12 things you should know about Root Canals

Dealing with excruciating toothache lately? Maybe you need a root canal. Many people ignore this pain because they are basically denying the terrifying procedure and cost of the treatment. There is nothing to be afraid of this wonderful tooth restoration treatment. To put your concerns at ease here is a list of top things that you should know about root canals.

1.      What does it mean to get a root canal treatment?

It is a tooth restoration procedure that is often recommended when the tooth roots are infected. Dentists will remove the infected pulp from the tooth roots and properly seal the openings for oral health.

2.      How long will it take to complete the root canal treatment?

It is one of the most common concerns of busy people that how long does a root canal take? The time taken is based on the severity of the infection. You may need to visit the dentist’s office more than once to get it done.

3.      What is the cost of root canal treatment?

The root canal cost may vary depending on the location of the infection. For getting your molars treated you have to pay more as compared to the front teeth.

4.      How painful is the treatment?

During the procedure, you will be sedated and won’t feel anything. After the anesthesia wears out you might experience slight discomfort for the next 24 hours, for which you can take painkillers prescribed by the dentist.

5.      How to know if you need root canal treatment?

Apart from a toothache, swelling and puss-filled gums are common signs. Besides, you may notice slight discoloration on the tooth which needs root canal treatment.

6.      Is it okay to feel pain for a prolonged duration?

Slight soreness or pain is absolutely normal. After getting your tooth roots cleaned, the peak discomfort will be experienced for the next 12-24 hours.

7.      What happens after the treatment procedure is done?

Until the anesthesia wears off, you should avoid chewing or biting. After that, you can continue your normal activities along with regular brushing and flossing.

8.      Can the infection reoccur after the treatment?

You should go on follow-up visits so that the dentist can make sure that there is no sign of infection.

9.     What is root canal recovery period?

You will be back to your normal activities within a week.

10.   From where should I get my root canal treated?

The treatment involves specialty diagnosis, so make sure you find a trusted endodontist for it.

11.   Is root canal worth it?

When the infection gets severe you may lose the tooth, so it is best to get timely intervention.

12.   What are the alternatives to root canal?

After a dentist’s consultation, you can think about alternatives like dentures, bridges, or dental implants.

The unbearable pain of infected roots can impact the quality of your life. So why wait anymore? To know more about what is a root canal, and is it the right choice for you, consult Dr. Heidary Family Dentistry which is a trusted family dental clinic.

5 Good Reasons to Keep Flossing

Have you flinched from keeping flossing tools in the bathroom because you came across some article that said flossing isn’t the right dental practice? If so, then take a moment and think how are you supposed to keep the small spaces between the teeth clean? Brushing alone cannot help in achieving hundred percent results. Flossing thread is a savior and its benefits are more than just one.

What is flossing?

Flossing is an oral hygiene habit that aims at cleaning and dislodging the food stuck between the teeth. This helps in reducing plaque and bacteria in the oral region. Relying solely on brushing will be detrimental to your dental health. So instead of a choice, flossing has to be a part of your oral care.

What are the 5 good reasons to keep flossing?

By making flossing a priority you can get rid of the unwanted foreign particles that make space between your teeth. It could be some leftover piece of chicken or a spinach leaf that refuses to come out despite brushing. Some of the benefits of flossing are:

• Reduces risk of cavities:  Tooth decay results in cavities! Though the process takes time, the more is the accumulation of plaque on your teeth, the chances of tooth enamel getting eroded gets increased, and hence the chances of cavities increases. Flossing can help in getting rid of hidden food particles and thus this minimizes the development of plaque and cavities.

• Prevents gum diseases: If gingivitis is untreated, it leads to periodontitis. By flossing, you can reduce the chances of developing gum diseases.

• Prevention of plaque: Excessive intake of sugar and sticky food items, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc leads to the formation of plaque which is a colorless sticky film formed between and around the teeth and gum line. Plaque can harden into tartar and result in gum diseases. By flossing regularly, you can prevent the accumulation of plaque.

• Reduces bad breath:  Trapped food in the mouth gets decayed and is the major reason behind bad breath! To overcome the problem of halitosis (bad breath) flossing is a must.

• Prevents heart diseases:  Good oral hygiene has a direct relationship with a healthy heart. If plaque and bacteria enter your bloodstream, chances of developing heart diseases increase. Flossing is an effective way of preventing any such problem.

Visit www.desiredsmiles.com for more information on how to floss and its importance.