Check out Dr. Jeffreys topic of the month for January! Dont Wait for Pain For some patients, it is difficult to proceed with providers recommendations, because in the absence of malaise or pain, it may be difficult to believe that a problem exists at all. Pain has the evolutionary role of causing us to withdraw from the source of the painful stimulus (perceived as danger) and consequently improves our well-being and survival in the long run. Without pain, one might leave a finger too long on a kitchen burner and discover disastrous consequences, when it is too late. But much as noxious stimuli might indicate danger (the Lidocaine shot is an exception--well, you may decide), the absence of pain means little; in consideration of the fact that many disease processes are silent until symptoms arise. Hypertension, like many other diseases, has been dubbed the silent killer due to the possibility of leading to sudden fatal outcomes (eg. cerebral vascular accident/stroke) without prior warning. Similarly, tooth decay and gum disease can have significant damaging effects without causing pain. Tooth decay can slowly destroy tooth structure until it reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. If the decay is not treated at this point, the pulp eventually dies (also known as necrosis. This is followed by destruction of the bone surrounding that particular tooth. Consequently, the infection spreads to surrounding tissues and even this may not cause pain, if there is some form of natural drainage. Tooth decay which has not reached the pulp can be treated with fillings. If the nerve becomes involved, removal of the tooth can help prevent infection of the surrounding tissues. If the decay destroys too much of the tooth, an extraction may be inevitable. Aside from cavities, periodontitis (gum disease) can follow a similar silent path, until it is severe enough to require extraction of affected teeth. Destruction of bone around teeth eventually causes deep pockets between gum and teeth. These pockets are difficult to access during routine brushing and flossing. As the condition worsens, teeth become mobile, and the condition spreads to neighboring teeth. An abscess may form and cause pain, but most of the damage is done in the absence of pain. When found early, surgical and non-surgical treatment regimens can help maintain optimal periodontal health. With technological advances, the early stages of many diseases can be detected without waiting for pain or noticeable catastrophic consequences before obtaining care. Prevention is the best antidote to any disease. Brush, floss and have necessary treatment completed in a timely early. Dont wait for pain--it might be too late!
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:59:23 +0000
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