Dental Sensitivity – Everything You Need to Know!

Have you ever felt pain and/or discomfort in your teeth when consuming hot or cold foods? If so, this article is of interest to you.

Tooth sensitivity is a very common oral health problem. Although it manifests in various ways, it predominantly appears as a sharp, short-lasting, and momentary pain. In some cases, the symptoms may gradually disappear without the need for any intervention. However, in more severe situations, it can cause significant discomfort, potentially affecting oral hygiene habits and requiring appropriate treatment.

Currently, several causes for the onset of this condition are identifiable, making it possible to manage it effectively. Let’s take a look at the main causes of this pain and how to act to prevent and treat it properly.

As mentioned, tooth sensitivity is a painful oral condition that ranges from mild to unbearable pain that occurs when the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth) is exposed. Dentin consists of tubules that connect the nerve (at the center of the tooth) to the external environment. When these tubules are unprotected and subjected to certain stimuli, they react by causing pain. The stimuli responsible for discomfort are typically thermal (cold and/or hot), mechanical/tactile, and even chemical (sweet and acidic foods).

What are the causes? The exposure of dentin can occur due to several factors, the most common being:

1. Incorrect brushing: Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing with too much pressure can wear down the enamel and cause gum recession, increasing the likelihood of dentin exposure.
2. Plaque buildup: The presence of plaque around the tooth and along the gums causes inflammation of the gum tissues. If this inflammation worsens, it can lead to bone loss and gum recession, which will expose the dentin.
3. Gum diseases: Gingivitis and periodontitis are characterized by inflammation of the gum tissues, which can lead to the loss of the tooth’s supporting structures, making the tooth roots and dentin more susceptible and vulnerable.
4. Abrasive toothpastes: Some toothpastes contain abrasive agents (silica) that can wear down the tooth structure and potentially worsen or trigger tooth sensitivity.
5. Mouthwashes: Excessive use of some types of mouthwashes (acidic and alcoholic) can exacerbate discomfort.
6. Cavities: Advanced cavities can affect the dentin, increasing tooth sensitivity. If these lesions are near the gums, they are more likely to reach the dentin.
7. Acidic or sugary foods and/or drinks: Consuming highly acidic foods or drinks (citrus, tomatoes, sodas, etc.) can erode tooth enamel, which will expose and weaken the dentin.
8. Recent dental treatments: Some treatments can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, such as teeth whitening, tartar removal, and restorations.
9. Broken teeth and/or damaged restorations: Besides the expected sensitivity due to the increased exposure of the root and/or dentin, it can be a place where bacteria accumulate, leading to inflammation of the gum tissues and the pulp of the tooth, causing pain.
10. Bruxism: Grinding teeth can wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin of the tooth.

So, how can we prevent it? There are several therapeutic options available to prevent and treat tooth sensitivity, which, depending on the case, can reduce or even resolve the symptoms.

Having tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean undergoing an uncomfortable and complicated treatment. The truth is that many cases can be easily resolved through good oral hygiene with the use of an appropriate toothpaste. Additionally, it is worth noting that the components of saliva also aid in the remineralization of tooth enamel.

Choosing the right toothbrush is very important. You should use a toothbrush with medium or soft bristles to minimize tooth wear and gum trauma.

Toothpaste should also be suitable for the individual’s needs. People with tooth sensitivity should avoid, for example, whitening toothpastes and use those with desensitizing properties, as they aim to block the dentin tubules to prevent the spread of pain.

If the discomfort and pain persist, you should consult your dentist to discover the cause, eliminate any bad habits that may be causing the pain, and resolve the issue properly. Treatments may include the application of fluoride varnishes or other desensitizing agents, restorations, and, in extreme cases, tooth devitalization may be necessary.

As the saying goes, it is better to prevent than to cure. To do so, keep in mind the possible causes (listed above), maintain proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly for advice and guidance on how to prevent and/or treat tooth sensitivity.

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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Tooth Wear

Tooth surface loss is a physiological process that occurs throughout life as a natural consequence of aging. However, when excessive tooth wear occurs, this phenomenon is considered pathological and should not be ignored.

Tooth wear can represent a multifactorial pathology – behavioral changes, an unbalanced diet, medical conditions, and multiple medications – making correct diagnosis essential. It is also important to inform and educate people about the causes, symptoms, and consequences so that they can recognize the problem in a timely manner.

