Gingival Inflammation – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Gingivitis, often the initial stage of gum disease, is a common but often overlooked oral health concern.
Dental Granuloma also known as Periapical granuloma is a disease that occurs at the root tip of the tooth. It is the end result of tooth decay (cavities/caries). If left untreated, it can result in loss of tooth and surrounding bone. Hence in this blog, we will talk about periapical granuloma, its causes, symptoms, detection, management, and most importantly prevention.
Periapical granuloma occurs when tooth decay is left untreated for a long period and the infection reaches the pulp of the tooth followed by the periapical region (the area surrounding the root tip of the tooth which includes bone, nerves, blood vessels, etc). It has a high tendency to occur in females (>50%), but can also affect males.
Any decayed tooth can result in periapical granuloma but front teeth (incisors and canine) have more chances of developing this disease compared to back teeth (premolars and molars). It can occur in any teeth of both jaws (upper as well as lower). However, upper jaw teeth are frequently involved.
At an early stage, a simple dental filling can stop this process. If a decayed tooth is left untreated then most probably a root canal therapy is required. If the swelling is large and the tooth cannot be saved, it has to be removed from the jaw (Dental tooth extraction).
If periapical granuloma is also left untreated, it can result in a periapical cyst which can lead to large defects in the jaw and can lead to loss of multiple teeth.
It is important to note that it is 100% preventable. Pit and fissure sealants are applied by the dentist on healthy teeth to prevent caries. Regular dental checkups can aid in the early detection of caries. A dental filling can halt this process by removing the infection from the tooth. Root canal therapy at the right time can protect the periapical tissues. For children, Fluoride application on the tooth can prevent teeth from decaying.
Periapical granuloma can lead to tooth loss which can easily be saved by being vigilant about your oral health. Prevention can be done by means of fluoride application, pit and fissure sealants and regular dental check ups at Clove Dental. Dental fillings and root canal therapy at the earliest is essential to save the tooth.