My Aching Tooth!
Q. What is an abscessed tooth and what is involved in treating it?
A. An “abscessed tooth” is a term used to refer to a tooth that is infected. When a person has an abscess there is usually an infection which has originated in the pulp (center) of the tooth and it drains out through the bone and gingiva to the mouth. Treatment for this can have a wide range of options and can vary greatly in price and time. Most teeth with an “abscess” will be treated by either extracting the tooth or with endodontic therapy (root canal). The root canal can save the tooth allowing the person to use the tooth normally for years. Saving the tooth is what is usually recommended and done. Today, root canals are both painless and very successful. In most cases, a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) can do this procedure in under an hour with almost no post operative sensitivity.
Mark McOmie, D.M.D.
McOmie Family Dentistry
5999 Shallowford Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 899-1112
www.mcomiedentistry.com
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Q. What are the symptoms for Crohn’s disease and what do I do if I think I have this disease?
A. The most common symptoms for Crohn’s disease include severe diarrhea, that is not only watery but also contains mucous, which are slimy, stringy substances in the stool; belly pain, typically on the right side of the abdomen; blood in the stool and the loss of weight. Symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease may come and go but are chronic and do not go away. If you are experiencing these symptoms, particularly blood in the stool and/or weight loss, visit your doctor. More than likely you will be referred to a gastroenterologist who will perform tests to determine conclusively if you have Crohn’s disease or another cause of your discomfort.
Dr. Richard H. Sadowitz, M.D.
Chattanooga Gastroenterology
2341 McCallie Ave., Ste 400
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 493-9151
Good Cholesterol?
Q. What is good and bad cholesterol?
A. Our bodies need cholesterol – a fatty substance in the blood – to function normally. But too much cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease – the number one killer of American women and men.
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “lousy” or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “happy” or “good” cholesterol. LDL causes cholesterol to build up in the blood. The “good” cholesterol, HDL, helps remove cholesterol from the blood.
Cholesterol values are measured by a simple blood test. Aim for a total cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Generally, the lower the LDL number, the better. Your ideal LDL level should be less than 100. Since the “good” HDL helps protect against heart disease, higher numbers are better. Aim for an HDL between 40 and 59—or even higher. HDL levels below 40 increase the risk of heart disease.
Victor O. Kolade, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Board-certified in internal medicine
Academic Internal Medicine Practice
975 E. Third St., Suite B-601
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 778-8179
www.erlanger.org
Vitamins for My Eyes?
Q. Are there certain vitamins or foods that help you keep healthy eyes?
A. Vitamins, when taken correctly, contribute significantly to the body’s overall health. Since good vision is directly linked to a healthy body, it can be said that vitamins, while not necessarily a cure for impaired vision, can in fact aid in maintaining good eye health.
A recent study of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatments showed that more than 75% of the participants who took certain vitamin supplements were able to maintain their level of vision, while more than half reported actual improvements. Since untreated AMD typically causes some degree of progressive and irreversible vision loss, these results suggest that vitamins, along with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and exercise can help maintain good eye health and clear vision. It seems reasonable to assume that strengthening of the eye defenses by increasing the intake of foods or supplements rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) and carotenoids (lutein & zeaxanthin) would be helpful in preventing chronic aging eye diseases. But because no two people are exactly the same, and different medications can react to increases in vitamin levels, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any new vitamin regimen.
Charles Kirby, M.D.
Chattanooga Eye Institute
5715 Cornelison Rd. #6600
Chattanooga, TN 37411
(423) 899-7070
www.chatteye.com
Knuckle Cracker!
Q. My friend is constantly cracking her knuckles. Is it bad for you to do this?
A. The most popular explanation for the the mechanics of what is happening during the process of “popping your knuckes” is called “cavitation”. When a manipulation is performed of the knuckles, the applied force separates the joint surfaces of a fully encapsulated joint, which in turn creates a reduction in pressure within the joint cavity. In this low pressure environment, some of the gases that are dissolved in the synovial fluid (which are naturally found in all bodily fluids) leave the solution creating a bubble or cavity, which rapidly collapses upon itself, resulting in a “clicking” sound. The effects of this process will remain for a period of time known as the “refractory period,” which can range from a few seconds to some hours while it is slowly reabsorbed back into the joint fluid.
The long-term consequences of this practice have not been studied thoroughly, and the scientific evidence is inconclusive. The common parental advice “cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis” is not supported by any evidence. However, some doctors would argue that habitual knuckle crackers are more likely to have hand swelling and reduced grip strength attributed to stretched tendons. It is unknown whether these effects are caused by knuckle cracking or if knuckle cracking is a symptom, as it relieves excess pressure in joints.
So to answer the question simply, it is probably not a legitimate reason to tell somebody to stop “cracking their knuckles” because it is “bad for them.” A more legitimate reason would be to ask them to stop because it annoys you.
Brian Smith M.D.
Board Certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics
2415 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 624-2696
www.sportmed.com