Focal research is one of the important areas of dentistry, which is aimed at uncovering the source of inflammatory diseases hidden in the body.
Primary cause investigation becomes relevant when a patient has chronic diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease or even certain skin problems, in the background of which there are often nodules in the oral cavity. In primary cause investigation, dentists use special diagnostic methods, such as X-rays and lab tests, to identify teeth or gum areas that may have been the starting point for problems.
The focus is practically an area in chronic inflammation, the focal point itself is the trigger point of the disease. In many cases, the focal point can be asymptomatic for a long time, which is why its discovery can require a long process. With the help of blood circulation, bacteria can spread further in the body, causing disease in a completely different part of our body.
A focus of dental origin is one of the most common focal diseases!
In dental primary cause investigation, a detailed anamnesis, that is, a thorough assessment of the patient’s previous health condition and symptoms, is given special attention. The goal of primary cause investigation is to find and treat hidden inflammations that can cause various symptoms in other parts of the body. Successful primary cause investigation and treatment can significantly contribute to improving the patient’s overall health, as it eliminates one of the sources of chronic inflammatory processes that burden the body.
Dental foci can be:
- inflammation surrounding the root tip of decayed teeth (granuloma, cyst)
- unhealed root treated tooth, incomplete root filling
- untreated caries
- inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
- periodontal disease (periodontitis )
- residual tooth root
- abscess
- inflammation around the implant (periimplantitis)
- partially impacted or retineated teeth
A dental focus is an inflammatory lesion in a circumscribed area of the oral cavity, from which pathogens or their toxins enter the circulation continuously or intermittently (bacteraemia), developing secondary diseases of other organs. From these lesions, bacteria can enter the blood and from there to other organs during medical treatment and even when chewing and brushing your teeth.
How are dental foci treated?
The problem discovered during dental primary cause investigation should be treated as soon as possible. The choice of the right type of treatment depends on the specific complaint.
The most common dental foci and their treatment are, for example:
- In case of old, bad root fillings: remove old root fillings, properly clean and disinfect the dental canals and finally prepare a new sterile root filling.
- In case of untreated caries: after thorough cleaning of the tooth, the filling can be prepared. If the own dental material is damaged to a greater extent, it may be necessary to make an insert.
- In case of gingivitis, periodontal disease: in addition to tartar removal and dental hygiene advice, in many cases, deep cleaning, i.e. curettage, may be necessary. In a more advanced stage, surgical deep cleaning can also be performed. Treatment in most cases requires multiple sessions and close cooperation.
First of all, the inflammation that had been developed is most important to be stopped and eliminated.
Why is it important to recognize the dental focus, dental primary cause investigation? What are the most common complaints?
Here are some diseases that can be caused by foci in the body.
These can be, for example:
- inflammations affecting small joints
- arthritis
- inflammation of the iris of the eye
- endocarditis
- respiratory and pulmonary diseases
- inflammatory renal diseases
- dermatitis, eczema
- a special type of hair loss (alopecia areata — hair falls out bald in spots)
- blood clots due to infection of the small epithelium of blood vessels
- myocardial infarction
- cerebral haemorrhage
- psoriasis
- abscess of liver
- brain abscess, meningitis
- gastric and duodenal ulcer, Crohn’s disease
- premature birth due to infection of amniotic fluid
- low weight birth
How to prevent the formation of a dental focus?
Dental focal disease is a rather insidious, almost imperceptible disease for a long time, however, over time it can lead to very serious complications.
That is why we emphasize that prevention is one of the most effective means by which we can take care of our health! During regular dental check-ups, even the smallest lesions can be screened out in time, preventing more serious health complaints.