How to Identify a Tooth Abscess

If you haven’t had a general dental checkup in some time, then many problems can arise that you don’t know about. Then, without intervention, they can become much, much worse. Take tooth abscesses, for example.

Tooth abscesses are pockets of pus that bacterial infections cause. A periapical abscess forms at the root’s tip, while periodontal abscesses form at the sides of your tooth’s root in the gum. Typically, they form because of an injury or untreated cavity.

If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, it’s essential to seek help from your local general dental clinic. Here are a few tell-tale signs that you might have one.

Toothache

If you notice a persistent and severe throbbing toothache, then a tooth abscess can be one of several reasons. You may even notice that the pain radiates into your neck, ear, and jawbone. Even if the cause isn’t an abscess, it’s still a good idea to see a dentist to get to the cause of the pain.

Sensitivity

One of the more common signs of a tooth abscess is sensitivity. You may notice that your teeth feel extra sensitive when you expose them to hot and cold temperatures. Sometimes, even biting or chewing can lead to uncomfortable sensitivity.

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Wisdom Teeth And Why They Often Require Extraction

Many people will go through their lives and never once have any reason to think about their wisdom teeth. In fact, many people are not even aware that they exist. On the other hand, there are those whose wisdom teeth are a source of pain, oral diseases, infections, and countless visits to their dentist.

The mystery as to why certain people have issues with wisdom teeth and others do not, might never be solved, but there is plenty known about the specific issues that wisdom teeth can create. Whether you are just curious to find out more about wisdom teeth or believe you may have a problem,  read on, and we will outline some of the salient facts about wisdom teeth including why they may need to be extracted.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The basics about wisdom start with the fact that you have four of them. Each one is located at the end of each row of your teeth meaning you have one on both the left and right of your top row of teeth and one on both the left and right of your bottom row.

They are molar teeth and are designated your third molars. They are also the last set of teeth that breakthrough in adults, and usually appear when you are aged between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. It is also possible that they appear when you are older, and it is also the case that your wisdom teeth may never appear at all.

For most people, wisdom teeth cause them no problems and play a significant role in the process of chewing food. Being molars, your wisdom teeth are mostly used to tear, grind and crush food due to the larger flat surfaces they have.

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10 Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Dentist

There can be any one of several reasons why you might be looking for a new dentist. The most obvious is that you have moved to a new town or city. Another reason could be that you were unhappy with the service your previous dentist was providing. Whether it is these or another motive, to find a new dentist, and more importantly, the right dentist for you, it means considering several factors. Ten of them are listed below, along with the reason they are so important.

Qualifications / Accreditations – Quite simply, you want to ensure that your new dentist is fully qualified and holds all the mandatory qualifications, training, and accreditation necessary to treat dental patients, especially yourself, safely and effectively.

What Range Of Dental Services Do They Provide? – This may be influenced by what you believe your future dental care needs might be. A dental practice that provides a broad range of services means that they are more likely to offer those which you may need at a later date.

What Do Their Reviews And Testimonials Say? – Reading the reviews and testimonials of those who already use a dentist you are considering is helpful. You should not expect them all to be 100% positive (in reality that would seem dodgy) but certainly, the vast majority of them should be.

Do You Know Someone Who Already Uses Them? – The best feedback on a potential dentist is from someone you know who already uses them. That would allow you to question them on the levels of service, the cleanliness of the surgery and the professionalism of the support staff.

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