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F.A.Q. - Small dental advisor

• Oversensitive cervix denti
• Short, "pulling" type of pain
• Pain, resulting from occlusion (biting)
• Bleeding gums
• Shifting of teeth
• Dark, stained teeth

Oversensitive cervix denti [back]
Most often, teeth are most sensitive near the gums. This sensitivity is mostly manifested as a reaction to touch, i.e. brushing or cold drinks. This sensitivity varies, sometimes disappearing completely for a period of time.

Possible causes

• uncovered cervix denti when gums have receded, often leaving notch- formed indentations
• extremely vigorous horizontal brushing
• nightly grinding and placing too much pressure on teeth

Possibilities of treatmen

• decreasing sensitivity by covering with a laquer-like solution
• filling the notch-like indentation
• decreasing the pressure on the teeth by filing them or by wearing a protective sheath.
• replacing gums, by means of plastic surgery means, to cover the vulnerable cervix denti

Short, "pulling" type of pain [back]
When eating or drinking something hot or cold, or sometimes just eating someting sweet, a pulling type of pain can occur, lasting only a short time (seconds to a few minutes).

Possible causes

• cavities in the painful region
• faulty fillings or crowns
• developing infection in the marrow of the tooth

Possibilities of treatment

• careful examination, usually performed with the help of X-rays
• removing cavities
• making or renewing fillings or crown
• sometimes, also with additional removal of the tooth's marrow and consequent root canal treatment

Pain, resulting from occlusion (biting) [back]
When teeth hurt through being used, ie. chewing, the palette of possible causes is great. Often, the periodontium is infected. This is caused by micro-organisms. These can cause difficulties either stemming from the diseased tooth marrow (interior of teeth) or from infected gums. If the marrow is the cause, root canal treatment is generally called for. If the infection generates from the gums, the tooth has to be cleaned thoroughly and treated with medication afterwards. Removal of the tooth is considered only in the case of widespread infection.

Putting too great a strain on teeth can also cause pain upon occlusion. It's possible to decrease the strain by filing-down the tooth or by wearing an occlusion-guard.

Sometimes the overdue strain causes teeth to break. The direction of the crack is decisive in determing the most sensible treatment.

Crowns or bridges which have loosened from the stump of the tooth also hurt upon contact. These have to be refastened by the dentist.

Sometimes teeth which have just undergone treatment for new fillings, inlays, crowns or bridges, can also hurt. This can be caused by a temporary irritation of the tooth marrow or by too much strain due to undue pressure upon contact.

Possible causes

• infection of tooth marrow (more likely piercing, specified pain)
• infection originating from the gums (probably a dull, radiating pain)
• overstraining through grinding of teeth or using too much force upon biting
• crack in the tooth
• loose crown, bridges, fillings or inlays.

Possibilities of treatment

• root canal treatment
• gum treatment
• filing or occlusion-guard
• refastening loose crown, bridges, etc.

Bleeding gums [back]
The tendency to bleed, even when applying minimum pressure, is a sign pointing towards gum disease. In most cases, this is an infection caused by micro-organisms. To eliminate this, an intensive professional cleaning is always necessary. During the treatment, all hard and soft film, which not only discolors teeth but also affords a safe haven for micro-organisms, is removed.

Possible causes

• micro-organisms
• hard and soft plaque
• crowns and fillings with uneven, jagged edges


Possibilities of treatment

• thorough professional cleaning
• in advanced cases, treatment of the structure which holds the teeth (periodontium)
• f necessary, renewing old fillings and crowns

Shifting of teeth [back]
When teeth start to wander, that is, is when they change position, turn, slant or appear to "grow", it often brings about further undesirable changes. Spaces appear between teeth, seperate teeth appear to be longer or become crooked. This not detracts form the aesthetic appearance. Food particles lodge in the newly created crevices, making them more difficult to clean.

This can happen when the periodontium weakens. In most cases, infections leading to a decomposition of bone are responsible. Moreover, steadily applied pressure, such as nightly grinding (bruxism) for example, can also lead to shifting of teeth.

Possible causes

• weakened foundation due to decomposition of bone
• grinding of teeth (bruxism)
• habitually chewing on inappropriate objects such as pipes or pens

Possibilities of treatment

• gum treatment
• wearing a protective guard against grinding (bruxism guard)
• moving the teeth into the desired position (orthodontist))
• greater changes with the help of crowns and bridges

Dark, stained teeth [back]
During the course of a lifetime, teeth can darken naturally. Certain pigments in foods and beverages as well as illnesses can also cause discoloration of one or more teeth.

Possible causes

• staining of the surface of teeth caused by film or pigmentation (red wine, tea, cigarettes, etc.)
• old fillings with rough surfaces and porous edges
• "aged teeth" with thin enamel
• ndividual teeth with diseased marrow

Possibilities of treatment

• thorough cleansing and polishing of the teeth's surface
• bleaching single or all teeth in their visible areas
• renewing old fillings
• applying veneers (glueable shells made out of ceramic material which blend in with the neighboring teeth)
Praxis am Kureck - Wilhelmstr. 60 - 65183 Wiesbaden - Telefon 0611/990370
Fax 0611/9903715 - eMail: info@praxis-am-kureck.de

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