Root Canal Therapy is Not as Bad as You Think

Thanks to modern 21st century dental technology, you don’t have to run the other way when you hear the phrase, “Root Canal Therapy.” Root Canal Therapy in Fountain Valley is no more intrusive than a filling.

Root Canal Therapy is necessary if the nerves in your teeth have become decayed, are infected, or cracked. Root Canal Therapy is used to save the tooth by removing the diseased pulp located inside the tooth. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep your tooth healthy. Using special tools and dental materials it is possible to restore your tooth back to its normal function.

When the nerves in your tooth die, they need to be removed by your dentist using Root Canal Therapy. Although some people would rather have the tooth extracted, a pulled tooth can cause more problems that could prove quite costly.

According to the American Dental Association, Root Canal Therapy can last for the rest of your life and is very successful. With that being said, occasionally the tooth that was treated with Root Canal Therapy may need to be retreated because of infection.

Only your dentist can determine if Root Canal Therapy is necessary, but there are some symptoms to watch for. These include:

• Temperature sensitivity
• Toothaches
• Pimples or abscesses on your gums
• Tenderness and swelling

Be aware that you may not have any symptoms at all. When in doubt, schedule regular appointments with your dentist.

You may need a root canal if tooth decay has infected the pulp inside of your tooth. Root Canal Therapy is also necessary if an abscess or infection has developed on the tip of the root or inside the tooth itself.

Root Canal Therapy can take one of more dental appointments and is usually performed by your dentist. On occasion, a root canal specialist, or endodontist may be called in to take care of the procedure.

After your tooth is numbed, a rubber sheet or dam is placed around your tooth to make sure that it is dry and saliva free. An opening is made at the top of your tooth so that your dentist can file the opening removing the pulp from each root. If tooth decay is apparent, your dentist will remove that as well.

Once the tooth is cleaned, your dentist will seal it with a temporary or permanent filling dependant on the extent of the infection. If a second appointment is needed, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, check the roots, and fill it permanently. Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth after the Root Canal.

For more information regarding Root Canal Therapy, schedule an appointment with your Fountain Valley Dentist today. 

Dental Restorations Need to Be Checked by Your Dentist

If you have been ignoring that pain that seems to be coming from an existing filling, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Most people have no idea that old and new tooth colored resin fillings and silver amalgam fillings will not last forever, and if you are continually bragging about your 15-year-old fillings, you could be asking for trouble.

According to the American Dental Associations Mouth Healthy website, tooth colored fillings, or composite fillings are resistant to breaks and fractures, but are not as strong as silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are also more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and are sometimes not covered by your dental insurance plan. Recent studies indicate that composite or tooth colored resin fillings are less durable than amalgam fillings and will need to be replaced more frequently.

Of course, the only way to tell if you have decay under your existing fillings, crowns or other dental restorations is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Unfortunately, not all tooth decay is painful, and you could be dealing with additional cavities under or around your fillings. If you do not take care of the issue, other problems could occur including infection and the need for root canal therapy.

If you have tooth colored fillings that are visible when you smile, you may need to have them replaced because of cosmetic reasons as tooth colored fillings can become stained or discolored.

When you age, your teeth could change. If this happens, you may need to replace your dental restorations in order to save your natural teeth or improve your bite. The old amalgam or tooth colored filling may be past its use by date. If this occurs, you are putting the rest of the tooth in danger.

Your dentist explains that a dental filling, whether it is an amalgam or composite filling, is not used to cure the tooth decay. Fillings are only placed to remove the damage caused by acid attack.

Old fillings are certainly nothing to boast about, and should be checked out twice a year by your dentist, even more so if you suspect a problem with a filling or dental crown.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and have those fillings checked out. Doing so may mean the difference between a simple filling replacement and a costly dental restoration.

Preventive Dentistry in Fountain Valley

Preventive Dentistry is the first step towards healthy teeth and gums, and if you are not sure if you are doing the best that you can for your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you come up with a better plan for Preventive Dentistry.

Most people know that brushing twice and flossing once each day helps keep your teeth healthy, but according to the American Dental Association and your dentist, a well-balanced diet can also keep your teeth strong and white and your gums healthy. Stay away from starchy and sticky foods. Cookies, bread, crackers, and chips create less acid when you enjoy with the rest of a meal. Saliva is increased when you eat, which helps to neutralize the acids and wash away food particles.

