌 インビザライン

Using store-and-forward or real-time methods, dental professionals can easily exchange patient information and radiographic images to make quick diagnosis even in remote locations. This is called teledentistry.
Dentine Hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common dental disorder and one that often causes considerable discomfort for patients. It is characterized by pain in the teeth when exposed to cold, hot or sweet stimuli or even while breathing and chewing. The pain can be constant or it may be intermittent. It can also be felt when brushing a tooth or using dental materials. This condition is a result of dentin exposure, often caused by erosion, attrition or abrasion of the tooth. In addition, it can be caused by gingivitis and the recession of the gingiva. The pain of DH is usually described as a sharp, aching sensation that can last for a short period of time or it may be constant and throbbing.

In order to diagnose DH, dentists perform a thorough clinical and radiographic examination as well as take a patient’s complete dental history. It is important to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including cracked tooth syndrome, a fractured cusp, periodontal disease or restorations with poor marginal adaptation.

Treatment of DH involves the use of desensitizing toothpaste or a gel that is applied directly to the sensitive area. These products are formulated with ingredients that help prevent uncomfortable sensations from reaching the nerve endings. Typically, it will take several applications before a person will notice a reduction in the sensations.

A more extensive treatment method involves the application of a protective coating that can be applied to the surface of a tooth. This coating, known as a fluoride varnish or resin, is made with a compound that helps to block the pores of a tooth. Generally, it will need to be applied several times a week for a month or more before the sensitivity is completely reduced.

Another form of treatment for DH is the use of lasers, which can be used in conjunction with either a desensitizing paste or a protective gel. These devices are used to create a seal over the exposed dentin, which blocks chemicals that can cause pain from reaching the nerves. These devices can be administered in a dental office or by the patient at home.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a crack develops in the enamel and dentin layer of a tooth, often in between the biting surfaces. This crack can expose the pulp to various pressures and temperatures, causing sharp pain during chewing or biting and sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. If left untreated, a crack can continue to grow, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth.

CTS is one of the most difficult dental problems to diagnose because the cracks are often too small to be seen on an x-ray, or they can be hidden under a filling or crown. In many cases, patients may have had CTS symptoms for months before they were diagnosed. The dentist will conduct a visual examination of the teeth and may ask about past trauma, grinding, or clenching (bruxism) to see if this could have contributed to a cracked tooth. They may also perform a bite test, use a dental explorer to see if it “catches” on the edge of a crack, or pass a beam of light through the tooth to illuminate fractures (transillumination).

The treatment of cracked teeth depends on the extent and direction of the crack. In some cases, the crack can be bonded to help reduce discomfort. For more severe cracks, the dentist may recommend a root canal to relieve pain and treat infected pulp tissue. The cracked tooth may then be restored with a dental crown or another appropriate restoration.

For patients that grind or clench their teeth, a mouth guard is an important preventative measure to protect against cracked tooth syndrome. In addition to treating existing cracks, dentists can recommend a preventative treatment called composite splinting, in which a bonding material is applied to the external line angles of the fractured teeth and then wrapped around each tooth to act as a splint. This method is more effective than the use of orthodontic bands, which can be uncomfortable and traumatic for patients. Banerji, S B, Mehta, S B, and Millar, B J. Cracked tooth syndrome: Part 1: aetiology and diagnosis. Br Dent J 2010; 208: 459-463.
Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue around an impacted, partially erupted wisdom tooth (third molar). It can be painful and may lead to an abscess. It can cause severe discomfort and make it difficult to open your mouth, chew or swallow. The condition can also spread bacteria to other parts of the body, leading to a life-threatening illness called odontogenic cellulitis.

A dentist will diagnose the condition by performing an oral examination and taking X-rays of the area to look for an unerupted wisdom tooth or to determine the status of a partially erupted one. Symptoms include pain, swelling, pus draining from the area and/or the presence of a flap over an erupting wisdom tooth.

When a person is experiencing these symptoms, he or she should visit a dentist immediately for treatment. A dentist can use antibiotics to treat the infection, which will decrease the likelihood that it will spread beyond the mouth. He or she can also help the patient keep the area clean, which will decrease the risk of infection and recurrence. The dentist can recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain.

In most cases, the dentist can resolve the infection without the need for surgery. However, in some cases, a dental specialist such as an oral surgeon may need to remove the flap or the affected wisdom tooth.

The risk of developing pericoronitis can be decreased by conscientious oral hygiene, routine dental visits and preemptive removal of wisdom teeth before they erupt. Preventative measures include avoiding foods and drinks that are known to be harmful, such as hard or crunchy candy, which can irritate the tooth and gums. Regular flossing is also important to help prevent the buildup of food and debris in the areas where third molars are erupting.

The term pericoronitis derives from the Greek words "peri" meaning around, and "coron" meaning crown or top of a tooth. It is a common problem in people who have impacted, or partly impacted wisdom teeth. Most cases of the disease develop between the ages of 20 and 29 and affects women and men equally.
Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop in your mouth, usually during late teens and early 20s. They can cause problems because they may not have enough room to erupt correctly. They can also be impacted or partially erupted, which can lead to a variety of dental issues such as inflammation (pericoronitis), infection, cysts and tooth decay.

Typically, the first sign of trouble is a dull pain in the gums near the back of your mouth. This is normal as the wisdom teeth grow, but if it persists or becomes more frequent you should see your dentist.

Your dentist will examine your mouth and take an X-ray to determine whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth. If you do have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend removal to prevent future dental problems, such as infection or tooth decay.

It is best to remove a wisdom tooth before it becomes fully erupted. This can help reduce the risk of damage to nearby teeth and nerves, as well as make it easier for you to brush and floss around it. If your wisdom tooth is already erupted, you may be able to treat it at home with salt water rinses, antibiotics or the surgical removal of excess tissue overlying the impaction.

Even if your wisdom teeth are coming in fine, it is recommended to keep up with regular six-month dental appointments. This will allow your dentist to monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth and ensure they erupt properly. It is also a good opportunity to get a dental cleaning and to discuss your oral hygiene routine, as this will be a key factor in preventing tooth decay in your wisdom teeth and other areas of the mouth.