Navajo Health Foundation /Sage Memorial Hospital
P.O. Box 457, Ganado, AZ 86505
Tel. (928) - 755 4500
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P.O. Box 457, Ganado, AZ 86505 Tel. (928) - 755 4500 |
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Table of Contents
Exam Appointment DayExams are scheduled once a month. There is one day set aside just for this. Patients can call or walk-in for an appointment on this exam day and will be schedule for their first visit at a different date. Back to Top
What is tooth decay ?
Tooth
decay is more commonly known as cavity or caries. Tooth decay is caused by your
teeth being exposed to foods that are high in starch and sugars. (Example: soda
pop, candy, cakes and even certain fruits and juices) The breakdown of these
foods release bacteria that turns into plaque, a colorless film. Plaque left on
the tooth over long periods of time will demineralize your tooth causing tooth
decay.
Common symptoms of a cavity may include:
·
A
painful toothache ·
High
sensitivity to hot or cold liquid temperatures. · White spots or decay; Tooth discolorations Back to Top
What are early childhood caries?Early
childhood caries occurs when sweetened liquids such as milk, formula, or juices
are given and left to pool in a baby’s mouth for long periods of time.
When your baby’s first tooth erupts, avoid allowing your infant to
sleep with a bottle in its mouth or nighttime breastfeeding.
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What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal
disease also called gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and
supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque or bacteria. If left along the gum
line, the bacteria can irritate and cause inflammation. The gums will begin to
swell and bleed which allows the bacteria to go deeper under the gum line.
The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. The gums
will become red, swollen and will bleed easily. This stage is still reversible
and can be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
If unchecked, gingivitis will reach a more critical stage called
periodontitis in which treatment options narrow. Inflammation begins to allow
surrounding bone to demineralize and dissolve. As the bone dissolves, the teeth
can become loose, fall out or will have to be removed by a dentist.
Early symptoms of gum disease: ·
Gums
that bleed when you brush your teeth ·
Red,
swollen or tender gums ·
Gums
that have pulled away from the teeth ·
Bad
breath ·
Pus
between your gums and teeth ·
Loose
teeth ·
Bad
taste in your mouth ·
Change
in your bite or your teeth alignment ·
Change
in the fit of partial dentures *Pregnant women can be more susceptible to gingivitis because of hormonal increase that can exaggerate the way the gum tissues react to the bacteria in plaque. The plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. Pregnant women need to brush frequently to control plaque during their pregnancy.
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What is a root canal?
Before
root canals were used, if you had a tooth with a dead nerve, you would probably
lose that tooth. Now dentists use root canals to save the tooth.
Deep inside each tooth is an area of soft tissue called the pulp which
carries the tooth’s nerves, veins and lymph vessels. Root canals are very
thin, small divisions of nerves that branch off from the pulp chamber down to
the tip of the root of your tooth. A tooth has between one and four root canals.
When the pulp becomes infected, usually from a deep cavity or fracture that
allows bacteria to get inside, it can die. A damaged pulp will increase blood
flow to the area and build up pressure causing pain in that tooth when you eat
or drink. If untreated, it will form a pus or abscess.
Root canal therapy is performed in order to save the damaged or dead pulp
of the root canal of the tooth. First, the dead pulp tissue and root canal will
be completely cleaned out and reshaped. Then the canal will be filled with a
rubber-like material to prevent another infection. The tooth is then permanently
sealed with a filling and crown. This procedure allows you to keep your tooth. A
root canal procedure usually requires at least two visits.
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What are sealants?Sealants
are a special material put on your teeth. Sealants act as a barrier to prevent
bacteria from collecting and staying on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants
are best for permanent first molars that erupt usually around the age of 6 and
second molars at age twelve.
Back to TopWhat should I do if I get my teeth knocked out during sports? First,
don’t panic. If you act quickly, you may be able to save your tooth. ·
Rinse
your mouth with water and put a cold compress or towel with ice on your face
near where the tooth came out. This will help keep the swelling down and make it
easier for the dentist to treat. ·
If
your tooth is knocked loose (and not out), push it back into its original
position and bite down so the tooth does not move. ·
Visit
the dentist as soon as possible-the longer your tooth is out of the mouth, the
less likely that it will be able to be saved. What should I do for a toothache? To comfort your child or yourself, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the area. Visit your dentist as soon as possible. Oral cancer is a cancer in the mouth. Majority of oral cancer occurs in people 45 years of age or older. Men are twice more likely to develop the disease than women. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer and of all major cancers, oral cancer has the worst five-year survival rate. Because oral cancer is not diagnosed in its early stages, less than half of these patients are cured. The tongue is the most frequent source, followed by the floor of the mouth, the soft palate tissues in the back of the tongue, lips and the gums. The combination of tobacco and alcohol increases the risk 15% more than non-users. If not treated, this disease can spread and cause chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurements and even death. Tobacco is the leading cause of this disease. Warning signs Red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around the mouth. The early stages are typically painless but as the cancer spreads, these lumps or lesions become painful.
If you suspect you have oral cancer or have these symptoms, see your dentist for screening immediately. If oral cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated and survival rate increases tremendously. Teeth
grinding commonly occur at night during sleep. Most times you don’t even know
you grind your teeth. Teeth grinders or “bruxers” often
Signs of Bruxism ·
Tips
of teeth appear flat ·
Teeth
are worn down so much that the enamel has rubbed off exposing dentin or the
inside of the tooth. ·
Pain
in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw making a popping or clicking sound. ·
Tongue
indentations Your dentist can prescribe therapy or provide a plastic mouth guard (night guard) to help protect the teeth while you sleep. This can help future damage.
Sage Dental
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Serving Navajo Members since 1901
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