Stick foods to avoid include granola bars, chewy fruit snacks, dried fruit, and sticky candy such as gummy bears.

Eat more cheese, nuts and onions for healthy teeth and enjoy tea as resent research has indicated that certain teas will slow the growth of the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Your dentist also recommends that you brush with fluoride toothpaste. If you are unsure about the brand that you are using visit the ADA website where you will find a list of approved toothpastes, flosses, and mouthwashes.

Adults over the age of 35 lose their teeth because of gum disease, not cavities. In fact, three out of four adults will be affected by gingivitis or periodontal disease at some point.

Plaque is the colorless film that sticks to your teeth at your gum line. Although plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, daily brushing and flossing can help keep it at bay.

It is also important to schedule annual cleanings with your dentist. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that you may have missed. Regular checkups and professional cleaning should be a part of your oral hygiene program.

For information regarding good oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you brush up your skills. 

Create the Smile of your Dreams

With the holidays come lots of party invitations, and if you would rather crawl in a hole than attend your work Christmas party or the annual Thanksgiving Day meal at your sister’s house because of your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

According to the American Dental Association, a healthy smile can help increase your self-esteem and boost your confidence.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist for a smile makeover, your teeth and gums will be checked to make sure that everything is as it should be. If you do have gum issues or cavities to deal with, your dentist will fill your teeth or schedule you for a scaling and planing procedure, or refer you to a periodontist before recommending any cosmetic dental procedures.

Your dentist offers several restorative dental procedures that can improve your smile and your outlook on life. Tooth Whitening, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, Porcelain Crowns, or Porcelain Fixed Bridges may be recommended. If you have always been ashamed of your crooked teeth, your dentist can find out if you are a suitable candidate for invisible braces made by Invisalign.

If you are dealing with a gummy smile, talk to your dentist about dental lasers. The tissue laser used can easily recontour gumline or gum problems. This eliminates the need for scalpels, sutures, and return visits. Because the laser is much less invasive, it is gentler. This results in less postoperative discomfort.

One of the most amazing cosmetic dental procedures is only offered by a few dentists in Fountain Valley. Dr. Peter Hagen can give you a brand new smile in as little as one appointment using computerized dentistry and an amazing restorative technique known as CEREC.

This innovative technology available in Orange County can restore your smile back to its natural beauty and strength in as little as one dental appointment. With CEREC you can have your old fillings replaced, that chip in your tooth repaired or that gap filled between your front teeth.

Stop avoiding parties, social events and people, and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Orange County who can help you create the smile of your dreams. Call now. 

A New Smile in as Little as Six Months with Invisalign®

If you have never been happy with your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist. These days you do not have to resort to traditional metal braces to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign® truly is the clear alternative when it comes to metal wires and brackets, and because the series of clear plastic aligners are custom-molded to your teeth, the only person who will know you are wearing plastic braces is your dentist.

Invisalign® consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually reposition your teeth. Every two weeks you will replace one set with the next and so on. You can have an average of between 18 and 30 sets of aligner’s custom made. Straight teeth can be yours in as little as six months once you start wearing your Invisalign® aligners.

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign® is removed when you eat, brush and floss, which helps prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, your dentist will tell you that metal wires and brackets are permanent and difficult to brush. Your dentist will tell you that people who wear traditional dental appliances have a higher risk of cavities than people who wear Invisalign® clear plastic aligners.

Millions of people all over the world have a smile to be proud of thanks to Invisalign®. Invisalign® will not disrupt your lifestyle, is suitable for teens and adults, and is virtually unnoticeable.  

Thanks to dental technology and Invisalign®, you can see beforehand what your teeth will look like after your Invisalign® treatment.

During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth in order to make sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. If you and Invisalign® are a good match, your dentist will take impressions and photos of your teeth. From the impressions and photo’s a Computed Tomography or CT scan will be made giving your dentist an accurate 3D digital model of your teeth. CAD or Computer Aided Design software will then be used to simulate how your teeth will move during your Invisalign® treatment. Once your dentist approves the treatment plan, your new Invisalign® aligners will be created.

