When a tooth’s pulp is infected, decayed, or damaged, dentists usually recommend root canal treatment. This involves removing the damaged pulp inside the center of the tooth, cleaning the area thoroughly, and then filling it with a special material that prevents future damage. Due to the negative reputation that root canal therapy has, many patients resist the idea of getting treatment and wonder if there are any alternatives.
If there is an infection present in the tooth, the dentist may first try treating it with antibiotics. A root canal may no longer be needed if the infection clears. However, it takes some time for the medicine to work and the patient may be in a lot of pain, so painkillers might be warranted in the meantime.
If the damaged area is not near the nerves and pain is not a major issue, the dentist might decide to clean the decay out and then fill the space with a medicated filling or sedative. This would provide a temporary filling and after about a month, it would be removed and replaced with a permanent filling once the dentist is sure this type of treatment is sufficient.
Another choice is extraction of the damaged tooth, but most dentists avoid this when possible. Usually, root canal treatment is preferred over extraction. If a tooth is removed, then the dentist will probably advise a restoration such as dental implants or a bridge. Having a root canal is no longer as painful or scary as it used to be, as many patients say it’s similar to getting a regular filling. If the dentist recommends root canal treatment, it’s usually best to follow that recommendation for permanent and complete recovery.
If you need a root canal and you live in the Toronto area, contact our office for a consultation.
Not everyone has a need for a dentist, but you often know it when you do. If you’re embarrassed about your smile for some reason, it’s time to see if a dentist can help. Some of the most common reasons people seek help include tooth discoloration, missing teeth, and crooked teeth.
Discolored teeth
Perhaps the most common reason that people enlist the help of a Toronto dentist is to get rid of embarrassing yellowed or stained teeth. Sometimes whitening methods at home are enough to boost your smile, but in some cases those aren’t enough to remedy the problem. This is especially true for people who have discoloration from certain types of medications like antibiotics, illnesses, smoking, or extended use of severely staining foods and drinks. Seeing a dentist in Toronto is the ideal way to improve smiles that are marred by significant stains or discoloration.
Missing teeth
One of the most embarrassing oral health issues is missing teeth. Not only do people want to replace teeth for cosmetic purposes, but also to restore their ability to eat and speak better. The best way these days to restore missing teeth is through dental implants, which are titanium rods placed into the jaw and then covered with an artificial tooth. These provide a permanent, natural-looking, and secure solution.
Crooked teeth
When teeth are very crooked or the jaws are misaligned, the best option may be orthodontics. In cases that aren’t so severe, dentists can offer other choices. One great way to hide imperfections is dental veneers. These are a great way to hide flaws like crooked teeth, chips, breaks, unevenness, and gaps. They give the appearance of perfectly aligned teeth, and have the added benefit of brighter color that resists stains.
As a parent, your job is protecting your children’s wellbeing, which includes their oral health. Having healthy teeth and gums will allow them to chew properly, avoid toothaches, and prevent other issues like gum disease. Research has also linked oral health to larger issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s.
You can easily watch out for the dental health of your loved ones with these helpful tips:
Start Young
As soon as your children have teeth, usually around age two, start wiping them down or using training toothpaste. By age five, they can start brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Use Fluoride
Getting enough fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Make sure, however, that you don’t get too much fluoride because over fluoridation can leave spots on your teeth.
Develop Good Home Habits
Make brushing twice daily and flossing regularly a priority to prevent gum disease.
Rinse after Meals
Using antibacterial rinse or chewing gum after you eat can increase saliva flow, which neutralizes acid and washes away bacteria in your mouth.
Protect Their Smiles
If you or your children are involved in sports activities, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard. These dental appliances cover your teeth and help prevent serious mouth injuries when you play sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
Eat right
A balanced diet rich with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide the nutrients you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Visit the Dentist
Routine checkups are an important part of good oral health. Schedule appointments for your whole family every six months.
Dr. Cruz is a family dentist in Toronto.