What are the main types of dental wear?

Erosion: There is a progressive loss of tooth structure caused by acid erosion. This chemical process can be associated with extrinsic factors (consumption of acidic foods and drinks) or intrinsic factors (gastroesophageal reflux and eating disorders).

Abrasion: Tooth wear caused by an external factor, such as improper use of a toothbrush – excessive force, hard bristles – nail-biting, among others.

Attrition: Loss of tooth tissue resulting from contact with the opposing tooth surfaces – generally caused by excessive teeth clenching and/or grinding.

Abfraction: Result of eccentric forces and movements on the teeth. Various chemical, biological, and behavioral factors can contribute to this type of injury.

Some signs that may indicate dental wear:

• Change in tooth color – due to the loss of enamel and the gradual exposure of the dentin, teeth become more yellowish;
• Loss of anatomy / Cracks and fractures in teeth. Tooth sensitivity.
• Decreased vertical dimension – affecting both aesthetics and functionality.
• Increased risk of tooth decay.

What are the solutions for this type of problem?

Before outlining the type of treatment to be performed, we must first understand the etiology of the clinical situation, emphasizing that prevention is always the best treatment.

In some cases, intervention is not necessary; monitoring is sufficient. However, in advanced situations, the treatment involves restoring the lost dental structure, which may include composite resin fillings or even ceramic restorations. However, before starting any rehabilitation, it is essential to eliminate bad habits and potential causes of dental wear.

Therefore, it is crucial that you consult your dentist as soon as possible so that the causes can be identified and then controlled appropriately.

Also, learn more about our Dental Veneers page!

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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5 Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

The foundation of a healthy oral cavity is performing good and effective oral hygiene at home. It is the first step in maintaining our teeth and gums.

Poor or ineffective oral hygiene can lead to various problems such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, bad breath, gum bleeding, or periodontal disease.

In this article, we will give you 5 important tips for good oral hygiene:

Dr. Mónica Miranda

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Is it possible to place dental implants when there is little bone?

At the clinic, we receive patients every day who are dissatisfied with their smile for various reasons.

Currently, there are numerous treatments aimed at preserving teeth. However, in some cases, tooth loss is inevitable, and the solution involves the placement of dental implants.

Although they are no longer a novelty, many doubts still arise about dental implants, particularly regarding whether they are suitable for all edentulous patients. And the truth is that, despite all their benefits, the placement of dental implants requires evaluation of several parameters, and not all patients meet the ideal conditions for this treatment. Therefore, there are situations where the placement of dental implants is not recommended or even feasible.

As with all medical procedures, there are favorable and unfavorable conditions, and dental implants are no exception. Thus, a proper evaluation and diagnosis are required, which allow for adequate planning to avoid complications, such as the failure of the dental implant to integrate into the bone.

The success of dental implant treatment is therefore closely related to various factors – daily oral hygiene care, maintenance, type of dental implant, pre-existing conditions, post-operative care, among others.

Lack of bone is one of these factors and affects thousands of individuals. However, today, there are several alternatives and solutions, and as such, this problem is no longer an obstacle for the placement of dental implants.

But what actually causes permanent bone loss?

A perda dentária está sempre associada a alterações volumétricas na maxila e na mandíbula, ou seja, após a perda de um dente ocorre um processo de reabsorção/remodelação óssea que se traduz numa diminuição gradual do volume ósseo.

The lack of bone comes from a progressive phenomenon, so the severity of bone loss is directly influenced by the time and size of the tooth loss. However, there are other factors that can accelerate and/or interfere with this process, such as the prolonged and continued use of removable dentures, which can cause bone resorption, tobacco use, tumors, trauma, accidents, among others.

This is because the principle behind bone loss is related to the need for stimulus transmission, meaning that without stimulation or function, atrophy occurs, and as a result, the bone gradually regresses. In the long term, this situation can lead to, for example, the collapse of the supporting tissues of the lips, characteristic of premature aging of the smile.

But then, what happens when the patient has little bone in the edentulous area?

Bone loss does not have to be a problem! Currently, there are several solutions, so in these situations we must consider the various possibilities and treatment alternatives.

As mentioned before, without bone, the placement of implants is compromised, so it is necessary to compensate for the lost bone to create the necessary conditions. This can be done through grafts whose main goal is to offer better support to the implant.

