The focal infection is a chronic, i.e. persistent, inflammation at one point in the body, from which pathogens or their breakdown products produce a so-called secondary disease at a distant point in the body.

Such secondary nodal disease may be:

• Cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease)
• cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Premature birth
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammation of the iris
• Patchy hair loss
• Eczema

For many conditions such as polyarthritis, psoriasis, chronic colitis, allergic diseases, hair loss, etc., a nodule can also cause or flare up, or even exacerbate symptoms.

The nodule is located in a place that is isolated from the immune system, meaning that although its presence triggers an immune response in the body, the immune system cannot fight it. This continuous and ineffective fight, this persistent immune reaction, causes various symptoms, mainly complaints that affect the general well-being and quality of life of the patient: fatigue, fever, lethargy, and sleep disturbance.

Inflammatory processes in the body can also be detected by blood tests. Inflammation is also indicated by an increase in CRP levels or an accelerated sedimentation of blood.

The most common foci are in the teeth, tonsils, sinuses, gall bladder, urinary and reproductive organs.

How is a dental calculus examination carried out?

1. Review of general anamnesis
2. Head and neck region examination: palpation of lymph nodes
3. Dental examination: complete dental status
4. Panoramic X-ray/CBCT scan
5. In case of deep cavities, crowned teeth with large fillings: sensitivity test, tapping, pressure test of root apex

In the case of teeth, there may be nodules:

• Cavernous lesion – pathogens can enter the bloodstream from the surface due to microtrauma
• Gingivitis, periodontitis
• Periodontal disease
• Lesions around the root apex
• Incomplete root filling
• Inflammation around implants
• Retained tooth root
• Residual cyst
• Impacted teeth with follicular cyst

How can an infected teeth be treated?

• In the case of caries, the tooth is filled with a filling or inlay
• In the case of gingivitis or periodontitis, see a periodontist
• In the case of necrosis of the pulp, inadequate root filling, root canal treatment for lesions around the root apex
• Extraction for impacted teeth, retained roots

In light of the above, it is understandable why annual dental check-ups are so important, as the dentist can see every tooth, the condition of the gums and the periodontium, and take a panoramic X-ray so that even the smallest lesions can be detected in time to prevent serious health problems. 

Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to take care of our health!

If you haven’t had a dental check-up in the last year, we welcome you to Trendo Dental for a check-up!

Tags: CBCT, Focal Point, Focal Point Investigation, Health assessment, Panoramic X-ray, Preventing, Screening