Common Dental Problems - Oral Trauma, Aphthous Ulcer

Oral Trauma

Oral structure or teeth may be damaged due to an accident. There might be slightly loose, dislocated, fractured, or even avulsed (the entire tooth knocked off). Injury of oral tissues or oral structures such as lips, gingivae, oral mucosa, alveolar bone, or even upper or lower jawbones may be resulted. There might not be any apparent damage to the teeth

Bleeding can be stopped by pressing on the injured area and a dentist should be consulted immediately.

What is/are the treatments for tooth trauma?

1. Smoothen the fractured portion and apply topical fluoride on the tooth surface

2. Restoration of the tooth – with an adhesive aesthetic restorative material

3. Root Canal Treatment and Artificial Crown

- If the tooth has received a severe injury, it is highly likely that bacteria will enter the pulp and cause an infection. In this case, root canal treatment will be required to remove the infected pulp, and the inside of the tooth be cleaned and sealed. Subsequently, an artificial crown will be needed to strengthen the tooth.

Aphthous Ulcer

It is a form of mouth ulcer but the aetiology of aphthous ulcer has not been confirmed. It is commonly present on the oral mucosa of the cheeks, lips, tongue and throat.

What is/are the treatment(s) for aphthous ulcer?

- Apply ointment prescribed by the dentist onto the area to relief pain

- If you are wearing an unfit denture, you should consult your dentist to make a new denture.

Reference information: www.dental.org , www.bjdental.com,

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.