Bone grafts are not all the same; they can be autogenous, meaning from the individual’s own body, or synthetic. The latter are usually of bovine or porcine origin. Although grafts extend the treatment time and may require more interventions in severe cases, they lead to a better result.

There are implants of different lengths and diameters – for low bones, there are short implants, for example, and thinner ones for narrow bone – as well as individualized dental implants based on the existing bone anatomy.

When the desirable area for implant placement shows severe atrophy, another possibility for utilizing the existing bone space may involve the application of angulation during implant placement or performing a sinus lift – a surgical procedure aimed at increasing bone mass in the maxilla in the area of the posterior teeth.

Another treatment option is overdentures or overdentures which are partial removable dentures or full dentures that rely on one or more remaining teeth, roots, and/or dental implants. This system allows for various movements, minimizing the loads/forces on the implants, which may mean the need for fewer dental implants.

If you would like to get dental implants, as you know, visit your Dentist and clarify all your doubts to improve your quality of life.

Book your Appointment today!

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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How to choose the ideal toothbrush?

Choosing a toothbrush may seem simple, but due to the wide variety of brands and features, we often feel overwhelmed and confused about which one is the most suitable for us, realizing that there are many doubts, and as a result, we typically end up buying the first toothbrush we come across.

Regardless of the model, color, and brand, there are some basic features that should be considered when making a purchase.

Bristle Firmness

The bristle firmness should be Medium or Soft. Some people still believe that a hard toothbrush is the best choice for brushing because it provides superior cleaning action. This concept is incorrect! When brushing technique is done correctly, a soft brush can clean just as well, if not better, than a brush with firmer bristles. Additionally, hard bristles are more likely to damage soft tissues (gums and mucous membranes), especially when brushing the areas where the tooth meets the gum.

Therefore, medium or soft brushes are recommended for individuals with no oral problems and are particularly useful for those with sensitive teeth or gum recession as they provide greater comfort and gentleness during brushing while effectively removing plaque and food particles that accumulate between the teeth. Hard-bristled brushes are better suited for individuals with dental prosthetics.

There are also ultra-soft bristle brushes, which are recommended for post-surgery oral hygiene.

Bristles / Filaments

Ideally, the bristles/filaments should all be the same length. In some cases, another variation may be more suitable, such as for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The filaments can be made of silicone, nylon, or another synthetic material and can have various shapes – tapered, rounded, polished – and different firmness levels. It is important to consider that it is preferable to choose filaments that dry more quickly.

Head

The ideal size for a toothbrush head is one that suits the age group, with smaller-headed brushes always being the best option, as they allow better access to the more posterior areas, such as wisdom teeth, and a head that is too large does not allow easy access to all dental surfaces.

Some toothbrushes have a surface with small ridges on the back of the head that help clean the tongue and even the cheeks. However, there are specific brushes designed for tongue cleaning.

There are also options on the market for toothbrushes with flexible heads. These are particularly interesting for individuals with gum recession as they reduce the pressure applied during brushing, thus preventing worsening of this condition.

Handle

The anatomical handle should be comfortable and ergonomic so that it can be held firmly and comfortably. For those who have the habit of brushing their teeth with excessive force, it is recommended to use brushes with flexible handles.

Toothbrushes should also be easy to clean and made from waterproof materials.

Another question that many patients ask is: which is better, manual or electric?

If you choose a manual toothbrush, as already explained, you should ensure that it is medium or soft – a hard brush may seem more effective, but it can cause gum injuries and be too aggressive on enamel, leading to tooth wear. You should also consider that the smaller the head, the easier and more effectively you will be able to clean the more posterior and difficult-to-reach areas.

On the other hand, electric toothbrushes, due to their smaller round head and pulsation, oscillation, and/or rotation movements, are able to provide a more reliable and effective cleaning. Additionally, most electric toothbrushes have timers to monitor the brushing time, ensuring that the minimum brushing time of 2 minutes is achieved.

Another feature is that most electric toothbrushes now come with sensors that detect when excessive force is applied during brushing. This feature is particularly useful and a great option for patients with gum recession.

In summary, the best toothbrush is the one that allows for proper oral hygiene, meeting the individual’s needs and preferences regarding size, hardness, and texture; it should be easy to handle, flexible, easy to clean, quick to dry, and durable. The key is to brush properly and effectively.

