22 May

What Exactly Is A Root Canal? – A Jacksonville dentist explains…

A root canal is needed when a tooth is extremely infected. The goal of a root canal is to save a tooth that would otherwise be unable to be saved without the procedure.

During a root canal, the dentist works to remove bacteria and the present decay from inside and below the tooth in order to save it. Nowadays, modern treatments to conduct root canals are much more effective and much more comfortable than they were previously.

Below, we will discuss some more information on root canals, how to take care of your teeth after getting one, and how to avoid needing one.

What Happens During The Procedure?

1. Numbing.

The first step in getting a root canal is local anesthesia. This is used to numb the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth. This is needed because otherwise, the procedure would be unbearable.

2. Drill.

Once started, the dentist works to drill out a portion of the tooth to access the decay present within the tooth. The dentist does so by drilling a small hole and they use very small tools in order to clear out the damaged and decaying pulp inside of the tooth.

They will also likely use an irrigation tool in order to wash out any of the remaining pulp inside of it. If needed, they will also add some antimicrobial solution inside of the tooth in order to kill off the infection that might be present.

3. Filling.

Once the tooth has been cleaned, your Jacksonville FL dentist will fill the tooth with a temporary filling. This is used because your tooth will not be ready for a permanent crown until the tooth has healed. Once healed, a permanent crown will be put in place.

How To Care For Your Tooth After A Root Canal?

In order to avoid complications, you are going to want to take good care of your tooth after getting the root canal completed. You will want to be sure that you are maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine in order to keep complications from occurring.

You should be doing everything that makes up a good oral route including brushing twice per day, flossing after you eat, and using mouthwash.

How To Prevent Root Canals?

1. Avoid Hard Foods.

One of the things that you are going to want to do to avoid needing a root canal would be avoiding hard foods and things that could present issues like ice cubes.

Biting down on hard surfaces can cause your teeth to weaken and eventually crack. Having your tooth crack is going to expose the inside to bacteria and potential infection which can increase the need of a root canal in the first place.

2. Wear A Mouth Guard.

If you are someone that grinds your teeth at night, you are going to want to be sure to wear a mouth guard in order to protect your teeth at night.

Clenching and grinding your teeth can lead to your teeth wearing down and becoming weakened. This can increase the risk that you suffer from a tooth crack at some point which would necessitate a root canal to avoid infection.

Overall, there is a lot that you want to be aware of if you are in need of a root canal. The treatment is necessary at times when your tooth cannot be saved otherwise. If you implement the proper dental hygiene procedures in your daily life, you should be able to avoid the need for one as best possible. However, sometimes things happen and they cannot be avoided. A root canal is a much less scary procedure nowadays than it was in the past, but it is still best to be avoided.


22 May

Top Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity And How To Avoid Or Eliminate Them

Tooth sensitivity is an issue that affects 1 in every 8 adults. Lifestyle choices and improper dental care, poor eating habits are some of the leading factors attributed to the sensitivity people experience.

The feeling is like a sharp, sudden, jolt of pain that shoots through the tooth down to its roots. Dentists often associate it with the wearing out of the tooth enamel as well as gum recession.

Fortunately, most of the dental issues can be treated and avoided. But the best approach starts with knowing the causes so that you know how to address them. Some of the top reasons for tooth sensitivity include:

1. Acidic Foods and Drinks

The acid in certain foods and beverages increases the degradation of tooth enamel that speeds up wearing and decay. Over time, the wear of the teeth leads to sensitivity that also worsens over time.

Therefore, dentists recommend that you reduce your consumption of such foods and drinks and avoid taking them when you are about to go to bed. That means you should avoid sodas, energy drinks, citrus fruits and fruit juices, wines, and coffee.

2. Lack of Oral Hygiene

Dental health experts recommend that you brush at least once a day, especially before jumping into bed.

Cleaning the teeth at the end of the day will see to it that you remove the food particles that lead to the build-up of plaque, dental decay, and subsequently, tooth sensitivity.

3. Aggressive Brushing

It is possible to brush and clean your teeth, gums, and mouth every day and still experience sensitivity. It is a matter that baffles many people.

The reason for this is mostly the incorrect brushing techniques that can be too aggressive that it damages the enamel and gums. You should ensure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Take your time while brushing (around five minutes) and be gentle as you move the brush over your teeth and gums in a mild back, and forth motion.

When you swish your mouth with mouthwash, use a product rich in fluoride. If you are using water, ensure it is lukewarm.

4. Using the Wrong Dental Care Products

The market is awash with different kinds of toothpaste and dental hygiene products.

For instance, toothpaste with little or no fluoride will not help preserve tooth enamel. As such, using such a product will result in tooth sensitivity. People that have highly sensitive teeth and gums are advised to use desensitizing toothpaste that contain fluoride and potassium nitrates as active ingredients.

5. Periodontal Disease

Receding gums (periodontal disease) are a significant factor in the cases of tooth sensitivity. The gums are meant to be attached at the base of the teeth.

But when the gums pull away, they leave room for bacteria to take reign and affect the enamel and the dentin of the roots of the teeth cause sharp pain when you eat, drink and brush.

6. Grinding the Teeth

Some people have a compulsive habit of grinding or gnashing their teeth, especially when they are stressed. Grinding the teeth together damages the enamel increasing sensitivity. You can avoid this by chewing dental gum when you get the urge.

For people whose grinding is severely habitual can use products such as the Chinese meridian balls to help them relax.

7. Improper Tooth Position

At times, teeth get crowded as they develop. Some are rotated, and this results in improper grinding of the teeth when chewing that damages the tooth enamel.

The turned and crowded teeth also are hard to clean properly to prevent the formation of plaque. Eventually, issues of tooth sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss will take precedence.

8. Broken Down Dental Fillings or Restorations

Some dental fillings and restorations are not designed to last long. They are subject to wear and tear and will create room for bacteria to thrive and plaque to form, leading to sensitivity.

9. Dry Mouth

A lack of saliva characterizes a dry mouth. It is a condition medically known as xerostomia.

The role of saliva in the mouth is to help with balancing the bacteria in the mouth and prevent dental decay. It washes away food particles, thus lowering the risk of plaque. Therefore, the lack of saliva can be attributed to cases of tooth sensitivity.

Consider which of these causes are the reason for your oral health problems and take positive steps to avoid or eliminate them.

In most cases, observing proper oral hygiene and dietary habits that promote dental health, as well as routine visits to the dentist, will sort you out.