Root Canal - An Expert in Saving Teeth

An injury to the tooth, a gum disease, a deep cavity or a broken tooth, all can be the cause of infection in the inner parts of a tooth. Internal damage to a tooth can even cause tooth-fall, unless it is treated in time. Root canal therapy is one such procedure which is done to free a tooth from the clutches of infection and grant it a new lease of life. It is better to save a tooth in time rather than replacing it with an artificial one.

A tooth can be divided into several parts. The outermost part or the surface of the tooth is called a crown, which is visible from the outside. This part is responsible for chewing food and is made of enamel. Then there is dentin, which is beneath the surface of a tooth and which contains essential nerves and tissues. The deepest part of the tooth contains roots which are its lifelines. Within the dentin, there is a chamber which stores dental pulp, which is responsible for the nourishment of teeth. This pulp is sensitive in nature and can easily get infected if there is a cavity or a crack that can lead germs to it.

In the event of infection reaching the pulp, its decay process starts rapidly and can cause problems like swelling in the gums and pain while chewing. The pulp chamber has a nerve tissue which when decayed, enhances the sensitivity of the tooth towards hot and cold objects. So if you feel a pinch while drinking cold water, you should consult the dentist immediately as it could be a case for root canal. The operation involves only a few steps. Dentist will first of all conduct a diagnosis of the tooth through an x-ray and identify the problem. If it is established that the infection in the tooth has caused dental pulp to decay, the dentist will drill through the enamel, across the dentin.

The next step will be to remove the infected pulp using a special instrument which fits in the canal. Once the canal is free of infection, a rubber filling replaces the decayed pulp. When the operation is done, the surface of the tooth might end up damaged. In most cases an artificial crown is used to restore the damaged surface. The dentist will hand out instructions on how to take care of your restoration. Usually a crown can last for years but you will have to take good care of it.

The success rate of root canal therapy is pretty good but that doesn't mean that the infection cannot return to damage the tooth again. You will have to take extra care of your oral health to make sure you don't have to go through another dental procedure. Regular visits to the dentist, regular and careful brushing habits are the best ways to keep a check on germs. Quitting habits such as smoking is highly advisable as it can deteriorate the health of your entire mouth rapidly. Contact a dentist at the earliest if any sign of a tooth infection appears and save your tooth.

Westhills Dental Centre offers Root Canal Therapy in Calgary to avoid tooth loss of infected or decayed tooth.

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How to Eliminate Bad Breath

Dr. Mark Waltzer, D.M.D., F.A.G.D., participating Delta Dental dentist, talks about the causes of halitosis and the steps you can take to eliminate bad breath and protect your oral health.

Oral Health Tips That Could Save Your Life!

It may come as no surprise that men are less consistent about taking care of their teeth: that's why the oral health tips presented here are specifically geared towards helping men keep their mouths healthy. From your gums and heart disease to sports related tooth loss, we're offering some insight into how best to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

Oral Health Tips for Men:

• Quit smoking - now. If not for your lungs, do it for your gums. Studies show that unhealthy gums and heart disease are linked, and smoking can harm your gums. It can also lead to mouth or throat cancer.


• Don't ignore bleeding gums. Treatments are available to help you if you're showing signs of gingivitis. But an over the counter rinse won't help you if you're suffering from periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. If you have the symptoms of gum disease, it's time to see a dentist.


• Make time for an oral cancer screening. Though the symptoms of oral cancer are usually pretty obvious, you can still miss them. In some cases, you may exhibit no symptoms at all. Speak with a dentist about your risks. He or she may recommend a cancer screening.


• Wear a mouth guard. Men who play sports put their teeth in danger. By wearing a mouth guard, you can protect your pearly whites from cracks and fractures. You can also help keep them firmly rooted in your mouth, where they belong.


• Start flossing more. Flossing doesn't just protect you from tooth decay: it also helps your gums. It may save you from needing bleeding gums treatments later.


• Learn to brush correctly. It's possible to brush your teeth "incorrectly." Tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle, and use short strokes that clean your teeth AND brush over your gums. And don't forget to brush your tongue; bacteria build up there, too.

Learn about the Links between Your Gums & Heart Disease

Being "heart smart" means you have to do a bit more than law off the salt, or switch to an all-bran breakfast diet. In spring of 2012, the American Heart Association announced that there is a connection between poor gums and heart disease. Symptoms of gum disease may include:

• Red, tender or swollen gums


• Bleeding


• Gums pulling away from your teeth


• Loosening teeth


• Changes in your bite


• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

When you have gum disease, your mouth can become infected. The bacteria causing the infection can spread to your heart, causing a stroke or a heart attack. It's why it's so important, if you have bleeding gums, to seek treatment. You should also consider an oral cancer screening if your symptoms are severe.