If you still have doubts, consult us, we would be happy to assist and assess the best choice and ideal oral hygiene habits to adopt.

Schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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Oral Hygiene during the period we are living

It is already common knowledge that the pandemic and the resulting restrictive measures have led to the worsening and emergence of various health problems, with oral health being no exception.

There have been many changes resulting from all the pandemic control measures. The successive lockdowns and movement restrictions contributed to changes in daily habits and behaviors, affecting people’s oral health.

Additional Complications Caused by the Pandemic

Some people neglected their oral hygiene and diet, started eating more frequently between meals, and postponed or canceled dental visits. And today, a year after interruptions to dental care and treatment, dentists are facing the consequences of the pandemic on oral health.

We are facing a higher incidence of dental cavities and more advanced gum diseases, and consequently, a growing need for more invasive interventions such as extractions. This stems from the fact that oral problems that were not considered urgent during the pandemic outbreak became urgent after waiting two or more months for proper treatment.

Dentists have always followed the most rigorous infection prevention and control protocols, emphasizing that the hygiene measures required by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed and meticulously followed. Additionally, recent research indicates that oral health professionals have significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rates than other healthcare professionals in most of the world.

Nevertheless, many people still avoid routine appointments due to fear and only go to the dentist as a last resort. In addition to the fear of possible contamination, financial difficulties and the reduction in the number of appointments contribute to the delay in seeking professional help.

Another problematic effect of the pandemic is the stress and fatigue environment that has led to an increase in cases of bruxism (clenching or grinding teeth), which not only compromises and harms sleep quality but can also cause tension headaches, muscle contractions, and dental fractures.

Efeitos de uma boa Higiene Oral

Maintaining oral health is extremely important to ensure overall health, well-being, and quality of life and, according to a new study, proper and correct oral hygiene may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

According to the study by Graham Lloyd-Jones et. al., 2021 and the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), patients with COVID-19 are three times more likely to experience complications if they have gum disease. These articles suggest that the gums may play a key role in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the oral cavity to the lungs, potentially causing or worsening the lung disease caused by it.

Although there have been advances in treatments and vaccination for the global population, there is still limited knowledge about the reasons for the clinical variability of the disease. There is still debate about the lack of biomarkers to identify individuals at risk of developing lung disease from COVID-19 or worsening into severe lung disease that may lead to admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation, or even death.

Dr. Graham Lloyd-Jones, consultant radiologist at Salisbury District Hospital in the UK, reviewed lung CT scans of patients with COVID-19 lung disease, leading to a collaboration between medical researchers and dentists on a new hypothesis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

This model describes the potential route of virus entry through the mouth and bloodstream to the lungs, which may help explain why some individuals develop COVID-19 lung disease while others do not.

In summary, the researchers suggest that this is the route through which the severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted to the lungs, where it causes lung disease; explaining that the virus enters the body through the upper airways – nose and mouth – accumulates in saliva and lodges in the bacterial plaque under the gums. It then crosses the gum and enters the blood vessels, reaching the heart before being pumped into the pulmonary arteries and small vessels at the base and periphery of the lung, rather than reaching the lungs through the respiratory airways.

Furthermore, the authors emphasize the concept that gum diseases predispose to the weakening of the mucosal barrier, and in this way, the gum tissues allow microorganisms, particularly the virus, to thrive and breach oral immune defenses, entering the bloodstream more easily. In other words, increased dental plaque and periodontal inflammation further increase the likelihood of the SARS-CoV-2 virus reaching the lungs and causing more severe infection cases.

Prevention

In this regard, an international team of researchers found emerging evidence that specific ingredients in some mouthwash products widely available on the market are highly effective in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus; substances such as CPC (Cetylpyridinium chloride) or PVP-I (Povidone-iodine or Iodopovidone).

Therefore, this highly plausible new hypothetical model may help understand and discern individuals more likely to develop severe lung disease, as well as alter how we manage the virus by helping explore simple and low-cost treatments targeting the oral cavity that could ultimately save lives.

