Root Canal Therapy

This treatment is generally necessary when the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth, is diseased or damaged. The condition may be caused by a number of situations. Bacteria from a deep cavity can enter the pulp and cause infection or a fracture of the tooth itself could expose the pulp to bacteria. The tooth might be injured in such a way that the blood supply is ruptured or the nerve damaged. Very severe gum disease can also damage the pulp. 

What is Involved in Root Canal Treatment? Root canal therapy involves first removal of the diseased pulp tissue by your clinician, then cleaning of the canals and the pulp chamber. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the offending tooth. Once the area is cleaned medicine can now be placed in the root area and the opening temporarily sealed. However, if severe infection is present, your clinician may elect to leave the tooth open for a few days to allow drainage and may also prescribe an antibiotic. If a cyst or large area of infection is present at the tip of the root, it may be necessary to remove it surgically.

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Mouth Irritations
There are many different types of mouth irritations.
Canker sores occur only inside the mouth, on the tongue and inside linings of the cheeks, throats and lips. They are not contagious. These sores are usually larger than fever blisters and do not heal quickly. This condition is not well understood. They do not appear to be caused by bacteria or viruses. Research suggests that they may grow from a fault in one's body's immune system or from nutritional deficiencies, emotional stress and mouth injury can trigger outbreaks. 
Fever Blisters, also called cold sores, are small sores that usually occur outside the mouth on the lip, chin or cheek. When blisters appear in side the mouth, they usually are found on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Unlike canker sores, the blisters are caused by a virus, herpes simplex. This virus is highly contagious unlike canker sores when the blisters are present. The blisters may disappear but the virus remains in the body. This explains why some people may have recurrent cold sores. Many things can trigger reoccurrence including, fever, stress, illness, injury and exposure to sunlight. There is no known cure for fever blisters. There are medications to help reduce the pain from the outbreak of any of these two. Ask your dentist, or e-mail us at adele@dentallwellnesscenter.com

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Essentials For Denture Wearers

Cleaning Tips: Place a paper tower on the outlet of your sink. Fill the sink halfway with water so your denture won't break if you drop it.  Scrub dentures thoroughly. Ask your pharmacist for a special denture brush; its short bristles clean sides and chewing surfaces, and long bristles reach the narrow spaces inside.  Soap and water work fine; baking soda removes stains. If you have partial dentures, clean their metal arms (clasps) carefully. Ask your pharmacist for a stiff, conical "clasp brush." If you find denture brushes hard to handle, try a nail brush for better grip.  Rinse dentures in clear water before replacing them. At night all dentures should soak in lukewarm water.  Thi takes pressure off your gums and keeps denture from drying out and warping. A half-and-half solution of white vinegar and water loosens bacteria deposits so they can be brushed off.  Keep in touch with your dentist regularly and remember that your mouth constantly changes, thus from time to time, your denture will need adjustment to maintain a good, comfortable fit.  Your dentist will also check for oral cancer, other soft tissue lesions as well as review your home-dental care.

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Senior Care: Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which releases waste-products, toxins that irritate the tissue around the teeth.  It is a major cause of tooth loss among older Americans. Ill-fitting dentures, poor diet, poor oral hygiene and some medications can increase the severity of this condition. It's critical that gum disease is detected early because the longer it goes untreated, the worse it can get.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is painless. It affects 87% of the population, and often victims are unaware.

There are early warning signs, and the American Dental Association and your dentist want you to be aware of them: 

Do your gums bleed when you brush your mouth or toothpick between them? Are your gums red, swollen, or tender? Are your gums pulling away from your teeth? Do you see pus between your teeth and your gums when the gums are pressed?  Are your permanent teeth loose or separating? Is there any change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth (bite)? Is there any change in the fit of your partial denture? Do you have bad breath? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you may want to bring it to the attention of your dentist or dental hygienist.

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Sensitivity Relief:
If someone feels a painful sensation in his/her teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food or drinks, that person has experienced tooth sensitivity.  A common cause of this is exposed roots due to gum moving away from the tooth. These roots by nature are not covered by protective enamel, the hardest substance in the body. Ignoring hypersensitivity can lead to other dental health problems. Because the exposed surfaces are not covered by enamel, they are more susceptible to decay and possible tooth loss. 

* Picture of irritated gum
* Diagram of open nerve channel

If you experience this, let your dentist help you. Contact your dentist.
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Here are a few questions you may have:

• I am bleeding after my extraction and my dentist is out of town. Kelly, can you help?
• How can I check if I have a gum disease?
• Why is my mouth so dry?
• What is the most common type of cavity in adults?
• I am moving on in years, how can I keep my teeth from falling out?

1) I am bleeding after my extraction and my dentist is out of town. Kelly, can you help?: It is normal to expect some bleeding and swelling. Take a clean handkerchief and roll it and place over the extraction site for 30-45 minutes. If oozing continues, repeat the step performed earlier. Avoid spitting or drinking with straws or rigorous rinsing and mouthwashes and above all avoid smoking for the first 24 hrs. after 24 hrs., you may rinse with salt in warm water about 5 times daily. Do not disturb the extraction site, do not play with the site with your tongue and do not remove blood clot. Just keep the site clean. It is important that you maintain a good fluid intake during the time that you do not feel like eating, juices, water, broths and soups are good in first 24 hrs.  Cereals, mashed potatoes, and boiled chicken are good for the next few days.
If you have pain, take two tablets of your regular pain-killer tablets or according to the direction.  If your dentist prescribed pain-killing tablets for you, please use them according to the instructions.  Do not take on empty stomach unless specifically instructed to do so by your health care provider.  If you have any reaction to the medication (itching, welts, nausea, vomiting) call your dentist immediately.  IF YOU ARE TAKING NARCOTIC PAIN KILLERS, DO NOT OPERATE A CAR OR HEAVY MACHINERY.  If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take all the medication according to directions. Swelling at your extraction site should be soft. If it becomes hard, or if there is a discharge or foul odor, call your dentist for evaluation.  Remember some discomfort is normal in the first 24-48 hrs., as is some swelling.

2) How can I check if I have a gum disease?:  To find out if you have a gum disease, your dentist will probe to assess your condition.  While scaling is the most common treatment, there are many prescription rinses available.  Ask your dentist about what is best for you, and practice good home dental health care.

3) Why is my mouth so dry?:  Saliva flow often decreases with age as a result of some medications.  This can result  in a condition called Xerostomia, or dry mouth.  Proper saliva flow is important because saliva contains minerals that help strengthen the teeth, and it helps neutralize the acids that cause decay. Along with proper dental care, your dentist might prescribe an artificial saliva to supplement yours.

4) What is the most common type of cavity in adults?:  There are many types of cavities that are especially common among adults, such as root decay, decay around fillings, and cavities from dry mouth.  Ask your dentist if you think you are at risk

5) I am moving on in years, how can I keep my teeth from falling out?: As we age, changes occur in our bodies - subtle things like graying hair, aches, pains and wrinkles and it is not different with your mouth.  With advancing age, you become more susceptible to conditions that can seriously affect your dental health. Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which releases waste-products, toxins that irritate the tissue around the teeth.  It is a major cause of tooth loss among older Americans. Ill-fitting dentures, poor diet, poor oral hygiene and some medications can increase the severity of this condition. It's critical that gum disease be detected early because the longer it goes untreated, the worse it can get.
 

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