Condition Lookup
Category:
Dental Conditions
Number of Conditions: 18
Dental Caries
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Decay and Cavities
Symptoms:
toothache or pain when biting; visible pits or holes in teeth; tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods; discolored or stained teeth; bad breath
Root Cause:
Caused by bacterial activity on teeth surfaces, which produces acids from carbohydrates that demineralize tooth enamel and dentin.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, probing with dental instruments, and dental X-rays to identify cavities or enamel damage.
Treatment:
Removal of decayed portions of the tooth followed by filling, root canal treatment for severe decay, or extraction if necessary.
Medications:
Fluoride treatments (e.g., gels, varnishes) to remineralize enamel; chlorhexidine mouthwashes to control bacterial growth.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 90% of adults and 60–90% of school children globally; most common chronic disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, dry mouth, inadequate fluoride exposure, genetic susceptibility.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment has excellent outcomes; untreated caries can progress to abscesses, tooth loss, and systemic infections.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth abscess, periodontal disease, tooth loss, malnutrition, and systemic infection such as cellulitis or sepsis in severe cases.
Pulpitis
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Decay and Cavities
Symptoms:
sharp, throbbing tooth pain; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold; pain exacerbated by biting or pressure; swelling around the affected tooth; difficulty sleeping due to pain
Root Cause:
Inflammation of the dental pulp due to bacterial infection, trauma, or untreated caries.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, sensitivity testing (cold or electric), and radiographs to identify inflammation or infection.
Treatment:
Removal of the inflamed pulp tissue through root canal therapy or extraction of the affected tooth.
Medications:
Antibiotics like amoxicillin or metronidazole if an abscess is present; analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; frequently occurs as a complication of untreated cavities or trauma.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Deep cavities, trauma to the tooth, cracked teeth, repeated dental procedures on a tooth.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent if treated promptly; delayed treatment can lead to irreversible damage or abscess formation.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth loss, abscesses, spread of infection to surrounding tissues or bloodstream.
Recurrent Decay under Restorations
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Decay and Cavities
Symptoms:
sensitivity near the restored tooth; pain when chewing; visible discoloration or damage around the restoration; secondary caries detected on x-rays
Root Cause:
Decay develops at the margins of a previous restoration due to microleakage, inadequate sealing, or bacterial infiltration.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, tactile exploration, and radiographs to detect secondary caries.
Treatment:
Replacement of the restoration and removal of recurrent decay, possibly requiring root canal therapy if pulp involvement occurs.
Medications:
Fluoride varnish or gel to prevent further decay; chlorhexidine mouthwash for bacterial control.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 50–60% of restored teeth over time.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor oral hygiene, diet high in sugar, defective restorations, and improper dental technique.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with early intervention; delays increase the risk of more extensive treatment or tooth loss.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to pulpitis or tooth loss, potential spread of decay to adjacent teeth.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
sharp pain when chewing; pain that comes and goes; sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods; difficulty pinpointing the source of pain
Root Cause:
A crack or fracture in a tooth that may not be visible but extends into the dentin or pulp, often caused by trauma, grinding, or biting hard objects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, bite tests, transillumination, and dental X-rays (though cracks may not always appear on X-rays).
Treatment:
Bonding or crowns to stabilize the tooth; root canal therapy if pulp is involved; extraction if the crack extends below the gum line.
Medications:
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ; antibiotics if infection develops.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Fairly common, particularly among individuals over 40 or those who grind their teeth.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Teeth grinding (bruxism), large fillings, trauma, and brittle teeth from aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the location and depth of the crack; shallow cracks can be treated successfully, while deep cracks may require extraction.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth loss, pulpitis, abscess formation, and further structural damage.
Fractured Teeth
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
visible crack or break in the tooth; pain when chewing; sensitivity to temperature or sweetness; swelling around the affected tooth
Root Cause:
Structural damage to the tooth caused by trauma, excessive force, or brittle enamel.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, dental X-rays, and testing for mobility or sensitivity.
Treatment:
Minor fractures can be smoothed or bonded; moderate fractures may require crowns; severe fractures might necessitate root canal therapy or extraction.
Medications:
Painkillers such as ibuprofen ; antibiotics if secondary infection occurs.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in people with habits like chewing hard objects or with untreated decay.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, bruxism, large restorations, and weakened teeth.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the extent of the fracture; minor fractures are highly treatable, while deep fractures may result in tooth loss.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, abscess formation, and loss of the tooth.
Tooth Erosion (Enamel Loss)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
increased sensitivity to temperature or acidic foods; teeth appear smooth, shiny, or yellowed; tooth edges become rounded; chipping of enamel
Root Cause:
Loss of tooth enamel due to chemical processes, such as acid exposure from diet or stomach acid in GERD.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation of enamel wear patterns and patient history of dietary or medical conditions.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes to reduce acid exposure; fluoride treatments or bonding to protect remaining enamel; crowns or veneers for severe cases.