Medidas de Higiene que tomos podemos seguir

Therefore, simple daily oral hygiene measures, such as careful brushing including complementary tools like dental floss, in addition to being effective in maintaining oral hygiene and reducing contributing factors to gum inflammation, such as increased plaque buildup, along with the use of specific mouthwashes, can help reduce the concentration of the virus in saliva, thereby helping to mitigate the development of lung diseases and reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19.

So, don’t forget, prioritize your oral hygiene as it not only improves your oral health and overall well-being but can also save your life!

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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Have you ever imagined having fixed teeth in 1 day? Yes, it’s possible

The lack of teeth affects phonetics, chewing, facial aesthetics, and comfort, as well as having negative psychological and social consequences, which can translate into repercussions in an individual’s personal and professional life.

There are several factors that can contribute to tooth loss – extensive tooth decay, uncontrolled periodontal disease, trauma, among others. However, there are several rehabilitation options to address the absence of teeth, including the placement of dental implants.

Dental Implant Treatment

The replacement of lost teeth with dental implants is now a simple, fast, and increasingly sought-after reality by patients due to all the advantages it offers – support, retention, stability, safety, and comfort – as well as its high success rates, longevity, and predictability.

Due to the excellent results achieved in the integration of implants into the bone, researchers have driven the evolution of their application to optimize increasingly complex rehabilitations.

The concept of immediate loading emerges as a reflection of the continuous revolutionary development of dental implant technology and the associated protocols that allow for the fast and fixed rehabilitation of edentulous spaces.

Teeth in 1 day

Unlike the standard approach used a few years ago – which involved implant placement surgery followed by a 6-month waiting period for the implant to integrate with the bone – today, the “Teeth in 1 Day” solution allows for rehabilitation with dental implants and the placement of teeth on the implants on the same day, without compromising the long-term success of the treatment, thus providing a better quality of life for patients.

This solution is especially beneficial for people with removable dentures or those needing full rehabilitation of the upper and/or lower jaw.

What are the steps of the “Teeth in 1 Day” procedure?

What are the steps of the procedure?

     Evaluation consultation

As with all dental treatments, the first step is the initial evaluation – a thorough clinical examination is performed, taking into account all clinical aspects that may interfere with the treatments – along with complementary exams (radiographs and computed tomography) and data collection necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis, which will enable proper case planning.

Preparation Consultation for Surgery

This consultation may be necessary to conduct some tests, gather additional data required for the fabrication of the prosthesis, or for pre-surgical oral hygiene.

Surgery (extraction of teeth and placement of dental implants)

The surgery is similar to conventional protocols – it is performed with local anesthesia in a sterile clinical environment.

Under favorable clinical conditions, the removal of one or more teeth and the placement of implants can be done immediately, in a single session. This “combination” of steps not only reduces the treatment time (fewer appointments) but also provides greater comfort for the patient as they undergo a single surgical phase and, consequently, only have one post-operative recovery.

A very useful tool for the surgical procedure is the surgical guide. These guides facilitate the controlled insertion of the implants, reducing the impact of human errors; they are manufactured with the ideal characteristics for placement in terms of length, diameter, and angle, according to the available bone structure.

Placement of Fixed Teeth (Temporary Prosthesis)

After the placement of dental implants, and with good primary stability, impressions are taken and promptly sent to the laboratory to finalize the creation of the temporary prosthesis. This is then placed, providing the patient with fixed teeth within 24 hours after the implant placement surgery and throughout the entire osteointegration (healing) period of the dental implants.
In the first 15 days, care with chewing must be heightened. A liquid diet consisting of soups, juices, and smoothies should be followed. After this healing period of the soft tissues, the transition to a soft diet is made, introducing purées, pasta, minced meat, fish fillets, while avoiding crunchy foods such as nuts.

Oral hygiene must be meticulous, and the use of dental floss for implants and a water jet/irrigator are important auxiliary hygiene tools.

Placement of Permanent Prosthesis

After a few months of healing, new impressions are taken, and the aesthetic and functional planning of the final rehabilitation begins.

Benefícios

This immediate load procedure has several benefits. The most evident ones include:

• Reduction in treatment time as fewer appointments are needed;
• One single surgical phase and, therefore, only one postoperative period;
• It is an immediate fixed solution, offering greater comfort for the patient, as well as improving their self-esteem, since the difficulty of adapting to removable dentures and the psychological issues associated with tooth loss are eliminated;
• The aesthetics and masticatory function are superior to removable dentures and are instantly improved.

