1. Tooth Whitening Before Dental Crowns from Your Dentist
If you require dental crowns to be placed, it is a good idea to evaluate how you feel about the colour of your existing teeth before beginning the process. If you like the colour of your teeth, the dentist will then match the crowns to that colour. On the other hand, if you feel you would like to whiten or lighten your teeth, it is a good idea to communicate about tooth whitening to your dentist beforehand. Once the final restorations are made, it will not be possible to change their colour without redoing them.
2. Oral Surgery: The Dreaded Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Wisdom teeth, those third molars at the very back of our mouths, are so named because they generally erupt during late adolescence and early adulthood. When properly positioned they can be a valuable asset to us. When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these wisdom teeth, they can cause dental problems, such as infection, requiring wisdom tooth removal.
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3. Dental Makeover: Does My Smile Make Me Look Older?
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Is the reflection you see not quite what you used to see? Do you say to yourself, "I don't feel any older, but I see an older person?" Getting older is an inevitable process, but you don't have to look older, too.
When it comes to looking younger, there are all sorts of products and procedures available so you can look your best (such as anti-wrinkle gels, cosmetics, skin treatments, and facelifts and day spas). One of the procedures that is the least emphasized, but can have a profound yet subtle effect, is an improved smile from a dental makeover.
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4. Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) - The Facts
Tooth sensitivity is the most common complaint dentists hear, apparently one in five adults in the USA suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is a short sharp pain felt when the tooth is exposed to hot/cold and sweet/sour food or drink. In extreme cases just exposure to cold air can cause pain for people with sensitive teeth. The sensitivity occurs because the enamel of the tooth has been worn down and the dentin is left exposed.
There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, the most common are
- Bruxism - teeth grinding
- Loose or missing fillings/crowns
- Cracked Tooth
- Gum Disease/gingivitis
- Gum Recession
- Plaque
- Vigorous abrasive brushing
- Teeth Whitening
- Acidic Foods
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5. Toothache (Odontalgia) - The Facts
Lots of people visit their dentist with toothaches every year. Toothache is a common problem that can be prevented with good oral hygiene.
Toothache occurs because the pulp of the tooth is exposed, disturbed or infected. The pulp is the inner layer of the tooth which is engulfed in a layer of dentin and then by the hard layer that we see called the enamel, which is packed full of minerals. Toothache can also occur if just the outer enamel layer is damaged exposing only the dentin.
It is very important that you go to a dentist if you have toothache so that they can find a cause and apply appropriate treatment to ease your discomfort.
The most common dental causes of toothache are:
- Tooth Root Sensitivities - oversensitivity when consuming hot or cold, sweet or sour food and beverages.
- Tooth Decay - also known as tooth 'cavities' or tooth 'caries'.
- Tooth Abscess - a complication of tooth decay.
- Gum Disease - also known as gingivitis and in severe cases periodontal disease.
- Jaw Disease - also known as TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) dysfunction.
- A Cracked Tooth.
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6. Are you brushing correctly
We recommend the following dental care steps for achieving healthy teeth and gums;
- Brush with a soft round bristle toothbrush
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Change your toothbrush after an illness
- When you’re brushing your teeth along the gum line, make sure to angle your brush 45 degrees - so it goes against your teeth and gums
- Move your toothbrush back and forth in small, round strokes
- The correct brushing motion is more like massaging along the gum line rather than vigorous brushing
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7. Bad Breath
Millions of people suffer with embarrassing bad breath. The good news is that with proper understanding and proper dental care bad breath can be virtually eliminated! Bad breath (halitosis) usually originates from one of two sources: (1) certain foods we eat or (2) bacteria in our mouths that feed on left over food particles.
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8. Bruxism/Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the technical name for clenching and grinding of the teeth. Many peope who grind their teeth are unaware of this action because it commonly occurs in their sleep or in times of stress.
There are some common signs and symptoms of Bruxism that you may be receiving:
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frequent headaches
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jaw pain
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tense muscles
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worn down teeth that may be sensitive
-
fractures of teeth and restorations
During your regular dental visits, we able to detect the signs of wear on your teeth. Following a comprehensive examination, a custom made splint may be advised. When worn it absorbs the force of bruxing and clenching and this in turn prevents future damage to your teeth and relieves symptoms associated with bruxing.
If you have any of the above signs and symptoms, calls us for an appointment.
Top 10 Myths About Root Canals
People seem to cringe when they hear the words root canal. But reading the truth about these 10 root canal myths can help you get a better sense of what having a root canal is reallly all about.
1.Root Canals Hurt
Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to epxect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.
2.Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist
With today's cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.
3.Crowns Cause teeth to Need Root Canals
Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal,it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.
4.Root Canals Cause Illness
There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness.
5.Root Canals Involve removing the Roots of the Tooth
The dentist removes the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.
6.Pregnant women Can't Have Root Canals
Pregnant women can do have root canals. Having a root canal requires a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen. the anesthetics that dentist use are also safe for pregnant women. Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant.
7.Even with a Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually
If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life.
8.If the Tooth Doesn't Hurt, there is no Need for a Root Canal
While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment , many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.
9.Pulling the Tooth is better than Getting a Root Canal
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. there are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment.
10.After Having a Root Canal, My tooth is Completely Restored
After having a root canal , it is extremely important to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect the tooth from fracturing.
