Root canal treatment — also called endodontics – is a set of specialized procedures designed to treat problems of the soft nerve tissue inside the tooth. While it’s often stereotyped as an unusually painful treatment, in most cases the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It’s actually one of the most effective ways of soothing tooth pain.

A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells — which explains why intense pain can always be a risk during a procedure. In time, the pain may go away… at least temporarily. Without any treatment, however, the infection will not disappear. It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.

How do you know when you need a root canal? Sometimes, the pain you feel makes it an obvious need. If you feel constant and severe pain and pressure in your mouth, or noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in your gums, then it’s clear you need an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. Another symptom of pulp tissue damage is sharp pain when you bite down on food. Lingering pain after eating foods that are really hot or really cold is also an indication of potential trouble. If any of these symptoms arise, you need to have an examination as soon as possible.

A simple tooth extraction is an in office procedure that can be completed by your regular doctor, involving specialized tools to lift or pull the tooth from its socket. Teeth can be removed much easier than you might think. Teeth are held inside its bony socket by a set of elastic fibers, and your dentist will use a set of specialized tools to gently manipulate the tooth, causing the fibers to loosen and ultimate disconnect. After the tooth is removed, the extraction site may be filled with bone grafting material to minimize shrinkage in the surrounding bone tissue. Teeth that haven’t yet erupted are removed surgically, often with the patient under IV anesthesia to prevent discomfort and trauma. If necessary, the extracted tooth can later be replaced by a dental implant or bridge.

Dental extractions are usually performed when teeth are too badly damaged to be saved, or when leaving a tooth in the mouth will cause more harm than good. There are four primary reasons why you might need to have a tooth extracted.

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Damage
• Dental Abscess
• Misalignment or Crowding

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is normally painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

The sooner you treat gum disease the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects nearly half of adults over 30 years old in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Sealants are quick and easy tooth-colored plastic coated resin coatings designed to fill little grooves in your teeth to prohibit bacteria buildup. The process is quite simple. Your dentist will clean your teeth, then apply a solution that will allow the sealant to stick tightly to the tooth. The first dental sealant to be placed is usually on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum. Your dentist will then paint the sealant on in a liquid form in hardens in just about a minute, and that’s it! Best of all, studies have shown that sealants can reduce decay up to 70% and can last nearly a decade!

Tooth-colored fillings are made of porcelain, which is a mixture of plastic and glass that not only looks good, but is also better for your teeth. Today’s tooth-colored filling materials physically attach or bond to natural tooth service. Tooth colored fillings are strong, yet flexible. They absorb and transfer force when you chew, just like natural teeth.

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
Composite fillings may not be permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular exam, we will:

• Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
• Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
• Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
• Perform a thorough teeth cleaning

Your regular exam will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Each regular exam includes a detailed teeth cleaning, in which we will clean, polish, and rinse your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque that have built up on the tooth’s surface.

We suggest visiting our office every six months to give yourself the chance to talk to the doctor about any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.

Immediately after a cleaning, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual due to the removal of tartar and plaque that once shielded your teeth. But in most scenarios, this sensitivity will pass within a day or two.