Medications:
Fluoride varnishes, prescription toothpaste with high fluoride content.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, with varying prevalence depending on dietary and medical factors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High intake of acidic foods or beverages, GERD, eating disorders, and dry mouth.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early intervention; untreated erosion can lead to significant tooth damage and sensitivity.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased decay risk, and severe structural damage requiring extensive restoration.
Tooth Abrasion
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
notched areas near the gum line; sensitivity to brushing or temperature changes; visible enamel loss at specific sites
Root Cause:
Mechanical wear of enamel caused by improper brushing technique, use of hard-bristled brushes, or biting foreign objects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination identifying characteristic wear patterns.
Treatment:
Adjusting brushing techniques, switching to softer toothbrushes, fluoride applications to strengthen enamel, or bonding for severe cases.
Medications:
Fluoride treatments or desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate toothpaste.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among individuals with poor brushing habits or occupational risks (e.g., holding objects in teeth).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aggressive brushing, use of abrasive toothpaste, and occupational habits.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with behavior modification and restorative treatment; long-term neglect can worsen the condition.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and progression to structural damage.
Tooth Attrition (Wear and Tear)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
flattened or shortened teeth; tooth sensitivity; difficulty chewing; exposure of dentin causing discoloration
Root Cause:
Loss of enamel and dentin due to tooth-to-tooth contact, often from grinding or clenching.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination showing characteristic wear patterns and patient history of bruxism or clenching.
Treatment:
Custom mouthguards to prevent grinding; bonding, crowns, or veneers for restoration; behavior therapy for stress-related bruxism.
Medications:
Muscle relaxants like diazepam (for bruxism); fluoride varnishes for enamel protection.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with bruxism; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, bruxism, malocclusion, and aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with protective measures and restorative treatments; untreated attrition can lead to severe dental damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased decay risk, and eventual tooth loss in severe cases.
Edentulism (Tooth Loss)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Loss and Related Conditions
Symptoms:
missing one or more teeth; difficulty chewing; speech changes; facial sagging or changes in appearance; reduced self-confidence
Root Cause:
Loss of permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, trauma, or systemic conditions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination by a dentist, dental X-rays to assess remaining teeth and jawbone structure.
Treatment:
Dental prosthetics (dentures or partials), dental implants, or fixed bridges.
Medications:
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections (e.g., amoxicillin or clindamycin ). Analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen ) may help manage pain after procedures like implant placement.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Complete edentulism affects approximately 7-10% of adults worldwide, with higher rates in older populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, advanced age, diabetes, lack of access to dental care, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper dental prosthetics or implants, patients can restore function and appearance; untreated, it can lead to bone loss and further oral health issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bone resorption in the jaw, difficulty eating and speaking, and changes in facial structure.
Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Loss and Related Conditions
Symptoms:
complete displacement of a tooth from its socket; pain; bleeding; swelling; gum tissue damage
Root Cause:
Trauma or injury that completely dislodges the tooth from its socket.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination of the affected area; X-rays to evaluate adjacent structures and ensure proper alignment if reimplantation is attempted.
Treatment:
Immediate reimplantation of the tooth (if viable) within 30 minutes to an hour; stabilization with a splint; if not salvageable, tooth replacement options include implants, bridges, or dentures.
Medications:
Antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin may be prescribed to prevent infection. Analgesics such as ibuprofen can reduce pain. Tetanus prophylaxis is recommended if there’s soft tissue injury.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 0.5-3% of all dental injuries; more common in children and adolescents due to sports and accidents.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sports without protective mouthguards, physical trauma, or falls.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable if reimplanted quickly, though success depends on the time elapsed and proper handling. Delayed treatment can lead to tooth loss or complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Root resorption, tooth ankylosis, infection, or need for permanent tooth replacement.
Dental Luxation (Displacement of a Tooth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Loss and Related Conditions
Symptoms:
tooth appears displaced in any direction; pain; bleeding; loose tooth; difficulty chewing or closing the mouth properly
Root Cause:
Trauma causes the tooth to move within its socket without being completely avulsed.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination; X-rays to assess the extent of damage to surrounding structures.
Treatment:
Repositioning the tooth into its normal position and stabilizing it with a splint for 1-4 weeks, depending on the severity. Root canal treatment may be needed if the pulp is damaged.
Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or penicillin) to prevent infection. Pain relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Among dental injuries, accounts for around 15-61% of cases, depending on the population studied (common in children).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma during sports, physical activity, or accidents.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; delayed treatment may lead to pulp necrosis or permanent damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulp necrosis, tooth ankylosis, root resorption, or permanent tooth loss.
