Basic Overview of Root Canal Procedures

Preparation

Usually, root canal procedures take two appointments with your dentist. Prior to the actual treatment, a series of X-rays may be taken to determine the degree of damage. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area of the tooth that will be treated, except where the damage is extensive to the point where there is no more tooth sensitivity.

Pulp removal

The dentist places a dam, or rubber sheet, around the tooth to keep away saliva and also prevent inhalation or swallowing of chemicals applied to the tooth during the procedure. The tooth is 'opened' via the crown (the top flat part) from where they can gain access to the tooth pulp underneath.

Any infected pulp is then removed, and where there's a dental abscess (swelling filled with pus), it will be simultaneously drained.

Cleaning and filling

Once infected pulp is removed, the dentist cleans the area then enlarges the root canal to make filling easy - usually it tends to be narrow, which interferes with the filling process. A number of small files are used for the enlargement in a process that can take several hours spread over multiple visits. Teeth with more roots such as molars and premolars take longer.

Where multiple visits to the dental clinic are necessary, an anti-bacterial treatment is applied to ensure that no bacteria thrive in the canal. Also, a temporary filling is used to seal up the area. Where symptoms of infection and/or inflammation such as fever or swelling are noticed, antibiotics will be administered to manage the situation.

Sealing and fixation

Once the enlargement process is complete, the temporary filling will be removed and the permanent filling inserted to seal the tooth completely and eliminate chances of re-infection. However, teeth that have been filled at the roots have higher chances of breaking than normal healthy teeth, and hence your dentist may recommend placing a crown for protection.

Sometimes, the root-filled tooth may begin to turn darker, such as where injury causes death of the tooth. In such cases, cosmetic treatments like tooth whitening can be used to reverse the discoloration.

Crown placement

Crowns are caps which are placed on a real tooth to cover it and hence offer protection to the tooth. As mentioned, these are necessary after root canal treatment to prevent fracturing or further damage. Crowns are usually made of ceramic material, metal and/or porcelain or powdered glass.

To place the crown, the dentist will reduce the size of the tooth and fill up the space created with the crown. Usually, a mold of the tooth is taken to ascertain that the crown fitted matches the shape and size of the tooth. The crown is glued to the trimmed tooth using cement.

Where the treatment procedure resulted in removal of much of the tooth pulp, the dentist can additionally cement a post to the tooth to hold the crown firmly in place.

Post-treatment

With good dental hygiene, the tooth can survive for a long time after the procedure has been done, especially where a crown is fitted afterwards. If re-infection occurs, the procedure can be repeated.

Come to Millrise Dental Clinic in Calgary to find out if you're a good candidate for dental implants or not, where we will collaborate with the surgeon and make a plan for your implant. Call (403) 254-0406 to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists.
Also Read: Importance of Visiting Dental Clinics Regularly

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Rahim_Ladha

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Cosmetic Dentistry Services - A Reason for Your Enhanced Smile

Nothing on your face makes a greater contribution to how you look than your smile. This is why there are many patients who embrace opportunities provided by cosmetic dentistry procedures to enhance their smiles.

However, even if you are such a person, it may be difficult to understand and choose exactly what treatment options are right for you, but with assistance from a dental practitioner, you can get the way forward and select from a number of available avenues for improvement.

There are many forms of cosmetic treatments for your teeth to help you get a better looking smile over time, which is why you need the help of a professional to determine which options are healthy and safe for you depending on the state of your current smile.

Cosmetic dental procedures can offer several advantages, including brighter, whiter teeth, straighter teeth and correction of broken teeth, among many others. Missing teeth can also be replaced, and when coupled with restorative procedures, you can have stronger teeth in the process.

Below is an outline of a few procedures and who they are prescribed for:

Tooth whitening

Whitening is a procedure used to correct tooth staining or discoloration for various reasons. The procedure can also be prescribed if you simply want a whiter smile, even if you don't have discolored or stained teeth. Tooth whitening is a simple, non-invasive, convenient and affordable procedure available at most dental clinics.

Prior to setting up the appointment, it's important to schedule a consultative examination to ascertain that the discoloration isn't the result of any underlying causes which may need intervention.

Veneers

Veneers are another popular cosmetic dentistry option that can improve the aesthetic appeal of your smile dramatically. They are ideal for patients who have worn, gappy, chipped, misaligned or discolored teeth. For the procedure, the dentist must custom-make veneers suited to your exact tooth size and shape as the veneers will be bonded permanently on the front part of your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are most commonly used since they are closest in appearance to a real tooth, and they are an ideal option for restorative purposes, since they offer extra strength/support to natural teeth. They are a good alternative to orthodontic treatment to correct crooked/misaligned teeth.

Bonding

Bonding is another common treatment option where composite resin is bonded to your teeth. It is a corrective procedure for tooth fractures, chipping, discoloration and different stages of decay. A tooth-colored material is applied to give a brighter and natural-looking smile. Bonding can be used in the same cases veneers are used; it all depends on what you want and the practitioner's recommendations.

White fillings

White fillings are made of composite resin material and are mainly used to improve/restore teeth that have decayed. They are a better alternative to the metal fillings that were used in the past since they look more natural and thus blend in with the appearance of the existing teeth. As such, they can be used to correct damage resulting from tooth decay at various stages of progression.

Come to Millrise Dental Clinic in Calgary to find out if you're a good candidate for dental implants or not, where we will collaborate with the surgeon and make a plan for your implant. Call (403) 254-0406 to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists.
Also Read: Importance of Visiting Dental Clinics Regularly

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Rahim_Ladha

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8973041

Looks Forward To Visiting The Dentist - Regency Dental

Hannah talks about how she loves Regency Dental, and been going there her whole life. She actually looks forward to going to the dentist. See more at http://www.regencydentalgroup.com

Preventing Tooth Loss Through Oral Care and Living Right

How to Prevent Tooth Loss through Good Habits and Good Sense

Most people don't think much about losing teeth unless they play contact sports. Yet many people lose their teeth due to causes that are easily preventable. Adults over 35 are especially vulnerable to falling into habits that cause tooth loss.

