Dental Disorders
-
Approach to the Dental PatientA physician should always examine the mouth and be able to recognize major oral disorders, particularly possible oral cancers. However, consultation with a dentist is needed to evaluate patients with nonmalignant changes as well as tooth problems. Likewise, patients with xerostomia or unexplained swelling or pain in the mouth, face, or neck require a dental consultation.
-
Symptoms of Dental and Oral DisordersBruxism is clenching or grinding of teeth.
-
Common Dental DisordersCaries is tooth decay, commonly called cavities. The symptoms—tender, painful teeth—appear late. Diagnosis is based on inspection, probing of the enamel surface with a fine metal instrument, and dental x-rays. Treatment involves removing affected tooth structure and restoring it with various materials. Fluoride, diligent dental hygiene, sealants, and proper diet can prevent virtually all caries.
-
Dental EmergenciesEmergency dental treatment by a physician is sometimes required when a dentist is unavailable to treat the following conditions:
-
How To Do Dental ProceduresTooth extraction is done using manual dental instruments, to remove nonviable, nonsalvageable teeth. Adequate anesthesia is important. Postprocedure dry socket is to be prevented.
- How To Do an Emergency Tooth Extraction
- How To Do an Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
- How To Do an Infraorbital Nerve Block, Intraoral
- How To Do a Mental Nerve Block
- How To Do a Supraperiosteal Infiltration
- How To Drain a Tooth Abscess
- How To Reduce a Mandibular Dislocation
- How To Replace and Splint an Avulsed Tooth
-
Lip and Tongue DisordersBurning mouth syndrome is a chronic condition of burning intraoral pain, usually involving the tongue, in the absence of an identified cause. There are no physical signs or specific diagnostic tests, and treatment is symptomatic and often difficult. Secondary burning mouth syndrome refers to similar symptoms caused by another disorder.
-
Periodontal DisordersPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory oral disease that progressively destroys the tooth-supporting apparatus. It usually manifests as a worsening of gingivitis and then, if untreated, with loosening and loss of teeth. Other symptoms are rare except in patients with HIV infection or in whom abscesses develop, in which case pain and swelling are common. Diagnosis is based on inspection, periodontal probing, and x-rays. Treatment involves dental cleaning that extends under the gingival (gum) tissues and a vigorous home hygiene program. Advanced cases may require antibiotics and surgery.
-
Temporomandibular DisordersThe term temporomandibular disorders is an umbrella term for a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that involve the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, and all associated structures. Temporomandibular disorders often present with pain in the jaw, face, and neck and/or with dysfunction of the jaw joint (often decreased range of motion) and is often accompanied by headache or ear pain. People are considered to have a temporomandibular disorder when the pain or dysfunction is severe enough to make them seek professional care.