Of course, there are also some risks, as with any medical treatment. Any surgery, whether conventional or an immediate load protocol, carries a risk of “rejection.” This may occur if the bone cells do not bond with the dental implant or, for example, if an infection occurs in the surrounding gum tissue. Additionally, the implant should not be subjected to excessive force during the healing period.

It is important to remember the need for maintenance appointments, at least twice a year, for proper cleaning of the prosthesis and rigorous monitoring of the implants and gum tissues.

Both treatments, the immediate load protocol or conventional, can be successfully performed despite the different techniques and indications.

Therefore, it is up to the dentist and the patient to choose the technique that best suits the success of the oral rehabilitation.

So, if you want to know which treatment best suits your case, schedule an appointment now!

Dr. Raquel Brandão Carvalho

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Toothache – Discover the Main Causes and Solutions

Tooth pain has a broad spectrum, ranging from a simple increase in sensitivity to the complexity of being the result of an oral injury. Given the variety of causes that can trigger this pain, it’s important to establish a criterion that allows us to assess the urgency of the necessary treatment.

Let’s then try to systematize the main causes of pain and the procedure to treat them:

   Dental Sensitivity.

Increased sensitivity, for example, to cold when eating ice cream or to heat when drinking coffee, can have several causes. One of them is the presence of gum recession, meaning the loss of gum tissue in the area covering the tooth root. Since the roots of our teeth are not covered by enamel, external stimuli are felt much more intensely.

Often, even brushing in the area causes increased sensitivity. This type of pain tends to subside once the stimulus is removed. What causes gum recession?

Use of hard toothbrushes, aggressive brushing, use of abrasive toothpaste, such as most whitening toothpastes, bruxism (tooth grinding), trauma, gum disease, and/or periodontal disease. Depending on the cause, the solution is also different, but it is important to note that while gum recession can be controlled, the only solution for the gum to return to its ideal position is through a small graft or gum alteration surgery.

Therefore, it is important to change brushing habits, use a softer toothbrush, specific toothpaste for dental sensitivity, use circular motions when brushing, and consult your dentist to understand the exact cause and find the best solution. Until then, avoid sudden temperature changes that increase this sensitivity.

 -> Visit our Periodontology page to learn more about periodontal disease, its effects, and treatments!

    Pain when eating sugary foods.

When there is pain, even mild, when eating sugary foods, it is usually a sign of dental cavities.

In this case, you should reinforce the use of toothpaste with xylitol, which has the power to inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for cavities, and with fluoride, which has the ability to remineralize the tooth, in a quantity of 1400/1500ppm (check the back of your toothpaste).

Additionally, it is important to reduce the amount of sugar consumed in your daily diet, as it is the main culprit for the development of dental cavities.

 -> Learn all about dental cavities in our Blog article!

    Provoked or spontaneous pain

Feeling provoked pain may be a sign of inflammation of the tooth nerve. This inflammation may be reversible or irreversible.

When the pain becomes spontaneous, the prognosis worsens, making the inflammation possibly irreversible. This pain may be caused by the presence of an extensive dental cavity that has involved the tooth nerve, a fracture of an existing restoration or the walls of the tooth itself, or an infectious lesion caused by insufficient treatment.

During the dental consultation, an X-ray and additional tests will be performed to help us determine whether the inflammation of the tooth nerve is reversible or irreversible. If reversible, we treat the cavity or fracture with restorations, for example. If irreversible and there is enough tooth structure, we may need to perform a root canal treatment, i.e., remove the nerve, disinfect, fill with a biocompatible material, and then restore it.

If it is irreversible and there is not enough tooth structure, or in the case of a root fracture, the solution may involve extraction (removal) of the tooth and placing a dental implant to replace it.

Be cautious of this type of pain, especially when it becomes spontaneous, as it may rapidly progress to unbearable pain that can limit you in daily activities.

    Mucosal pain

Dry mouth sensation, pain around a lesion in the gums or mucosa, and a burning feeling are pains linked to possible changes in our soft tissues. These are often caused by medication, systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

These are situations to be aware of and to discuss with your dentist, as there may be a lesion present that could be either benign or malignant. At this time, it is important to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they dry out the oral flora much more.

