Root Tip Infections

A lot of studies have come out recently linking dental infections with heart disease and other illnesses, so we thought this would be a good time to educate patients about root tip infections. This type of infection can be extremely dangerous but often goes undetected until patients develop what is called a periapical abscess, which is painful and bad-smelling.

When a tooth is cracked, bacteria may enter the pulp chamber and cause inflammation. Pus, made up of bacteria and dead tissue, accumulates at the tip of the tooth root, and the body may form an abscess, a pocket made of soft tissue, to contain it. However, the infection could still spread, causing loss of bone matter and eventually entering the blood stream. The pain from an abscessed tooth could also spread and come to encompass a large part of the face.

Treating a periapical abscess requires that it be drained and the patient undergo a root canal. They may also need an apicoectomy, which is an operation during which the root tip is removed and replaced. But imaging tests can help us to stop a root tip infection before it gets to that point, and spare the patient a lot of pain and expense.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Oral Piercings and Teeth

Issues and complications with oral piercings can begin immediately after the piercing procedure. These can include swelling, infection, and discomfort. Oral piercings may look cool, but they can sometimes do more harm than good. Though Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS doesn’t want to hinder you from self-expression, he wants to explain the possible consequences that are associated with oral piercings.

Your mouth is full of bacteria and whether or not these bacteria decide to cooperate with a new piercing depends on the patient. For instance, if your body rejects an oral piercing such as a tongue ring, your tongue could swell so much that it blocks your airway. In some cases, the jewelry alone could crack or chip a tooth. It’s important to remove jewelry as it becomes a problem. If you notice signs or symptoms of an oral infection, contact us immediately to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about oral piercings and how they affect your oral health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.