Dental granuloma – Everything you need to know
A dental granuloma is one of the more common dental problems that patients often ignore until they experience pain or notice swelling. Although it may seem like a harmless issue, a granuloma can lead to serious complications if not treated in time.
In this week’s blog from Dental Center 4Smile, find out what a dental granuloma is, how to recognize it, what are treatment options, and why it is important to act as soon as possible.
What is a dental granuloma?
A dental granuloma is an inflammatory process that most commonly develops at the tip of the tooth root. It is a type of chronic inflammation caused by an infection, usually bacteria that reach the tooth’s root canal. This infection may result from untreated cavities, poorly performed root canal treatments, or trauma to the tooth.
A granuloma often forms as the body’s defense mechanism to try to limit the spread of infection. Although it can go unnoticed for a long time, an untreated granuloma can lead to serious health problems, including tooth loss or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of a dental granuloma
A dental granuloma often does not show pronounced symptoms in the early stages, but as the inflammation progresses, patients may notice:
- Pain or sensitivity of the tooth to pressure
- Swelling of the gums or the area around the tooth
- Change in the color of the tooth
- Pus discharge (fistula)
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
How is a dental granuloma diagnosed?
At the Dental Center 4Smile in Europe, Croatia, we use modern technology for precise diagnosis. The diagnosis of a granuloma is most often made using:
- Clinical examination: Checking for symptoms like swelling or sensitivity.
- X-ray of the tooth: The most reliable method for detecting a granuloma. On the X-ray, the granuloma appears as a dark area at the tip of the tooth root.
Treatment of dental granuloma
The treatment of a dental granuloma depends on the stage of the disease and the condition of the tooth:
1. Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment)
This procedure involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth and thoroughly cleaning the root canals to eliminate the infection. After cleaning, the canals are filled with a special material to prevent the return of bacteria.
2. Apicoectomy
If root canal treatment is not enough, an apicoectomy may be performed – this is a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth root along with the granuloma.
In cases where the tooth is too damaged, extraction is the only option. After extraction, we recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant or another prosthetic solution to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
Why choose Dental Center 4Smile for granuloma treatment?
At our center, we offer:
- A team of expert dentists with years of experience in endodontics and oral surgery.
- Modern technology for precise diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures.
- An individualized approach to each patient, focusing on painless and effective treatment.
Prevention of dental granuloma
Prevention is always the best medicine! Regular dental visits and maintaining oral hygiene can prevent the development of dental granuloma. Our tips:
- Visit your dentist every 6 months.
- Treat cavities on time.
- Do not delay treatment for a tooth after trauma or the appearance of pain.
A dental granuloma is not a problem to be ignored. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and preserve your oral health. If you suspect a granuloma or experience any symptoms, contact our team at the Dental Center 4Smile. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthy smile!