Our teeth are very important, but so are our gums and mucous membranes, which should always be monitored.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Dr. Mónica Miranda

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Why do dentist appointments often get delayed?

This is a question that has been asked of me several times, and that’s why I wanted to address it in this article. There is obviously no single answer to this question, as there are many reasons that can lead to a delay.

Of course, this is an uncomfortable issue that generates dissatisfaction among patients, but also among dentists who, many times, cannot prevent these delays, in favor of the patient they are attending to and treating.

As this is a controversial topic that always raises many doubts, I hope to clarify the reasons that might be behind a delay in a dentist appointment.

Reasons That Can Explain a Delay in a Dentist Appointment

Surely you’ve been to an appointment and had to spend some minutes or even hours in the waiting room. This happens in various types of healthcare establishments, both public and private, such as hospitals, medical offices, or clinics.

Naturally, there are establishments or specialties where delays seem to happen more often due to a higher degree of unpredictability. For example, the waiting time in an emergency department always depends on the patient volume and the severity of the cases presenting for observation.

In short, delays in medical appointments are often related to the unforeseen events that can arise and, furthermore, with the sensitivity that an area like healthcare requires. A patient’s care cannot be rushed, as it may put their well-being or even life at risk!

Although dental appointments are generally not those with the most delays, they can still happen, and there are many circumstances that can help explain the failure to meet the scheduled time.

The Focus on the Patient

Whenever I receive a patient in the office, my focus shifts entirely to them, and I am unable to worry about the time or the clock while I am treating them.

Although this attitude may lead to some delays, I am sure that those waiting in the waiting room also expect this from me: a total commitment to the person I am consulting.

Unforeseen Events

We’ve already touched on the point of unforeseen events, which are so common in healthcare, and dental care is no exception. All treatments are scheduled in terms of the expected duration, meaning we have an estimate of the time it takes to carry out each medical procedure/treatment.

To help you understand better what I mean, the extraction of a wisdom tooth typically takes two hours. However, if a fracture occurs, for example, it will delay the procedure and, consequently, any other scheduled appointments afterward.

Of course, the opposite can also happen, meaning a treatment can finish, for example, 30 minutes earlier than expected, allowing the early attendance of patients who are already in the clinic, even if it’s not yet their scheduled time.

Hygiene

When addressing this topic, it is still essential to remember that, between appointments, the medical office needs to undergo a rigorous hygiene procedure to ensure the safety and quality of the service provided to the patient.

Although the time spent on this procedure is planned and calculated, the reality is that, like all other procedures, this one can also be delayed due to an unforeseen event that might occur.

Personal Delays

There are also cases where delays in appointments are simply due to a personal delay of the dentist. Many of us have probably experienced unforeseen events that forced us to miss professional commitments we had scheduled.

An illness, an accident, or the illness of someone who depends on us are just examples of situations that can lead to a delay in a dentist appointment.

And when it’s the patients who arrive late…

It may seem contradictory or paradoxical, but delays in appointments with the dentist can also be the responsibility of the patients themselves. Confused? Let me explain.

What should be done when a patient arrives late? This is another controversial issue, as some believe that these delays should not be tolerated, while others think there should be leniency for small delays.

The truth is that when a patient arrives late and we start attending to them later than the scheduled time, we risk this interfering with the start time of the next appointment, and as such, it can lead to a delay.

How to manage delays and work to avoid them

Given this reality, the commitment of Clínica Zenha is to create strategies to better manage the situation of delays, minimizing them as much as possible.

To achieve this, we have a backoffice and frontoffice team that carefully manages the schedules, informing patients of delays we can anticipate. For example, if there is a significant delay in one appointment, it is expected that all appointments for that day will be delayed. If patients are informed in advance, they do not have to wait in the waiting room.

Moreover, we are continuously calibrating the average time for consultations and various medical procedures so that the estimated times are increasingly closer to reality.

At this point, I do not anticipate that a consultation will take less than an hour. However, I can extend this estimate if I find that, in general, one hour is clearly too little.

In summary, delays in dental consultations can have multiple causes, but it is certain that they are always an unpleasant circumstance and, therefore, at Clínica Zenha, we strive to compensate as much as possible, with a comfortable waiting room where the patient feels well received and respected.

Among the various missions of Clínica Zenha is, without a doubt, the reduction of waiting times, but without compromising the quality of the service provided!

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