Dr. Ranjana Pandhari

Tooth lost to either decay or gum disease leaves a dent in many areas - facial appearance, chewing, facial structure support, etc.  Fixed dentures were a good substitute, however, with one major disadvantage.  They required removal of natural tooth structure from adjacent healthy teeth.  The next big search was to find ways to avoid this, and the result is the dental implant.

The tooth has a visible part called the crown and an invisible part called the root which is hidden in the jaw bone.  While the fixed denture replaces only the crown, the implant replaces both the crown and the root.

How implants are done: Once a tooth is lost and the bone is healed to the desired extent, a biocompatible titanium post that is screwed into the bone. This material has the unique property of osseointegration - it fuses to the bone, which is almost like a natural tooth in its socket.  This complete fusion may take about 2 to 6 months depending on overall health. After it gets absorbed well into the bone, a crown that matches the adjacent teeth is fixed on it.  Implants can also be used for replacing multiple teeth or for overdentures.

There are certain reasons why implants work so well, listed below are some:

• The material: Titanium is biocompatible and does not cause any adverse reaction in the body.  It fuses to the bone completely and is not just put in place to fill the gap. That ensures that the support provided for the new crown or bridge is as good as the original tooth with a root embedded in the jaw bone
• Post-implant care:  Required, but not to the extent required by dentures.  There is very minimal difference between caring for an implant and caring for an implant
• Function: As the implant is completely fused and embedded in the bone, it functions as good as a natural tooth in terms of chewing efficiency and pressure that can be applied on it. This is not the case with dentures
• Gum health: Bridges have an adverse effect on the gums with a constant mild pressure exerted on them.  Implants do not do that and therefore are more friendly on the gums
• Bone health: While bridges affect the alveolar bone health by allowing them to continue to degenerate, implants occupy the space in the bone and do not allow further degeneration. This is probably the most important advantage of implants.
• Aesthetics: Needless to say, the look of a well-done implant far surpasses that of the dentures.

Check with your dentist if you are an ideal candidate for implant, and if yes, it surely is worth the investment.

What are some simple ways to get rid of a toothache fast?

A) before knowing about the remedies for relieving toothache, let us first understand the reasons for a toothache. Knowing the causes can help us prevent it.

Causes

Generally, toothache is a result of inflammation of the soft, central part of the tooth. The most common cause is cavities (tooth decay). Other causes include infection at the root of the tooth, chipped or broken teeth, damaged fillings, infected gums

Prevention

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Follow these simple steps:

-brush twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
-floss once daily
-rinse once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash
-consult your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning
-eat foods low in sugar

Natural ways to relieve a toothache

Popping painkillers and other drugs frequently to relieve pain is not always the best idea. They come with their own set of side effects and should be avoided whenever possible. You may try these simple, safe and effective remedies to help you relieve a toothache instantly and naturally:

1. Salt and pepper

Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use as both the ingredients have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties:
-mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste
-apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes
-repeat 2-3 times in a day

2. Garlic

Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in reducing the pain:
-mix a crushed garlic clove with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain
-you can also chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief

More: have garlic & 6 more foods for a healthy heart

3. Cloves

Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection:
-grind two whole cloves. Mix in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil and apply on the affected tooth
-another option is to dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth
-you may also mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse

4. Saltwater

Saltwater cleanses the area around the tooth and draws out some of the fluid that causes swelling:
-stir a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse for up to 30 seconds before you spit it out
-repeat this treatment as often as needed

5. Tea bag

The tannic acid in tea helps to relieve gum infections:

-steep a tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes, then remove and allow to cool
-hold the cooled teabag around your gums for about 5 minutes

6. Ice

Ice helps numb the nerves and hence the toothache:

-place a small ice cube in a plastic bag, wrap a thin cloth around the bag, and apply it to the aching tooth for about 15 minutes
-alternatively, that ice pack can go on your cheek, over the painful tooth

Do remember,

These remedies may help with short term relief. Consult your doctor if your toothache lasts longer than 1 or 2 days, if it is severe, or if you have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide. Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is very important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull.

Researchers have shown people with gum diseases are twice as likely to suffer from heart problems than others.

When the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed, septic or lifeless, one needs to go through the root canal treatment.