Dental arthritis: treatments, duration, what to do in the event of a crisis?
Dental arthritis is the inflammation of the ligament that surrounds the root of the tooth. What are its causes? His symptoms? What treatments and natural remedies in the event of a crisis? Update with Dr Edmond Binhas, dental surgeon, president of the Dentéon Santé group.
Definition: what is dental arthritis?
We usually talk about arthritis in the case of inflammation of a joint. However, we talk about dental arthritis when it is the ligament that surrounds the root of the tooth that is inflamed. It is therefore not arthritis in the first sense and it is by abuse of language that this term is used.
What are the causes?
Dr Edmond Binhas explains that there are several causes:
- A reaction to a drug. The patient may have a reaction to the product used by the dentist to fill the root canal which has gone beyond the apex of the tooth and which is therefore in contact with the ligament. This is called drug arthritis.
- An infection of the pulp of the tooth that reaches the ligament through the end of the root.
A sinusitis acute - Repeated attack on the ligament by a foreign body (toothbrush bristles, poorly adjusted appliance, too brutal cleaning, fish bones, crusts of bread).
- Trauma such as bruxism, occlusal disorders or violent shocks can cause inflammation, as can a poorly adapted appliance or implant.
What are the symptoms?
Dental arthritis usually manifests as:
- sharp and persistent pain
- redness in the gums
- pain when chewing due to tooth mobility
- edema as well as pain when ingesting a hot drink.
- Left untreated, dental arthritis can become chronic.
What is the duration?
” Dental arthritis lasts several days and can progress in flare-ups. Hence the interest in consulting a dentist quickly so that he can establish a diagnosis and offer treatment, ” said the dentist.
What is the diagnosis?
” The diagnosis is generally quite easy for the dentist to make. All he has to do is find the causes and above all listen to the patient’s description of the pain. The oral examination will make it possible to refine the cause and consider its treatment. “, notes Dr Edmond Binhas.
What treatments in the event of a crisis?
Treatment for dental arthritis begins with treating the cause. It can be either to restore the good dental balance by correcting an implant or a poorly adapted prosthesis, or to treat a cavity, to readjust the dental apparatus, or to put a splint in the event of a bad contact or even by treating a decayed tooth or even by devitalizing it … Generally, the treatment is accompanied by taking analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days so that the pain remains bearable while the inflammation subsides. In the case of infectious origin, the intake of antibiotics may be indicated.
What natural remedies?
There is no self-medication possible to treat this pathology. ” It is essential to make contact with your practitioner ” insists Dr Edmond Binhas.
Dental arthritis in a devitalized tooth: what can be done?
Dental arthritis can also spread to a devitalized tooth. “The causes are the same as for a” living “tooth, notes the dental surgeon. The treatment will therefore depend on the origin of the pathology”.
What to do in case of chronic dental arthritis?
Chronic dental arthritis only exists if the causes persist and are not treated. It is therefore essential to follow the treatment prescribed by the dentist.
What is prevention?
It is quite easy to prevent dental arthritis by adopting good oral hygiene.
- Meticulously brush your teeth twice a day after meals for 2 minutes.
- Do not hesitate to use dental floss or inter-dental brushes to be able to clean the areas that are difficult to access.
- Use mouthwashes regularly.
- Make at least one annual visit to the dentist for scaling and make sure your teeth are in good health.
- Consult immediately in case of pain.
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