If you would like more information regarding the clear alternative to braces, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a no obligation Invisalign® consultation. A new smile may just be around the corner.

The Real Dangers of Oral Piercing

If you or someone you love is considering oral piercings, there are some things that you should know before you or a family member or friend has tongue, cheek, or lip piercings.

Your dentist explains that oral piercings can cause all sorts of problems including infection, blood loss, and gum disease and jewelry aspiration.

The American Dental Association agrees with your dentist about the dangers of oral piercings. In fact, oral piercings could cause your tongue to swell so much that it blocks off the air passageways making breathing extremely difficult.

Infectious diseases are just one of the issues that could occur from oral piercings. The Herpes Simplex virus and hepatitis can happen if you have your tongue, lip, or cheek pierced.

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria and if that bacteria enters your bloodstream after the piercing infection and swelling will occur. This could also cause excessive bleeding.

Because your mouth is moist and a breeding ground for bacteria, infection can happen, which could be life threatening. If that bacteria enters your bloodstream and you have undetected heart problems Endocarditis, or inflammation of the valves of the heart and the heart itself, could be a real issue.

Your dentist has seen permanent nerve damage thanks to oral piercings. Numbness is normal after you have your tongue, cheek, or lip pierced, but that numbness could be permanent. That injured nerve could affect how your mouth moves and your taste buds.

If you are sensitive to metals, oral piercings could cause allergic reactions once the jewelry is placed at the site of the piercing.

Crowns, fillings, and caps could also be damaged because people who have oral piercings tend to bite or play with the stud, ring, or barbell. Damage to gums could also occur which could lead to gum disease, gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

Oral piercings could increase your saliva production. This may cause excessive drooling that could be permanent.

Jewelry aspiration happens when part of the jewelry becomes loose. This could lead to choking if swallowed leading to lung or digestive track injury.  

If you would like more information regarding the dangers of oral piercing, schedule anappointment with your dentist who may be able to persuade you or someone you love against oral piercing. 

You May Need a Root Canal and Not Even Know It

Some people would rather have a tooth pulled than deal with a Root Canal, but thanks to the advances of modern dentistry, you can be in and out of the dentist’s chair in one, or two appointments without having the pain that is normally associated with Root Canal Therapy in Fountain Valley.

Root Canals are performed by dentists to remove the dead nerve in a badly decayed or broken tooth or a tooth that has had multiple fillings. Teeth that have experienced severe trauma may require Root Canal Therapy as well.

You may need Root Canal Therapy if you are sensitive to cold and hot, are experiencing a severe toothache, or notice an abscess, which looks similar to a pimple on your Gums. Root Canal Therapy may also be necessary if you notice swelling or tenderness in the area. Dr. Peter Hagen will thoroughly examine your teeth looking for any signs of pulp damage. If nerve and pulp damage are detected, your dentist may recommend a root canal.

According to Wikipedia, the pulp is located in the center of each tooth. The pulp is made up of cells, known as odontoblasts and connective tissue.  

The main function of dental pulp is the formation of dentin. Other functions include sensory, changes in temperature, trauma, pressure, and pain. Your dental pulp is an alarm system when it comes to tooth decay and will certainly let you know if a cavity is present. However, according to your dentist, once your tooth erupts, the nerve located in the middle of the tooth is not necessary.

Root Canals can involve one appointment or additional appointments depending on where the tooth is located and how much therapy is involved. During your Root Canal Therapy, your Orange County Dentist will numb the area before placing a sheet of rubber, also known as a rubber dam, around your tooth to keep it dry. Your dentist will make an opening at the top of your tooth placing root canal files into each root canal in order to remove the pulp and the nerve tissue along with the damaging bacteria. 

After your tooth has been cleaned, your dentist will seal the area with either a temporary or a permanent filling. After the Root Canal Therapy has been completed, your dentist will place a cap or crown over the top of the Root Canal restoring it back to its original function. Without a crown, Root Canals can break or become damaged requiring additional treatment.

If you would like more information regarding Root Canal Therapy, schedule an appointment with your Orange County Dentist who can determine if you need a filling of a Root Canal.