Month: April 2021

Also known as endodontic therapy, a root canal is a process of treating and removing the infected pulp, the soft center within a tooth. The pulp is composed of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that foster the overall growth of the tooth. The main objective of the root canal treatment is to clear the infection and restore the functionality of a damaged tooth. It is also helpful in relieving any inflammatory pain. A successful root canal procedure eliminates infection and protects the cleaned tooth from future microbial attacks. In root canal therapy, a tiny Roto-Rooter cleans out decayed parts from the tooth and preserves the infected tooth.

A general dentist may do a root canal treatment or a specialist called an endodontist. The dentist or endodontist drills a hole on top of the tooth and gains access to the pulp. After meticulously removing the infected pulp, the expert sterilizes the space and seals the hole with filling to prevent new decay. Antibodies are used to disinfect the affected area. If the top of the tooth has to be replaced during the root canal process, the dental expert reshapes the natural tooth and places a crown atop. Crowns are false teeth that are not susceptible to infection and therefore last a lifetime.

How to know if you need a root canal treatment?
The sure-shot way of knowing if you need a root canal treatment is by visiting the dentist. But, there are sure signs and symptoms that may foreshadow a root canal.

1. Persistent toothache is one of the signs that you require a tooth canal. You can experience pain in the bone of the tooth, or there can be interlinked pain in the face, jaw, or other unaffected teeth. Apart from the root canal, gum disease, cavities, sinus infection, etc., may also cause toothache.
2. Sensitivity – that is, sharp, dull pain when consuming something hot or cold – is another sign that you need a root canal.
3. An infection in a tooth’s pulp can lead to discoloration. Trauma to the teeth or harm to internal tissue can damage the tooth’s roots, resulting in a greyish-black look. So, tooth discoloration is another sign that you need a root canal.
4. Swollen gums near the aching tooth can be another red signal that you need a root canal treatment.
5. An injured or chipped tooth can damage the nerves inside the tooth, mandating root canal procedure.

Can a root canal treatment stop tooth decay and save the tooth?
A root canal treatment allows the original tooth to stay in place and prevents further decay. But, the process makes the tooth more fragile. A crown placed on top of the affected tooth is complementary to the root canal treatment. It is a restorative process, and most people who go through the therapy enjoy positive results for the rest of their lives. But, good oral hygiene habits are a must even for the restored tooth.

In case of discomfort in teeth or gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

A Veneer is an aesthetic solution for slight teeth disfigurations such as a chip, blemishes, staining, and so forth. Veneers are attached over the contorted tooth to give an impression of seamlessness and perfection. They are the perfect options if you want to enhance the look of your teeth without undergoing any long-term dental procedure.

A Veneer is a fragile shell or layer of tooth-coloured material that is either porcelain or composite. Veneers are not permanent answers to damaged teeth; they merely cover the visible faults.

Veers are not a permanent solution to your damaged teeth; they will cover the imperfections. A Veneer is moulded in such a way that it fits your tooth, and then it is attached to the tooth’s front with the objective of beautification. The life span of Veneers ranges from 7 to 15 years. The average cost of a Veneer is around USD 1000 to 2000.

Veneers are used most often on:

• Teeth that are discoloured 
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth with gaps

Types of Veneers

• Porcelain Veneers- These are the costliest among all types of Veneers but the best-looking. Porcelain Veneers fit the size and shape of the original tooth. They are attached to the tooth by UV light or by using special cement.
• Composite Veneers- They are commonly used to correct minor chips in teeth or gaps between teeth. They are less expensive than porcelain Veneer but have less durability. 
• Instant Veneers- These are a quick option as they are ready-made and can be applied during the same day as the dental appointment. Instant Veneers are affordable, but as they are pre-made, they cannot seamlessly match the shape and size of your natural teeth. 

• Removable Veneers- They are the latest inclusion within the Veneer family and are a hybrid of porcelain and instant Veneers. Removable Veneers are customized to match your teeth, but as the name suggests, they are removable. They are the least expensive type of veneers but are a very short-term fix for dental deformities.

Merits of using Veneers

The most apparent advantage of Veneers is a boost in self-esteem as they result in a flawless smile. They are seamless and perfectly fit the size and shape of the original tooth. Moreover, you can also choose the colour of the Veneer. After the Veneer is attached to your tooth, no extra maintenance or care is mandated. All you need to do is brush regularly and floss like usual. 

The demerits of using Veneer

Veneers don’t change colour once made. So, while the rest of your teeth will organically change with time, the Veneer will not, thereby leading to an uncanny appearance. However, with regular dental visits, you can swerve this issue. 

As porcelain is fragile, Veneers are susceptible to chipping and cracking. They are not advisable for people with habits like nail-biting, gnashing, etc. 

A tooth can decay while being under the Veneer, causing damage to the crowns and root canals.

We can say that Veneers are safe to use, but you should avoid them if the person has a history of weak enamel, gum disease and the like.

