Author Archives: Smile Circle

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment In the world of dentistry, the saying “prevention is better than cure,” rings true. Through the lens of a dental professional, prevention means early diagnosis and timely treatment. The benefits of early diagnosis in dental care are massive: it can prevent complications, cut down on treatment costs, and most importantly, preserve the health and aesthetics of your smile. Nobody wants to deal with a filling they could have prevented, but sadly this is just one example of not acting on early diagnosis. Why Early Diagnosis is Crucial Early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of dental issues. For instance, when a cavity is detected early on, a simple filling might suffice. However, if that cavity is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to deeper layers of the tooth. This can lead to painful conditions such as tooth decay or even abscesses, which can further lead to the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Symptoms to Watch Out For Here are some symptoms that, when overlooked, can develop into more severe conditions necessitating comprehensive treatment: 1. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Often a sign of cavities, if left unchecked, it can result in deep-rooted decay requiring a root canal or extraction. 2. Bleeding Gums: While it might seem benign, it's often a sign of gum disease. Ignoring it can result in advanced periodontitis, leading to tooth loss, pain and infection. While gum disease can be treated the impact of gum disease is irreversible, 3. Chronic Bad Breath: An indicator of poor oral hygiene, it can escalate to gum disease and decay if not addressed. 4. Pain on Biting or Chewing: This might indicate a cracked tooth or decay. Without treatment, it could result in the need for extensive dental procedures like crowns or implants. 5. Loose Teeth: A sign of underlying gum disease or trauma, neglecting it can result in tooth loss or the need for more complicated restorative work. Treatment After Late Diagnosis Should these symptoms be ignored, the resulting conditions will demand more invasive treatments: 1. Cavities: Typically treated with fillings, if they deepen, they can lead to decay necessitating root canals. 2. Gum Disease: Early stages might require deep cleaning or scaling and root planing, but advanced stages might need surgical interventions, tooth extractions or prolonged cycles or medication. 3. Tooth Decay: Depending on the severity, treatments range from fillings to root canals or even extractions. 4. Tooth Loss: May require dentures, bridges, or implants to restore function and aesthetics. This is often a costly issue to deal with and is why it is so crucial to be diligent with your oral health. The Power of Prevention Preventive dental care, which hinges on early diagnosis, can spare patients from complex procedures, higher costs, and the discomfort of advanced dental issues. Regular dental check-ups, at least twice a year, can ensure that potential problems are spotted early on. These check-ups can be instrumental in maintaining not just oral health but overall well-being. Want to discuss treatment with one of our recommended dentists in the Dorset and Hampshire area? Click here to find your next dentist.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Dental Treatment In the world of dentistry, the saying “prevention is better than cure,” rings true. Through the lens of a dental professional, prevention …

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Preserving your tooth’s structure

Understanding Common Medical Treatments

A healthy and vibrant smile is a true asset, and proper dental care plays a pivotal role in maintaining it. Regular visits to a general dentist for routine check-ups and …

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New Frontiers in Medical Treatments

The field of dentistry has never been static. From its ancient roots to the cutting-edge procedures of today, dentistry continuously evolves, incorporating innovations from across the medical landscape. As we …

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Here’s what you need to do in a dental emergency.

No one likes a dental emergency, but it’s key that we learn or have an idea of what to do if it arises, what is a tooth emergency, or dental …

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Alternatives to Dental Implants

What are some alternatives to dental implants?

Alternatives to Dental Implants So, you’ve decided dental implants aren’t for you? That’s ok, there are many reasons dental implants might not be for you, some people feel they’re over …

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How often should I visit a dentist?

How often should you be visiting the dentist? That’s a pretty tricky question, because it largely depends on you, your age and your health. That being said, let’s try and …

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How do dentists deal with nervousness?

Are you scared of dentists but need treatment? Perhaps you’re still putting off your annual check-up due to dental fear? The truth is dental anxiety is real and many people …

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Can you sleep with dentures in?

It’s common to get dentures when you have missing teeth. They’re great for improving the aesthetic of your smile, but also they play a key part in the functionality of …

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Reasons to be true to your teeth or they will become false!

As a 45-year-old, Kritika was happy with her teeth as there were no visible teeth concerns or toothache. Regular brushing was enough for her and apart from uprooting two wisdom …

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Dealing With The Corona Virus – Our Practice Policy

The Corona Virus (Covid 19) has now affected about 110 countries in the world. We as a dental practice take the well-being of our patients very seriously and have a …

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