Understanding Oral Cancer and Treatment Options

Oral cancer accounts for about 2% of all cancers, and it can be caused by either smoking or excessive alcohol use. Fortunately, oral cancer is one of the more treatable forms of cancer if detected early, but it’s still highly important to be aware of the symptoms and treatments available should you or someone you know develop this illness. If you want to learn everything you need to know about oral cancer, read on!

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining your mouth, throat, or tongue. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which forms in the thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of your mouth and upper throat. The second most common type of oral cancer is called adenocarcinoma. This form develops from glands in your mouth and may spread to other parts of your body.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors associated with oral cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include tobacco use, HPV infection, and alcohol consumption. However, it is important to note that not everyone who smokes or drinks has an increased risk for oral cancer, and not everyone infected with HPV will develop oral cancer.

Signs of oral cancer

Oral cancer can be hard to detect, and some symptoms may go unnoticed. But there are certain symptoms that could indicate you have the disease. Here are some of the most common signs:

·         A sore that doesn't heal in time

·         A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck area

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing

·         Unintentional weight loss

·         Unusual bleeding from the mouth or nose, including blood when you brush your teeth.

If you experience any of these warning signs, make an appointment with a Blacktown dentist as soon as possible.

Types of Oral Cancer

There are two main types of oral cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas form in the epithelial tissue in the mouth, while adenocarcinomas form in the glandular tissue. There are also less common types of oral cancer that can develop, such as sarcoma, melanoma and lymphoma.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment options for oral cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, where it's located in the mouth or throat, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. There are also a number of other treatments available depending on the individual's situation.

How to Prevent Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the United States. It is caused by a combination of factors, including human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking and alcohol use, as well as genetics. To lower your risk of developing oral cancer, avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol use, protect your skin from UV radiation with sunscreen or protective clothing, and limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest.

When to Visit the Blacktown Dentist?

It is important for you and your dentist to know the warning signs of oral cancer. If you notice any changes in the way your mouth looks or feels, it is best that you visit a dentist immediately. If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, it is imperative that you see a dentist on a regular basis for follow up care. With Microscopic Dentistry Blacktown, our dentist offer a customised treatment plan that helps to combat with the dental problems you’re experiencing. Schedule an appointment with orthodontist Blacktown to find out the best treatment option.

Oral cancer can be treated and reversed if caught early. So, if you suspect that you might have oral cancer, please speak to your dentist.

What Is Crossbite And How Can You Treat It?

Crossbite, also known as malocclusion, refers to an abnormal condition in which the teeth do not properly align with each other in the jaw. This often leads to pain and misalignment of the jaws themselves that, over time, can lead to more serious health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, it's possible to treat crossbite with several methods that reduce the discomfort and dental damage caused by this condition. Here's what you need to know about crossbite and how to treat it before it becomes more serious and problematic.

What Is Crossbite?

Crossbite is a condition where the top teeth are pushed inward, and the lower teeth are pushed outward. An improper bite creates a misalignment between the upper jaw, lower jaw, and teeth. The symptoms depend on the severity of the crossbite. Mild cases may only cause pain or discomfort when eating, while severe cases can affect breathing, speech, dental health, facial growth patterns, or sleep quality.

What Are The Symptoms Of Crossbite?

Sometimes called tooth-jutting, an overlapping of the upper teeth characterises crossbite. The condition may be present at birth or develop due to habits such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting. Symptoms include an overgrown lower jaw, difficulty chewing certain foods such as apples, drooling, ear infections, and an increased risk for speech problems.

What are the Common causes of crossbites?

To understand crossbites, it's important to know that a misalignment of the jaw causes them. Often, this is due to improper or late tooth eruption, prolonged thumb sucking, or sleeping with your mouth open. If you're experiencing a crossbite on one side of your mouth but not the other, then it's likely that there is an issue with how your teeth are growing. This is known as an asymmetrical crossbite. Asymmetrical crossbites usually need to be treated much sooner than bilateral ones because they will only worsen over time. If you suspect a crossbite, please visit the orthodontist in Blacktown.

How Cross Bite Is Treated?

Crossbites can be corrected by surgery, but this is only an option if the child is young enough. If your child's crossbite is severe enough to warrant surgery, they will first have a consultation with a surgeon to see if they are a candidate. The type of procedure performed will depend on the severity of the crossbite. For example, if your child has just a small overlap between their upper and lower teeth, braces might be all that's needed to correct it.

Which Treatment Is The Best Option For Treating Crossbite?

Crossbites can be treated with various treatments, including braces, surgery, or both. While there are different options for crosscut treatment, each option has its pros and cons. Braces are the most cost-effective option when it comes to treatment. However, they require consistency to work effectively. Additionally, braces usually must be worn for at least a year to be effective. However, your Blacktown dentist is the right person to determine which treatment is the best option.