Retained Primary Teeth
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Loss and Related Conditions
Symptoms:
primary (baby) teeth remaining in the mouth beyond the typical age of exfoliation (12-13 years); misalignment of permanent teeth; overcrowding; difficulty chewing; esthetic concerns
Root Cause:
Failure of permanent teeth to erupt due to congenital absence, ectopic eruption, or ankylosis of primary teeth.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; panoramic or periapical X-rays to determine the position of permanent teeth and root structure of primary teeth.
Treatment:
Extraction of retained primary teeth, orthodontic treatment to guide eruption of permanent teeth, or placement of prosthetics if permanent teeth are missing.
Medications:
Medications are rarely required but may include analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) after extractions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 2-8% of individuals experience retained primary teeth; more common in cases of congenitally missing permanent teeth.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital absence of permanent teeth, genetic predisposition, or trauma disrupting tooth eruption.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, functional and esthetic issues can be resolved. Without intervention, misalignment and other oral health problems may persist.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misalignment of adjacent teeth, periodontal problems, and difficulty fitting orthodontic appliances.
Hypodontia (Missing Teeth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
missing one or more teeth; gaps between teeth; difficulty chewing; aesthetic concerns about smile
Root Cause:
Failure of tooth development during embryonic or childhood stages, often due to genetic factors or environmental influences.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, dental X-rays, and family history evaluation.
Treatment:
Dental implants, bridges, dentures, or orthodontic treatment to close gaps.
Medications:
Medications are generally not used for hypodontia treatment, but antibiotics may be prescribed if infections arise from gaps in the teeth.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2-10% of the population; most common in permanent teeth, particularly lateral incisors and premolars.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, genetic syndromes (e.g., ectodermal dysplasia), exposure to certain drugs or illnesses during pregnancy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, patients can achieve functional and aesthetic improvements.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malocclusion, gum disease, jawbone shrinkage, and difficulty with chewing or speaking.
Hyperdontia (Supernumerary Teeth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
presence of extra teeth; crowding of teeth; difficulty chewing or speaking; delayed eruption of permanent teeth
Root Cause:
Development of extra tooth buds during early embryonic stages; associated with genetic factors or syndromes like Cleidocranial Dysplasia.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Dental X-rays and clinical examination.
Treatment:
Extraction of supernumerary teeth if they cause problems, followed by orthodontic treatment if necessary.
Medications:
No medications specifically for hyperdontia; antibiotics or pain relievers may be prescribed post-extraction.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 1-3% of the population; more common in males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, genetic syndromes (e.g., Gardner’s syndrome), or spontaneous genetic mutations.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely intervention; complications can be minimized.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Crowding, malocclusion, cyst formation, delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
crooked teeth; overbite or underbite; difficulty chewing or speaking; jaw pain; aesthetic concerns
Root Cause:
Misalignment of the jaws or teeth due to genetics, childhood habits (e.g., thumb-sucking), or injuries.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, dental X-rays, and 3D imaging.
Treatment:
Orthodontic braces, clear aligners, or, in severe cases, jaw surgery.
Medications:
Pain relievers may be prescribed to manage discomfort from braces or jaw issues.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 70% of the population to varying degrees.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, habits like thumb-sucking, early tooth loss, or injury.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; improved function and aesthetics.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Tooth Impaction (e.g., Impacted Wisdom Teeth)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
pain in the jaw or gums; swelling and redness; difficulty opening the mouth; bad breath; crowding of adjacent teeth
Root Cause:
Insufficient space in the jaw for teeth to erupt properly, often affecting wisdom teeth.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Dental X-rays and clinical evaluation.
Treatment:
Surgical extraction of the impacted teeth.
Medications:
Antibiotics for infections, pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen , acetaminophen ) for pain management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 24% of people, particularly during young adulthood.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of small jaw size, late eruption of teeth, or abnormal tooth positioning.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely extraction; untreated cases may lead to significant complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, cyst formation, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, or jawbone issues.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
discolored teeth (blue-gray or yellow-brown); weak, brittle teeth; translucent tooth appearance
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation affecting dentin structure, leading to weakened and discolored teeth.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, dental X-rays, and family history evaluation.
Treatment:
Crowns or veneers to protect and improve the appearance of teeth; dentures or implants in severe cases.
Medications:
Not treated with medications; focus is on restorative treatments.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting about 1 in 6,000-8,000 individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of the condition (autosomal dominant inheritance).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Teeth remain fragile, but functional and aesthetic outcomes can be improved with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of tooth fractures, wear, and eventual tooth loss.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Development Disorders
Symptoms:
thin, weak enamel; discolored teeth; increased tooth sensitivity; chipping or wear of enamel
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation affecting enamel formation, leading to weak or absent enamel.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, X-rays, and genetic testing.
Treatment:
Restorative treatments such as crowns, veneers, or bonding; fluoride therapy to protect enamel.
Medications:
Fluoride-containing products may be prescribed to strengthen enamel.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 14,000 people.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic inheritance (autosomal dominant, recessive, or X-linked).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with treatment; enamel remains fragile and requires ongoing care.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and aesthetic concerns.