Monday 18 December 2017

Homeopathy and Dental Pain

Although Arnica is the major remedy in dentistry many other remedies are in fact used.  Homeopathic remedies are proving valuable in making treatments more comfortable. For instance, when local anaesthetics are used, Chamomilla is an excellent antidote. Patients can begin taking it every fifteen minutes after dental treatment is completed to reduce the numbness.

Ledum is particularly important for people who have soreness from the local anaesthetic needle (puncture wound) in the area of the injection.

Another problem is sensitivity. Since almost any preparation of the tooth can involve minute nerve tubules, these fibres rather than the main nerve of the tooth are often sensitive after treatment. Bonding restoratives and other materials used in these techniques often cause some post-operative sensitivity. Two homeopathic remedies are beneficial here: Hypericum because of its nerve injury healing properties is also very useful after root canal therapy, and Magnesium phosphorus, which is often referred to as the “homeopathic aspirin”.

Long appointments 
Modern dentistry can accomplish much more in less time, and it is not unusual for a dentist to do in one appointment what he used to do in half a dozen appointments years ago. The trend in modern high tech treatment is towards “cosmetic” dentistry: “Hollywood” smiles, porcelain crowns, inlays, facings and tooth whitening. These procedures improve and enhance appearance and increase confidence and can have a very positive effect on personality.
However keeping the mouth open for extended periods does cause problems for some patients. Magnesium phosphorus or Causticum may be prescribed to relieve cramping of the jaw or inability to open the mouth. Arnica should also be given if there is soreness or bruising. For a soothing mouthwash try a few drops of Hypercal (Hypericum and Calendula tincture) in a small glass of warm water to relieve dryness and make the mouth feel much more comfortable after any dental procedures, particularly those involving surgery.

Remedies for children
Chamomilla is a remedy most used for teething infants. Frustrated parents have discovered that a teething fractious baby very often falls asleep after a dose of Chamomilla. However it is better to prevent the trouble by looking out for a rise in the baby’s temperature (reddened cheeks) and not giving any milk to drink after mid-day. It is the combination of the growing tooth and the curdling of the milk in the stomach, caused by the raised temperature, that really troubles the baby. The growing tooth by itself will not be a problem. Chamomilla also helps soothe an irritable child and even children with painful abscesses respond to this remedy.

Oral surgery
After surgery Silica 6 twice daily is useful to help root fragments or splinters of bone exfoliate. Ruta is tremendously helpful in implant surgery, particularly when the bone is surgically prepared for the implant. If you have had implants inserted do not take Silica as this may cause the implant to be rejected.

Pain and/or swelling
This must be the most common emergency after dental treatment. Arnica is the remedy here. You can anticipate trouble by always taking an Arnica tablet just before entering the surgery and taking another as soon as you leave, if there has been any treatment done under local anaesthetic, or any deep scaling.

Toothache
Toothache has several remedies depending on the symptoms experienced. For example, throbbing pain will be relieved by Belladonna. If heat brings on the pain, Pulsatilla will ease it. If cold eases the pain, Coffea will help. If clenching the teeth eases the pain, Staphisagria will help. If rubbing the cheek over the tooth eases the pain, Merc sol will help.

Other remedies include: 
  • Aconite for toothache which comes after being out in cold dry winds.
  • Arnica for where there is bruising, soreness and pain.
  • Magnesium phosphate for relief from heat, pain shoots like lightening.
  • Silica for toothache with swollen face and glands, abscess at root of teeth; sufferer wants the face to be warm.
  • Chamomilla very useful in tincture form for acute toothache of pulpal (nerve) origin.
Bleeding
If you have had a tooth extracted and later in the day the socket starts to bleed, apply pressure to the wound by biting on a damp, rolled-up handkerchief and take a Phosphorus tablet. Phosphorus is indicated when the blood is bright red, which it is likely to be in this case. If the blood is bluish, then Lachesis is the indicated remedy. This latter remedy is more often indicated when there is bleeding from the gums from gum disease.

Abcess
If you are ever unfortunate enough to have toothache with a gum boil which is red, swollen and throbbing, then Belladonna will bring relief. If, in the acute stage, the swelling from the abscess runs down into the neck, Myristica is an absolutely magical remedy. When the abscess has occurred before and the condition is more chronic, then Hepar sulph will quickly bring relief. It must be potency 6c. This is very important as the higher potency will make the gum boil discharge through the skin. Potency 6c makes the body’s lymphatic system drain the abscess.

Homeopathy definitely has a place in modern dental treatment. It is not a replacement for the skills of the dentist but is a vital adjunct in many cases, particularly to help those of you who are apprehensive or suffer from gum problems that are not responding to conventional treatment.  Homeopathic remedies can reduce healing time and help ease mental and emotional anguish related to dental procedures.  It is always important to consult with a Registered Homeopath for a personalized consult that wil include customized homeopathic prescription along with nutritional and lifestyle modifications.  

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