When to See Your Blacktown Dentist?

It is important to see your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of a crossbite. The earlier you catch the problem, the better it will be for your oral health. Left untreated, this condition can lead to severe consequences like tooth loss, jaw pain, headaches and difficulty chewing food. Using Microscopic Dentistry Blacktown, our dentist can suggest the best treatment option to correct your bite problems.

Root Canal Procedure: Everything You Need To Know

Root canal procedures are highly effective treatments for infected and damaged dental roots. Still, many people are unaware that this procedure doesn't necessarily involve removing the affected tooth. This blog will cover everything you need to know about root canal procedures, from what happens during the procedure to how you can prepare beforehand to help your chances of successful treatment.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats the diseased pulp of a tooth that cannot be saved with a filling. Many reasons can cause the tooth's pulp to become infected, including decay between the teeth, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth. The Blacktown dentist will use anaesthetic and local anaesthesia for the root canal procedure. Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will cover the opening of your tooth with either gutta-percha or composite filling material.

What are the Symptoms of a Decayed Tooth?

The symptoms of a decayed tooth can vary from patient to patient, but one of the more common signs are severe tooth pain that becomes persistent. It may also be accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breath. Other symptoms include gum inflammation, pus near the tooth or at the base of your gums, and swelling in your jawbone. If you think you have any of these symptoms or if they persist for two weeks, make an appointment with your orthodontist in Blacktown.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal can save teeth from severe decay. Root canal treatment is necessary when there is significant damage to the inside of a tooth. Severe pain, infections, and sensitive teeth are all signs that a root canal may be necessary. However, your Blacktown dentist is the right person to determine whether you need a root canal procedure or not.

What Happens During the Procedure?

With Microscopic Dentistry Blacktown, the dentist numbs the area, inserts a small mirror into the tooth, and locates the nerve. He or she removes all of the infected tissue around the nerve. The dentist will then clean out any remaining bacteria and seal up the cavity with a filling. Most root canal procedures require just one visit, although they may be more complicated in some cases and require an extra visit or two. Once the surgical site is healed, a crown is placed to protect the remaining structure of the infected tooth and other surrounding dental structure.

Can I Continue on My Normal Schedule with a Root Canal?

In most cases, your normal schedule can continue on the same day. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity and resume normal activities gradually. Restrictions vary depending on the size of the tooth, health of the surrounding gum tissue, and a dentist's judgment.

Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

After the endodontic treatment has been completed, it's common for a dental crown to be placed over the tooth in order to hold it in place. This is one way that it can help prevent any future damage from occurring and make sure your tooth stays in a good state of health for as long as possible.

Should you have further queries on root canal procedure, please speak to your dentist. Our dentist can help you find the right treatment plan based on the severity of the dental decay.

Root Canal Treatment: All You Need To Know

Many people experience the discomfort of toothaches or tooth pain at some point in their lives, and while there are many reasons this can happen, one of the most common culprits is an infected tooth, a dental Blacktown condition known as root canal infection. But if you’re afraid of getting root canals, you shouldn’t be; we’re here to explain why you should have them done as soon as possible and what to expect during the procedure itself.

Root Canal Overview

If you've ever had a cavity, a common dental Blacktown condition, in your tooth, you might be familiar with root canal therapy. Although it may sound scary, rest assured that root canal treatment is usually completed within one to two visits. The procedure is extremely common, and many people who have had it done report no long-term pain or issues.

So what exactly does root canal therapy entail? Let's take a closer look at how it works and why so many people choose to undergo it.

Also known as endodontic therapy, root canal treatment involves removing infected tissue from inside a tooth's pulp chamber and replacing it with inert filler materials. This cleans out any bacteria that could potentially spread to other parts of your body during an infection. Your Blacktown dentist will perform these procedures using specialised tools designed specifically for cleaning and shaping teeth. He or she will also restore teeth using fillings such as amalgam (silver) fillings.

Is It Necessary?

In some cases, root canals are 100% necessary. If you’re experiencing pain from a tooth infection, known as cavities and there is no remedy other than removing your tooth, then yes, a root canal might be your only option for treatment. But what if you just have a cracked tooth? What if it’s not hurting at all? Do you really need to go through with a procedure that could potentially hurt more than good? It depends on who you ask. Some dentists will tell their patients that they absolutely must get their infected teeth removed; others will say that in most cases, antibiotics and time are enough to heal an infected tooth.

Getting Ready for Treatment

Before your procedure, you will meet with your dentist to discuss your treatment options. When determining which treatment is best for you, your dentist will ask questions such as: How do you feel about having a root canal? What is causing you pain? Are there any diseases that run in your family? Do you take medications regularly (i.e., blood thinners or antibiotics)?

