Updated: 3rd March 2010

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Common Problems

Here at Saltire Dental Care we see many dental problems on a daily basis. We have compiled some examples of the more commonly seen dental problems and treatments. Hopefully this information will be of help if you are experiencing any of these problems.

• Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
• Gum Disease (Periodontal disease)
• Tooth Decay (Caries)
• Denture Problems (Prosthodontics)
• Missing Teeth
• Dental Phobia

Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

As a result of injury or decay to a tooth you may experience prolonged pain, lasting from minutes to hours. This pain may be initiated by hot or cold stimuli or may commence when you lie down at bed-time. Pain such as this usually indicates irreversible damage to the tooth pulp. If the pulp is not removed at this stage it may become necrotic and cause abscess formation at the tip of the root, with a characteristic x-ray appearance. Removal of the pulp in the root canals of the tooth and filling the canal with a bio-compatible material usually saves the tooth.

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Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum disease can easily progress unchecked, as pain and bleeding are not always present. If this occurs it will lead to loosening and loss of teeth. If you are aware of loose teeth, recession of the gums or bleeding when brushing contact the Practice. Depending on the severity of the problem matters can usually be remedied with a course of oral hygiene instruction, scaling and possibly the appropriate medicine. Prevention and regular check-ups are invaluable.

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Tooth decay (Caries)

Sensitivity or pain caused by hot, cold or sweet foods that lasts a few seconds may indicate dental caries. Dental decay is caused by plaque bacteria which has not been efficiently removed. When sugars are present in the mouth the bacteria, which are always present, produce acid which dissolves the tooth. This can be diagnosed by the dentist visually, on probing, temperature testing, or x-ray. Removing the decay and placing a filling or crown restores the tooth. Nowadays there is no need to have unsightly mercury-amalgam fillings but tooth-coloured restorations may be used instead.

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Denture Problems (Prosthodontics)

Restoration of smile and lip contours can be achieved by well-made dentures whilst not sacrificing the ability to chew and masticate food. More natural looking teeth are available as an alternative to NHS dentures. Metal palates and soft linings are used as required. To registered patients of the practice free denture repairs are available Monday to Friday.

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Missing Teeth

There are a number of ways to replace missing teeth depending on which teeth are missing and the condition of the remaining teeth.

• Fixed bridges requiring tooth preparation of supporting teeth.
• Adhesive bridges requiring little or no preparation.
• Implants into bone which can support crowns or dentures. We can make the appropriate referrals for this work.
• Acrylic dentures.
• Metal dentures which can be attached to remaining teeth by clasps. These generally have to be non-NHS.

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Dental Phobia

The most common reason of non-attendance for dental treatment is fear. At Saltire Dental Care we find that a caring and sympathetic approach with a gradual build-up of trust between patient and dentist is sufficient to overcome most people's fear. Each treatment plan reflects the needs of that particular patient in a pain-free, time-tailored way. For the small numbers of truly phobic patients we can make referrals to a specialist Phobia Clinic.

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