Root Canals Explained

Root canals are common dental procedures, even though many people are very nervous about them. Understanding what it is, the process, and the reason it cannot be avoided in most cases may help eliminate the fear associated with root canal treatment.

What is it?
A root canal is a cone-shaped channel made up of soft tissue that runs from the surface of a tooth, through the tooth, and all the way into the root. The main nerves in a tooth are located there, which means it can be very painful if diseased. A root canal procedure involves totally removing the damaged soft tissue and replacing it with artificial filler.

Why is it needed?
When a tooth is infected or severely decayed, a root canal is the best option to prevent the spread of infection or further decay. It is sometimes the only way to save a tooth from loss.

What is involved?
Since sensitive nerves are involved, anesthetic is required to make treatment comfortable. Usually local anesthetic is used to allow the dentist to drill though the tooth and remove damaged tissue. Once all of the soft tissue is extracted, the space is filled with rubbery cement. The dentist will ensure no air pockets exist, and afterwards the hole is permanently sealed. Any remaining cavity in the top of the tooth will then be filled as needed.

Does it hurt?
Root canal procedures have a reputation of being very unpleasant. In most cases because anesthetic is used, treatment is not unlike getting a filling. Sometimes patients experience slight pain for a couple of days afterwards, but it is usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Some of the bad connotations with treatment have to do with the lengthy time in the dental chair, which can be especially nerve-wracking for those prone to dental anxiety.

Are there other options?
Most dentists believe that root canal treatment is the best choice in removing disease and decay and saving the tooth. Sometimes antibiotics are tried alone to take care of an infection, but many dentists feel this approach may not be sufficient and then it can be too late to save the tooth later with root canal treatment.

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Examining Cosmetic Dentistry

Recreating your smile is possible with the help of a dentist. This branch of dentistry primarily focuses on the aesthetics of your oral features, although some of the treatments can also improve your oral health as well. There are a variety of procedures offered by dentists to transform your smile, and enhance your confidence at the same time. Here are some popular choices.

Whitening
Teeth become discolored with age, medications, staining foods and drinks, and nicotine. Brightening your smile is possible through home methods or professional treatments at your dentist’s office. Professional methods are quick and effective in whitening your teeth multiple shades.

Veneers
Thin porcelain shells called veneers can be securely bonded to the fronts of your teeth to provide a whole new look. The shape and color or your teeth can be improved, as well as problems like chips and gaps will be hidden. Veneers are durable and stain-resistant.

Contouring
Your dentist can reshape teeth that are uneven by contouring them into the ideal shape. It can also adjust bite problem that tend to accompany habitual biting inside your mouth. Contouring can be effective depending on the condition and age of your teeth.

Bonding
Tooth-colored material may be used to fill gaps, change color, or restore chips in your teeth. It is securely bonded to your teeth to create a symmetrical look and more appealing smile.

Crowns
Cosmetic dentists also can place a crown, sometimes called a cap, on the top of a tooth to extend its life and restore the appearance of a damaged tooth. Crowns are one of the most durable options, although some patients consider this the last resort due to time requirements, cost, and periodic maintenance.

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Coping with TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is an uncomfortable problem that leaves patients in search of remedies to help them cope. It involves the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. The joint is located in front of each of your ears, and allows your jaw to smoothly move in all directions so that you can eat, speak, and yawn. When problems occur with the joint or its corresponding muscles, a number of symptoms can occur including jaw pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and more.

The first course of action is to try to determine the root cause of your TMJ issues. Sometimes an accident or head trauma can trigger TMJ. Teeth grinding is a common cause of TMJ, and arthritis is another source of symptoms. Your dentist can help identify the issues behind your TMJ so that the most effective treatment can begin.

Since TMJ often leads to chronic symptoms, patients turn to a variety of methods for relief. Some of the techniques include non-medicinal approaches like acupuncture and meditation. Such methods don’t typically provide long-term benefits, but can help you better handle the chronic pain. Here are some other common ways that patients address TMJ:

  • Pain medication – over-the-counter medicines or stronger prescription drugs are often the first place TMJ sufferers turn. It’s important to be aware of psychological or physical addictions to medications, as well as any associated health problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, or other organs.
  • Splints – bite splints or appliances are used to realign your bite. After your dentist examines how your teeth come together, a custom appliance can be made to hold your jaw in a more correct position. It is not uncommon for a bite splint to provide immediate relief to TMJ sufferers. At first, you may need to wear the appliance all the time, but after a while only night wear may be needed.
  • Surgery – severe cases of TMJ may warrant surgery. Most dentists and patients want to exhaust all other treatment methods before undertaking invasive surgery.