These oral health tips could end up saving your life. The American Dental Association recommends that men who take heart medication be aware of symptoms such as dry mouth, too, since saliva can help reduce your chance of cavities by washing away bacteria. Dry mouth is a side effect of some heart medications, so it's important to see a dentist regularly if you're on a prescription.

Dr. Goldberg of Howell Dental Associates received his D.D.S. from University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Jersey Coast Dental Forum, and the Seattle Study Club. His pursuit of continuing education annually exceeds state requirements including the Mid-Atlantic Dental Implant Center and a 2003-2004 Residency in Implant Prosthetics.

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Separating Fluoride Facts From Fiction

Let's face it: fluoride has gotten a bad rap the last few years, despite the overwhelming evidence that it's good for your teeth. Separating the fluoride facts from the fiction can be hard - and believing everything you read can be dangerous.

Here are some fluoride facts you might not know:

• Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, found in natural water sources.
• One of the benefits of fluoride is that it reduces your chances of tooth decay and cavities
• The American Dental Association (ADA) offers it's Seal of Acceptance to many OTC products containing fluoride
• You can get fluoride treatments at the dentist
• The Mayo Clinic recommends fluoride mouthwashes to people with Sjogren's (pronounced SHOW-grins) Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which inhibits the ability to create tears or saliva

If you're still unsure which fluoride facts are true and which aren't "facts" at all; it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. S/he can explain how fluoride and dental health go hand-in-hand, and make recommendations based on your specific needs.

A Quick Look at the Benefits of Fluoride for the Community

There are significant health benefits of fluoride regimens, especially for children. Developing teeth and gums get the most out of the mineral, though adult teeth need it, too. The ADA has been conducting comprehensive research for more than 60 years into the benefits of fluoride through community water fluoridation. Some of its statements include:

• Community-based fluoridation is the "single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay."
• "Water that has been fortified with fluoride is similar to fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D and orange juice with vitamin C."
• "For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs."
• "Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by 20-40%... "
• "... Without fluoridation, there would be many more than the estimated 51 million school hours lost per year in this country because of dental-related illness."

On a community level, the benefits of fluoride are numerous. By providing people with fluoridated water, towns not only save money: they offer a public health service that protects their inhabitants' health - and saves businesses millions of dollars of revenue that may be lost through sickness.

How Fluoride and Dental Health Are Linked

For individuals who have well water, or live in a community where the water is not fluoridated, the health benefits of fluoride-fortified products are even more significant. Using ADA approved mouth rinses and toothpastes can help keep teeth clean, enamel strong and gums healthy. Plus, there's no difference between naturally occurring fluoride and fluoride that's been added to water or dental products: you reap the advantages regardless. Even better, fluoride can protect your teeth whether you ingest it or use it on your teeth. As long as it's a part of your daily routine, you'll see a connection between fluoride and your dental health improvements.

The ADA says that "Dental decay is, by far, the most common and costly oral health problem in all age groups." By regularly drinking fluoridated water and/or using products with fluoride added in, you're protecting your teeth and gums from an array of decay-based diseases.

For more helpful fluoride facts, make an appointment with your dentist. S/he can recommend the best products and oral hygiene practices to keep your mouth healthy. Dental professionals have long known the benefits of fluoride: it's time you did, too.

Dr. Goldberg received his D.D.S. from University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Jersey Coast Dental Forum, and the Seattle Study Club. His pursuit of continuing education annually exceeds state requirements including the Mid-Atlantic Dental Implant Center and a 2003-2004 Residency in Implant Prosthetics.
http://www.howelldentalassociates.com

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Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments for a Beautiful, Radiant Smile

The term cosmetic dentistry can refer to just about any elective dental procedure that is done for aesthetic purposes. This article will discuss treatments such as braces, cosmetic whitening, and veneers, although there are broad range of treatments that could be classified as cosmetic.

Braces are usually available through a dental specialist known as an orthodontist, who works primarily with aesthetic concerns. The standard types of braces use tiny metal wires and brackets that are fastened onto the teeth with a bonding agent. In some cases, spacers are used to create space in between teeth that overlap. It is sometimes necessary to extract a tooth if there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate the teeth without crowding. The patient may be required to wear an apparatus commonly known as headgear in the case of an overbite or underbite. The purpose of the headgear, used in combination with the braces, is to gradually realign the teeth to create more optimal positioning in the mouth. Braces may be worn for six months to two years, after which a device known as a retainer is used to maintain the space and positioning created by the braces. Treatment can cost between one and four thousand dollars; luckily, many insurance providers now include orthodontic procedures in their coverage. Most orthodontists also offer payment plans to help patients cover the cost over the course of their treatment.

A new advancement in orthodontics are the Invisalign braces. Invisalign braces work in much the same way as traditional braces do, with the exception that they use clear plastic instead of metal for a more discreet appearance. Many find the Invisalign braces to be more comfortable, as the patient can remove them before eating and sleeping. As with the metal braces, treatment with Invisalign braces may take up to two years before completion and cost may run into the thousands.

