Tag: tooth

Unlock Your Smile with Endodontics

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry designed to care for the pulp and tissues within the root of a tooth. The pulp contains the life force of the tooth including the connective tissues, nerve endings, and blood vessels of the tooth. If for any reason it is damaged, it will need to be carefully extracted to ensure the tooth can still function.

If a tooth has suffered from pulp infection, an endodontics treatment such as a root canal therapy will be needed. Endodontics specializes in pulps as it is a branch of dentistry designed to save damaged and broken teeth. Endodontists receive an additional 2 years of advanced training past medical school to allow them to perform complex medical procedures and surgeries that otherwise would require tooth extraction. Through the use of a complex treatment such as a root canal, endodontic treatments may allow teeth to function properly even after their pulps have been removed. Each year in the United States, endodontist save millions of teeth for numerous endodontics surgeries and treatments including root canals.

Visit [practice_name] today for an endodontic treatment. We can be reached by scheduling an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at our dentist office in [city], [state] by calling us at [phone].

Choosing a Composite Filling For Your Smile

A cavity in your tooth can cause many problems if left untreated. Not only can a cavity become painful, it can also cause bad breath, and can lead to the loss of your tooth. Depending on where the tooth is located, you may have the option of using a composite filling to address your cavity. If you have a cavity that is readily visible by other people, you can talk to Dr. [doctor_name] about a composite filling.

A composite filling is actually a resin of plastic and powdered glass. The advantage to using a composite filling is that the dentist can color it to match the surface of the rest of your tooth, making it far less obvious to others.

After your dentist has removed the decayed tooth material, [heshe] will mix a resin that has been colored to match your tooth. The process of placing a composite filling will take longer than other fillings, since the tooth needs to be kept dry during the process. Additionally, composite fillings are placed in layers to give them added strength, and each of those layers need to be cured with a special light.

Composite fillings work best for teeth that do not receive a great deal of pressure from chewing, and are usually reserved for use on the front teeth. All fillings need to be replaced eventually; but, with the proper care a composite filling can last over five years. You will need to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your regular cleanings and exams.

If you are in need of a filling and would like to see if a composite filling will work for you, we will be happy to see you. To make an appointment at [practice_name] in [city], [state], call [phone] today.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

Every part of your tooth is important and serves a purpose. In particular, the pulp is a vital part of your tooth since it contains the blood vessels and nerves that keep your teeth healthy, and the tissue that helps connect your teeth to your gums. However, from to time the pulp can become infected, and needs to be removed. The infection is the result of your tooth being compromised. This can happen as the result of a cavity, a trauma such as a crack or break in the tooth, damage to the tooth that is too small to see, or even repeated dental work on the tooth. Symptoms of infected tooth pulp usually include pain, sensitivity, and tender and swollen gums.

The process of removing the infected pulp is called a root canal. While the infected pulp is removed, your tooth can be repaired and continue to serve you. Your dentist will take an x-ray and do an examination to determine if a root canal is needed. If a root canal is required, the dentist will make an opening in your tooth, remove the diseased pulp, and clean the area. The dentist will then shape and enlarge the chamber before filling it with what is called a gutta-percha, which is the material that will take the place of the pulp. The tooth will be sealed and if necessary, your dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect it.

With the the advances in modern dentistry, the tooth can last for the rest of your life. You will still need to brush and floss, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and exams. If you have a toothache, are experiencing the symptoms of infected tooth pulp, or if it is time for your regular dental appointment, our dentist, Dr, [doctor_name] will be happy to see you. To make an appointment at [practice_name] in [city], [state], give us a call at [phone]. We look forward to seeing you.

Flossing is Vital to Oral Health

Did you know, brushing without flossing, is like clearing the dishes from the table without wiping down the table? If you think about it, flossing is the key factor to keeping your teeth clean. For example, brushing your teeth is great for cleaning the sides and of your teeth. Flossing scrubs each tooth and along the gumline, removing food particles and plaque between each tooth as you go. That is why flossing is essential to great oral health.

To help you find a floss that’s right for you, our team at [practice_name] in [city], [state], is here to give you different kinds of floss. These kids include:

-Unwaxed floss: Unwaxed floss is a traditional kind of floss. They are great to use if you have a little space between your teeth.
-Waxed floss: Waxed floss is popular when your teeth are closer together. The wax helps the floss slide between the teeth and along the gumline easier.
-Water flosser: A water flosser has become extremely popular. This flosser forces water between your teeth and along your gum line, similar to a pressure washer. This is also a popular option.
-Dental picks: Dental picks are convenient for many because you don’t have to wind the floss around your fingers. They are easy to use and can go gently between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles.

With so many options to choose from, flossing has never been easier. If you still have questions about your oral health, please call us today at [phone]. Our friendly staff is happy to take your call.

How to Treat a Cracked Tooth

Have you ever bitten into one of your favorite foods and heard a crack? As you can probably know—or can at least guess—this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. Sadly, many people feel that they can wait to have this problem addressed, but we recommend looking for treatment immediately.

Sadly, a cracked tooth could be caused by a cavity. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to cover the weakened tooth with a crown. You see, if you don’t care for a cracked tooth, your crack could slowly extend to the root of your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll be more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.

However, while visiting a dentist as soon as possible is important, you may need to wait a few days. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate any discomfort while you wait. For instance, you could place gauze on the cracked tooth or apply a cold pack to your cheek to alleviate pain and swelling. You may also consider using dental cement, which you should be able to find at your local drugstore.

When you do visit our dentist, we’ll assess the state of your mouth and offer you any personalized advice you need. Sometimes, for a minor crack, you’ll just need to have your tooth smoothed out. At other times, our team will fill the crack with specialized filling material. More serious breaks may need root canal therapy and will usually be covered by a crown.

Do you have more questions about the causes of a cracked tooth—or about how you may be able to address the problem? Are you interested in learning more about the care you can receive from our team? Would you simply like to schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name]? If so, we invite you to give [practice_name] a call a [phone]. We’re eager to hear from you!

Tooth-Friendly Desserts

Do you have a sweet tooth that you just can’t seem to satisfy? If so, you’re probably doing some serious damage to your teeth. Foods high in sugar, citrus, foods that are sticky or crunchy, certain coffees, soda, and sports drinks all do a number on the enamel that protects your teeth.

So how can you combat your desire for sweet foods without putting the health of your teeth at risk? Try a few of these tooth-friendly desserts.

Savory Cheeseballs
Did you know that cheese is actually very good for your teeth? Cheese consumption stimulates saliva, which fights tooth decay. The calcium present in cheese also helps replaces minerals leached from your teeth by other foods.

Yogurt
While you may not think of yogurt as the best dessert option, you can “dress it up” to be plenty sweet. Top your yogurt off with berries, nuts, or granola, and you have a sweet treat that its full of calcium, phosphates, and natural sugars and fibers that stimulate saliva production.

Sugar-free Blueberry Muffins
Blueberries have plenty of natural sugar. If you bake blueberry muffins, but forgo adding the suggested extra sugar, you’ll end up with “skinny” blueberry muffins that have mostly natural ingredients. Once again, the fruit is great for your teeth.

Satisfying your sweet tooth and keeping all of your teeth healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up sweet foods. If you have more questions on foods that are tooth-friendly, call Dr. [doctor_name] today for more information.