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Sedation Dentistry Makes it Easy

Even though most dental treatment involves minimal pain, there is often a negative stigma attached with going to the dentist. This is one reason that sedation dentistry has become a popular option in dental care. It allows you to be comfortable and confident about getting the treatment you need in an effective and timely manner.

What is sedation dentistry?
The basic definition of sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives prior to undergoing dental procedures. The goal is to reduce the pain and anxiety that can accompany dental work. The amount of sedation varies from patient to patient:

  • Minimal sedation lowers anxiety, nervousness, and pain. You will remain conscious throughout the procedure, and able to respond to questions and commands.
  • Moderate sedation causes considerable relaxation and eliminates pain almost completely. You will be awake but drowsy, and the dentist must provide very clear directions in order for you to be able to respond to questions or requests.
  • Deep sedation completely decreases your level of alertness, and the dentist must handle all aspects of the process because you will rarely be able to respond while under deep sedation.

Who is a good candidate?
Most patients are candidates for sedation dentistry. Sedation techniques give patients who might be inclined to neglect dental care a chance to successfully experience dental procedures. As with any sedation procedure, inform your dentist of allergies, medications, and previous reactions to sedation so that the right method can be selected for you.

What are the benefits?
Sedation dentistry reduces pain during procedures and increases your comfort level. It saves time for both you and the dentist, because you are often able to undergo multiple procedures during the same appointment. Since many types of sedation can be given orally, patients with aversions to needles don’t have to worry about that aspect of treatment. Another benefit is that many patients don’t remember what happened while sedated, so there are no lingering memories of pain or anxiety. That contributes to a willingness to seek dental treatment in the future as well.

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Dry Mouth Does More than Annoy You

Everyone experiences dry mouth occasionally, but some people are plagued with it almost constantly. If you have the continuous feeling that your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva, it impacts your chewing, swallowing, digestion, speech, and can harm your teeth.

What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
People with chronic dry mouth have a dry, sticky, or burning feeling inside the mouth. Your throat may also be dry and you often feel thirsty. You may have trouble eating and speaking, and bad breath is common. Your lips chap easily and your tongue can feel rough, and you might develop mouth sores.

What causes it?
Breathing through your mouth while asleep is a common cause for dry mouth, as is taking medications that have dry mouth as a side effect. Some diseases also contribute to dry mouth, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy also are triggers. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are other common causes for dry mouth symptoms.

How can it hurt my teeth?
Saliva in your mouth rinses away food particles and neutralizes acids that lead to tooth decay. When you don’t have enough saliva, your risk for cavities increases. You also are more likely to develop fungal and bacterial infections.

What can I do about it?
Treatments for dry mouth depend on what’s causing it. Here are some tips:

  • Ask your dentist about devices to help keep your mouth closed during sleep.
  • Ask your doctor if any of your medications are linked to dry mouth. If so, find out if there’s a possibility to change your medication or the dosage to decrease your symptoms.
  • Sip water frequently or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow.
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Try some of the over-the-counter products that are designed to keep your mouth wet.
  • Ask your dentist about oral rinses or medications that might help stimulate your salivary glands.

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Reasons to Consider Veneers

You can have a perfect smile just like the movie stars, because many celebrities turn to a treatment that you can obtain at your own dentist. The route to beautiful teeth is often through porcelain veneers, which can hide all sorts of dental problems and give you a whole new attitude along with a brilliant smile.

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front surface of your teeth. They are customized just for you, so they provide the exact fit and appearance that works for your face shape and coloring. The strong porcelain covers are adhered with special glue that makes them very durable and long-lasting.

There are numerous reasons that people turn to veneers:

  • Discoloration – bleaching your teeth can only do so much, so severely discolored teeth can be hidden with veneers. You and your dentist can choose the color of your veneers to get the look you’d like.
  • Youthful look – a bright, appealing smile can make you look younger.
  • Gaps – close any gaps in your smile with perfectly aligned veneers.
  • Natural solution – porcelain reflects light just like natural teeth, contributing to a very natural look. Others probably won’t even know you have veneers.
  • Damage – broken, worn, or chipped teeth are covered with veneers that are shaped perfectly and resistant to breaking.
  • Unevenness – if some of your teeth are larger or smaller than others, your uneven smile will disappear underneath straight veneers.
  • Material – long-lasting porcelain resists stains, giving you a smile that will stay as fresh and pretty as the day you got the veneers.

If these reasons to get veneers appeal to you, make an appointment to see a qualified dentist. Look for a professional with experience with veneers, and ask to see before and after pictures of other patients who have gotten them. You can see for yourself if the transformation is what you’d like to see in your own smile.

Cosmetic dentist in Toronto offering porcelain veneers for a beautiful smile!