If you do not have any major issues such as overcrowding or an overbite, a teeth-whitening procedure may be all you need to spruce up your smile. Although treatment can more costly, it is highly recommended that you seek a professional dental whitening rather than buying an over the counter whitening product. Whitening products such as rinses and strips often contain harsh abrasives that can wear away at the enamel if left on for too long or if used improperly. If you are going to splurge on something, treat yourself to cosmetic dental whitening such as Zoom! Whitening; the effects will be more dramatic and long lasting.

Dental veneers are another method of enhancing the appearance of the teeth. If you have teeth that are crooked, chipped, or badly stained, veneers may be a viable solution. The dentist will gently buff the surface of the tooth to make way for the veneer, which is moulded to resemble a natural tooth. The veneer will be bonded onto the surface of the tooth, and then crafted to blend in flawlessly with the rest of the teeth. With proper care, veneers can last for a lifetime. The price of veneers can range between nine and twelve hundred dollars per tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry can undeniably be costly, especially if you are operating on a budget or fixed income. It may be useful to consider such treatments as an investment in your health and well being; having a gorgeous smile can certainly improve one's self image and confidence. Perhaps there are ways that you can cut down on your daily expenses in order to save up for your desired treatment. If we are completely honest with ourselves, most of us spend money haphazardly in one way or another. Perhaps you can save by making coffee at home rather than buying a latte everyday, or bussing instead of driving your car. However you decide to finance it, you deserve to look and feel your best!

Most of us have some interest in improving the appearance of our smile. Perhaps it has been something you have been putting off doing. Cosmetic dentistry is now widely available to people from all walks of life, regardless of income. Consider orthodontics, dental whitening, veneers, or speak to your dental professional to determine the best treatment plan for you

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, please visit Dental Implant Clinic Cosmetic Dentistry

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Smokeless Tobacco And Disease

The Effects of Smokeless Tobacco Products on Teeth and Gums

Despite multiple public health warnings many people continue to use tobacco products. This article is intended to focus primarily on smokeless tobacco and the harmful affects it has to teeth, gums, and overall dental health. Using tobacco in any form can harm your health, including your teeth and gums, in a number of ways: from tooth discoloration and gum disease to throat, lung and oral cancer and, ultimately, death.

Smokeless Tobacco

It is a sanitized term to describe any tobacco used as an oral tobacco product which is used by holding the tobacco in the mouth against the jaw and teeth. The product names usually are adverbs for the way the products are put into use such as chewing tobacco, snuff, dipping tobacco, and pouch tobacco.

What makes smokeless tobacco so harmful to the dental health of the user is that the tobacco sits directly in contact with the teeth and gums. This direct contact from smokeless tobacco products can cause the toxins to directly enter the blood stream of the user, making the addictive affect of smokeless tobacco even more severe than smoking. The amount of nicotine absorbed from smokeless tobacco is 3-4 times greater than that delivered by a cigarette, and while nicotine is absorbed more slowly from it, more nicotine per dose is absorbed and stays in the bloodstream longer.

Just like smoking, a user's body actually absorbs 28 cancer-causing substances including arsenic and formaldehyde. Oral cancer is one of the most difficult to treat. It spreads quickly and surgery is often seriously disfiguring. On average, only half of those with the disease will survive more than five years. Oral cancer is diagnosed at a rate of 30,000 new cases each year and 8,000 will die each year from oral cancer.

Other harmful affects of smokeless tobacco use include:

• Mouth, tongue, and throat cancer
• Cancer in the esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach)
• Stomach cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Possible increase in risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke
• Addiction to nicotine
• Leukoplakia (white sores in the mouth that can become cancer)
• Receding gums (gums slowly shrink from around the teeth)
• Bone loss around the roots of the teeth
• Abrasion (scratching and wearing down) of teeth
• Tooth loss
• Stained and discolored teeth
• Bad breath

It typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down teeth, causing tooth sensitivity and erosion. The most common sign of possible cancer in users is leukoplakia, a white, scaly patch or lesion inside the mouth or lips, common among many smokeless tobacco users. Red sores are also a warning sign of cancer. Signs of precancerous lesions remain undetectable. Dentists can diagnose and treat such cases before the condition develops into oral cancer. If a white or red sore appears and doesn't heal, see your dentist immediately.

Users without a doubt need to see their dentist more often than most people to make sure any problem is diagnosed early. Studies have found that 60 to 78 percent of daily users of spit tobacco have oral lesions. A dentist can detect these lesions with an oral examination and will be able to determine a course of treatment.

For more professional information about the advantages of long-term dental care go to www.tupelosmiles.com or http://tupelodentist.com/

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Taking Care of Your Braces

Dr. Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., M.S.H.Ed., national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, shares tips on how to care for your teeth when you have braces.