When people are missing teeth, their self-assurance disappears and oral health diminishes. Dentures can allow you to once again live life to the fullest. Designed to look and feel more like natural teeth, modern dentures can rejuvenate your smile.
Patients who need replacement teeth on both your upper and lower jaw will require a full denture to cover one or both arches. If healthy teeth remain, your dentist will likely recommend partial dentures, which fit like puzzle pieces into the gaps left between your teeth. After an adjustment period, most people revel in the stability and confidence they enjoy with their new dentures.
What are traditional dentures?
With this type of prosthesis, the dentures are fabricated in the lab, but the device isn’t place until the swelling has subsided. Waiting gives the gums a chance to heal and ensures that the dentures feel comfortable.
What are immediate dentures?
Placed right after removal, immediate dentures allow patients to have a new set of teeth right away. Sometimes, the fit may not be quite right, so modifications may be required.
Do I need to worry about brushing?
Absolutely. Clean the tongue, cheeks, and gums to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
Can I eat whatever I want?
Generally, you should be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods. When you first receive the dentures, adjusting to their fit can make eating a little tricky.
Will dentures impact my speech?
Initially, you may need to get used to talking with your new appliances, but eventually you should have no trouble communicating with others.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry – Dentures dentist in Toronto Canada
People in the 21st century want to look and feel their best, including their smiles. To renew vibrancy, many individuals have invested in teeth whitening, which can remove stains and create a more youthful appearance. While modern advances have given us much to celebrate, teeth whitening actually dates back several thousand years.
According to research, the ancient Egyptians used a whitening process more than 4000 years ago. Because white teeth indicated beauty and wealth, having a bright smile was important, so they created a whitening paste using ground pumice stone mixed together with wine vinegar. Another ancient culture, the Romans, used urine to whiten their smiles because the ammonia acted as a bleaching agent.
In the 17th century, barbers took care of grooming hair and whitening teeth. The barber would actually file the teeth down and apply an acid to lift stains. Though the teeth looked whiter, this process actually eroded enamel and caused decay. Fluoride and its benefit to teeth were identified in the early 19th century.
Currently, patients have several options for a stunning smile. Dr. Yolanda Cruz offers both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. Zoom in-office whitening takes about an hour and uses a special solution combined with an ultraviolet light to remove discolorations.
With at-home whitening, impressions are made of the patient’s mouth so that custom trays can be created. Patients will then apply a professional-strength bleaching gel to the trays and wear them as directed. Most people notice a change in 10 to 14 days.
Schedule a consultation at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry in Tonronto to learn more about teeth whitening options.
Losing teeth, or even just one tooth, can cause damage to your oral health and your smile. When a missing tooth is not replaced, up to 20 percent of neighboring teeth will be lost over the next few years. Dental implants, a modern replacement option, can restore the health and vitality of your smile.
Composed of titanium, an implant is a small, metal post that a skilled doctor surgically positions in your jaw. After your mouth heals, a permanent crown is placed on the implant, and you can once again enjoy a complete smile. If you have missing teeth and want to consider dental implants, you need to find a good implant dentist. Consider these tips while trying to select the right dentist:
Experience – Because implant dentistry does not fall under one of the recognized specialties, any dentist can claim the title of implant dentist. Before making your selection, find out how many cases a year the doctor handles. As well, see if you can talk to satisfied patients.
Qualifications – Placing dental implants isn’t as easy as filling a cavity. Check to make sure any dentist you may choose has taken advanced course work about implant placement and restoration. Some patients actually decide to use a periodontist or oral surgeon because of their specialized training.
Environment – As you look at potential dentists, ask for a tour of the facility. Make sure they offer comfort measures such as nitrous oxide gas and oral sedation so that you can rest ease during the procedure.
Personality – Often, the best test is the feeling you get from the dentist. Feeling safe, relaxed, and welcome in the office can help sway your decision.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz is an implant dentist in Toronto – contact us today to schedule an appointment
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