In case of discomfort in teeth or gums, please visit your nearest dentist.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

A common belief associated with infected or abscessed teeth is that they cannot be extracted until the infection has subdued. This is not true in a large number of cases where the best option to get rid of the infection is to remove the tooth. The infection may occur in the tooth’s nerves, roots, or the gum surrounding the area. The method of treatment that is used to treat the infection depends on the area of infection and how far it has progressed.

In case of an infection, the bacteria from your mouth may find their way to the pulp and cause nerve damage. This is why tooth extraction has to be performed to prevent this damage. A root canal procedure may also help in case the damage isn’t extreme. In this procedure, the infection is drained, and the area is sealed to prevent the bacteria from infecting it again.

Signs of infection

Before tooth extraction, dentists look for certain signs and symptoms to determine the course of the treatment. The signs may vary in every individual, and therefore, only a reliable medical expert can help you with the diagnosis. If the signs of infection are evident, the patient is prescribed some antibiotics before the tooth extraction.

• Extreme pain and visible swelling
• The distinct appearance of the teeth as compared to the others
• Pus coming out on squeezing the affected area
• Damage to roots visible in dental X-ray

Why is tooth extraction needed?

If left untreated, the infection may reach other parts such as the jaw, head, or neck. In severe cases, it may even cause brain damage and become life-threatening. This is why proper treatment of the infection is necessary. This may be done by draining the infection, using root canal treatment, or removing the tooth altogether.

Using antibiotics to postpone the tooth extraction is not the ideal solution if the infection has progressed and reached the nerves. In case the tooth has been infected beyond repair, there is no choice but to remove it. After the tooth is removed, some infection may still be present inside, which has to be drained or targeted with the help of antibiotics.

When is tooth extraction not preferred?

There are certain situations such as excessive swelling of the face or stretched oral tissue where the dentist would advise against getting an infected tooth extracted. In such conditions, the infection has to be drained first, along with the use of antibiotics.

The bottom line is that the infected tooth has to be extracted as soon as possible. Visiting a dentist regularly can help you recognize the signs of infections in the initial stages and get the tooth removed before significant damage has already occurred. The risk of developing such an infection can be reduced if you take proper care of your teeth. This included maintaining proper oral hygiene, avoiding substances that may harm the teeth, and having a dental check-up every six months. 

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Every morning begins with brushing the teeth, and every night ends with it. This activity is ritualized to such an extent that we never try to scratch beneath the surface. Moreover, the one product that we use every day – toothpaste – goes unquestioned. A beautiful smile starts by maintaining good oral hygiene. The pressing question is whether we need marketed toothpaste or can we make do with natural ingredients? Does it matter what toothpaste we use, or all toothpaste in the market does the same job?

Toothpaste – an indispensable part of dental care

Regularly brushing our teeth is vital to remove the plaque and bacteria that build up after each meal. And brushing with toothpaste is even more necessary as natural alternatives like charcoal or baking soda are not enough on their own. Experts say that you should brush at least once a day – it is the bare minimum. Does it matter what toothpaste we use? Well, it certainly does. The market is full of dental hygiene brands that produce a plethora of different types of toothpaste. From whitening to curing sensitivity, advertisements claim that toothpaste can do it all. If sensitivity is your problem, then look for toothpaste with potassium nitrate. It is the Holy Grail ingredient that calms the nerves and provides relief. People suffering from cavities should opt for toothpaste with a higher amount of fluoride. Lastly, for removing extrinsic teeth stains, you can use toothpaste with abrasive agents like charcoal and silicates. Apart from working on these specific needs, good toothpaste must contain the following ingredients.

• Fluoride: Toothpaste is incomplete with fluoride as it is the ingredient that strengthens teeth and prevents decay. Because of the emergence of fluoride-infused toothpaste in the market, tooth decay and cavities have dramatically decreased in the last 50 years.
• Humectants: They prevent water loss in the toothpaste. The toothpaste will immediately dry out without their presence.
• Silicates: They are the abrasive agents which remove extrinsic stains.
• Foaming agents: They help in the breakdown of plague and also facilitate the process of brushing.
• Flavoring agents: They are crucial because without them, brushing teeth would not be a pleasant experience. Many children and adults might avoid brushing teeth if toothpaste does not have flavoring additives.

What to avoid and what to seek!

Fluoride and pyrophosphates are the most critical ingredients in toothpaste. Without a prescription, you should be looking for toothpaste with fluoride of at least 1000 PPM.  Ingredients like strontium chloride and potassium nitrate are significant to calm sensitivity. Mild silicates can successfully remove temporary and surface-level stains. But, one must be cautious while using abrasive toothpaste. Particular whitening toothpaste contains harsh abrasive agents that may wear your precious enamel down. The FDA recommended RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasive) in any toothpaste should range between 70-100.  The RDA should not, in any circumstances, surpass 200; because these toothpaste are highly abrasive and can lead to irreparable damage.

Thus, there is no doubt about the importance of toothpaste in our daily oral hygiene regimen. The type of toothpaste we also use matters as specific ingredients more fruitfully cater to certain problems. So, on your next visit to the supermarket, make sure that you check the ingredient list of this indispensable product.

PFA – In case of discomfort, pain, or other issues related to teeth and gums, please visits your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.