Research shows that among adults aged 35 to 49, the average number of remaining teeth is 25-out of the normal 32. Older people have an even greater risk. An average person aged 50 to 64 has only 22 teeth left. Those are statistics that need to change. They can change if those adults practice the same kinds of good habits and common sense that their parents probably drilled in to them as children.
Let's take a look at some of the ways that you-and other adults-can reverse this disturbing trend simply by changing a few habits:

Know the Risk Factors

Forewarned is forearmed, so the saying goes. If you have one or more of these risk factors, you may need to take a look at changing your lifestyle to avoid tooth loss:

-35 or older

-Male

-Sporadic professional dental care

-Poor oral hygiene habits

-Smoker

-Diabetes

-Hypertension

-Rheumatoid arthritis

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

1. See your dentist at least twice a year. You can reduce your risk of tooth loss greatly simply by getting proper professional dental care twice yearly. At the very least, you need to have your teeth checked and cleaned. A thorough checkup can nip little problems in the bud before they become serious ones that cause tooth loss. Professional cleanings get rid of plaque, tartar, and food particles that cause gum disease and cavities, two major causes of tooth loss.

2. Brush and floss your teeth every day. To get a good jump on keeping plaque at bay, brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Flossing keeps your gums in good condition, stopping gum disease in its tracks, as well as getting rid of stubborn food particles that evade your toothbrush.

Practice Good Habits

Remember how your parents watched your sugar intake when you were a kid? Now that you're an adult, you'll have to learn to tell yourself "No!" when your sweet tooth rears its ugly head. You'll also have to curb your craving for tobacco and excess alcohol. Both substances can cause weak gums and lead to cavities. Your body, too, will thank you for cutting back. Your chances of getting diabetes or high blood pressure will be greatly reduced if you practice a healthier lifestyle.

A Better Lifestyle Leads to Greater Rewards

Look at your smile in the mirror. Don't you just love the way your full smile makes you feel younger, more confident? With all your teeth intact, though, you won't just look younger, though. You'll feel younger and healthier by cutting your risk of serious health problems by keeping your teeth in your mouth where they belong. Want more information about how to keep your teeth healthy? Contact your local dentist office for even more ways to keep you smiling.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Caven and his experienced team help you find your best smile. Offering advanced technology in Jacksonville, Florida for a variety of cosmetic dental services, Dr. Caven offers a versatile range of solutions for healthy smiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Caven

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Tips for Caring for Sensitive Teeth

How to Care for Your Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you are not alone. It is quite common, particularly among people aged 25 to 30. Knowing the causes of tooth sensitivity can help you find ways to alleviate it through eliminating those factors.

The usual culprits are gum line recession and the erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Fortunately, these issues are easily remedied.

Both tooth enamel and the gum lines protect the sensitive layer, called dentin, which lies just beneath the enamel of your teeth. The tiny tubules in dentin interact with the nerves that lie at the root of your teeth. When exposed dentin meets hot or cold substances, the nerves are stimulated, causing a sensation of pain.

It is therefore imperative to keep both your tooth enamel and your gum lines in tiptop condition. Even if they are less than tiptop now, though, they can usually be repaired with a little extra care. Here are some of the ways to help you have healthier gums and enamel:

Change Your Toothpaste

There are certain toothpaste formulas that contain compounds that fill up the tubules in the dentin layer of your teeth. This blocks hot or cold substances' access to the nerves in your teeth. If you change to one of these types of toothpaste, you can usually experience relief within two weeks. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles helps to speed the process, since there are no harsh bristles to scrape away the protective enamel.

Use a Rinse Containing Fluoride

Fluoride is a chemical that in tiny doses helps your teeth repair their enamel layer. Although most commercial toothpaste contains fluoride, adding a fluoride rinse to your oral hygiene routine can help speed the repair process. If, after changing toothpaste and using a fluoride rinse, you still have sensitive teeth, consult your dentist. There are prescription medications that can give your teeth an added boost.

Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acid dissolves the protective enamel on your teeth. When sugary and starchy foods break down, the process creates acids as well. Try to avoid such foods whenever possible. If you can't avoid them, try to brush your teeth as soon as you can after you eat or drink. Instead, drink plenty of water to dilute the acids that cause erosion. Extra points if you drink tap water. Most tap water, particularly in urban areas, contains fluoride. Sugarless gum, too, helps your mouth produce more saliva, which also helps to dilute harmful acids. Saliva also helps to replenish your mouth's supply of protective minerals.

If you have sensitive teeth, it is even more important for you to see your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can detect minute problems that, if untreated, would lead to more serious issues later. A dentist can also treat your teeth with an ointment that keeps your teeth's roots protected and therefore less sensitive.

Regular cleanings can also help your teeth regain their health. Your dentist can treat sensitive teeth much better with regular checkups and cleaning. If you want to know more about how to keep your teeth healthy and decrease sensitivity, make an appointment today to see your dentist.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Caven and his experienced team help you find your best smile. Offering advanced technology in Jacksonville, Florida for a variety of cosmetic dental services, Dr. Caven offers a versatile range of solutions for healthy smiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Caven

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8962571

Mouth Healhy Moment: Tobacco Risks

Mouth Healhy Moment: Tobacco Risks

When to Start Using Toothpaste

Pediatric dentist Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., M.S. tells when, and how, to start using toothpaste with young children.