Recovery Time & Follow Up

Once your root canal procedure is complete, your dentist will place a crown over your tooth to prevent it from becoming infected. You’ll be given antibiotics to aid in recovery and return for a follow-up appointment within one month so that your dentist can ensure that you are healing properly.

Post-Treatment Tips

When your root canal is complete, there are a few things you can do to reduce any post-treatment discomfort. If your teeth were numb during treatment, it’s likely they will be sensitive to hot and cold right after. Try drinking lots of water, and take the prescribed medicines. You should be fine in a couple of hours.

For further queries on root canal therapy, please call our Blacktown dental clinic. Our dentist can help you find the right treatment.

Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Visit the Dentist

Unfortunately, not all dental Blacktown problems are easily identifiable with your naked eye. In fact, some of the most common dental issues can go undetected until they become major problems that require costly procedures to fix. The best way to avoid this situation is to pay attention to these tell-tale signs that indicate you need to visit your Blacktown dentist immediately.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when gums recede or when you have a tooth decay. When your gums aren’t in contact with your teeth, plaque can build up on your teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and causing inflammation of your gums. To avoid tooth sensitivity and keep bacteria from building up on your teeth, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. If you’re still experiencing tooth sensitivity after trying these tips at home, call the Blacktown dental clinic and schedule an appointment with the dentist.

Enamel Discoloration

Another sign that can signal a dental Blacktown issue is enamel discoloration. If you notice your teeth are turning yellow, red or brown, it may be an indicator of early tooth decay or gingivitis. Visiting your dentist regularly will enable them to detect and treat these conditions before they worsen. Speak to our dentist if you suspect something is off with your teeth or gums so we can take action as soon as possible.

Tooth Ache

If you experience tooth pain for more than a few days, it’s time to call your dentist. It could be something simple, like an infection or sensitivity. But it might also be a sign of decay or a cracked tooth that needs repair, especially if the pain is sharp and intermittent or radiates throughout your face. If you can see loose or broken fillings, that’s another red flag, come in right away before further damage occurs!

Misaligned Teeth

One of the most common signs that you need a visit from your dentist is misaligned teeth. This kind of problem may also indicate that you’ve had some sort of trauma or accident and may require emergency dental care. Other symptoms include sensitivity in your teeth or gums, pain when chewing food and difficulty opening your mouth fully.

Sore and Bleeding Gums

Gums that bleed when you brush are a clear sign that something is wrong. Don’t just shrug it off and wait for it to go away. If your gums are sore or swollen, or there is bleeding in between brushing, have your dentist check out what’s going on with them. It could be nothing serious, but it could also be something such as gum disease, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated.

If you notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Your dentist can help you suggest the right treatment plan.

6 Things to Look for in an Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies are problems associated with your teeth, mouth, or gums that require immediate treatment. When you encounter a dental emergency, you should be able to visit an emergency dentist Blacktown at the earliest time possible to obtain the care and assistance you need. However, there are a few things you should look into before choosing a professional. Read on to find out:

Choose a trustworthy dentist:

Ask your family and friends, and they can give you some recommendations. Once you know about their experience with the dentist, you can make an informed decision. To narrow down your search even further, look for reviews on Google and other reliable online platforms. Using an emergency dentist based on their reputation will give you confidence that you will receive the best dental treatment at any time.

Quality dental care in an advanced facility:

A good dentist will be committed to offering the best dental treatments you could ever ask for. While visiting a dental office, take a look at their office. You will want to rely upon an emergency dentist Blacktown who can offer a range of services using state-of-the-art equipment. They will ensure providing an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, especially during dental emergencies.

Easy Accessibility and fewer wait times:

Choose an emergency dental service that doesn’t make you wait longer. Not all dental emergencies are the same since some of them require immediate care to prevent complexities. For instance, if your tooth is dislodged, you can reinsert them only within two hours. Before choosing an emergency dentist, about their availability. If they work many hours every day to provide quick and reliable treatment for patients, you will be pretty satisfied with their service.

Caring and helpful Staff:

Dental emergencies can be stressful enough; it will only worsen when the Staff at a dental care centre doesn’t accommodate your requirements. It makes a huge difference when the staff members are kind and friendly to you. They will promise to offer the best treatment and reassure you that everything will be okay.

Location:

The location of an emergency dentist also matters. Visiting a dental care centre far away from your home isn’t ideal when you need to get treatment sooner. To prevent delays, choose an emergency dentist that is not too far from your location. Search for  emergency dentist near me online, and you will find a few qualified dentists close to your location.

Reasonable pricing:

Another important factor is the price of their services. The cost of dental treatments will vary based on the procedure recommended. Ensure that the pricing is reasonable and reflect the quality of the treatment offered by them.

Remember the pointers mentioned above when you are looking for a Blacktown dentist in your area. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the experts.