Request an Appointment
(972) 264-5795

September 25, 2013

When a patient has a severe toothache or is experiencing sensitivity, it is likely the tooth’s enamel has been breached. In some instances, the tooth may be decayed and a filling is the prescribed treatment. However, if infection is present, the patient is likely going to need a root canal.

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the canals of the infected tooth are opened and the contents of the canal are removed. This is done by creating a small opening in the tooth and entering the canal. After accessing the canal, another instrument called a file is used. Of course, this is a simplistic explanation … there are more steps needed. 

The whole purpose for undergoing a root canal is to save a viable tooth.

The file literally spins the contents in the canal around the device until everything can be removed. The canal consists of pulp, nerve tissue, and sometimes infectious material. After each canal is treated, the area is flushed to remove any remaining matter. If the tooth is to be sealed right away, the canal is filled with a rubbery substance called gutta percha. This provides stability for the tooth.

Each canal of the infected tooth must be treated. If a canal is missed or all infection is not removed, the patient may develop an abscess. An x-ray is taken prior to starting the root canal to verify the number of roots that need to be treated.

Sealing the tooth following root canal therapy can be done with a filling, but for a tooth that has been subjected to earlier repair, the likely restoration will be in the form of a crown.

The whole purpose for undergoing a root canal is to save a viable tooth. Once a tooth has erupted, the nerve serves no useful purpose. Removing the nerve and pulp of the tooth will not cause the tooth to “die”. The tooth will not become shriveled or fall out. In fact, once the treated tooth has been sealed, it will not look or feel any different than before.

Without root canal therapy, the patient is often faced with extraction to resolve the problem. Since keeping our natural teeth is always a better solution than the alternative, a root canal should be performed if recommended by your dentist in grand prairie.

September 16, 2013

The porcelain used to make dental veneers is a composite of several materials that have been studied and improved since the process was created in the 1960’s. Technology has advanced along with the materials providing superior stability, shading, and durability for porcelain veneers.

Porcelain is shaped and strengthened at the dental lab by employing high quality products and a process that produces wafer thin, glass like covers to repair teeth due to:

  • Stain – When teeth have been stained from medications, over-fluoridation, or lifestyle habits, the stained teeth can be covered with veneers. With porcelain, the surface of the veneer resists stains along with the adhesive that holds the veneer in place. Veneers fabricated from other products may not have the equivalent resistance to stains.
  • Chipping – Teeth that have sustained this type of damage can be made beautiful again while enhancing the strength of the tooth.
  • Misshapen – Teeth can appear symmetrical by correcting their shape, adding length where needed, and repairing teeth that have been worn down.
  • Unwanted spaces – The gaps between teeth appear to close when veneers are placed eliminating unattractive spaces between teeth.

Teeth requiring repair are prepared by removing a very thin amount of dental enamel. The front surface of the tooth is “etched” in an effort to promote the adhesion of the veneer.

The cosmetic dentist will temporarily place the veneers to ensure that the shape and color will match untreated teeth. Any adjustments needed to correct size or shape can be done at that time.

When the dentist and patient are completely satisfied, the veneers are permanently cemented on the front of the treated teeth.

Just as porcelain is resistant to stains, a porcelain veneer will not be affected by any teeth whitening process, so if whitening is anticipated it should be done prior to having teeth prepped for veneers.

Caring for dental veneers is easy. Daily flossing and brushing coupled with twice yearly cleanings by your dental provider should keep them shining and healthy.

But even though your new veneers are resistant to beverages that stain like coffee, tea, and wine; and resistant to foods that are known to discolor like tomato sauce, berries, and beets; it is best to limit the potential for staining by consuming these items minimally. Make yourself aware of what to avoid, and your veneers should look great for many years.

To learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, contact our experienced team at The Dental Place today. Call 972-264-5795 to arrange your personal consultation.

September 4, 2013

There are several reasons that gum tissue might bleed. Brushing with too firm a hand along with a tooth brush with hard bristles can promote bleeding gums. If this sounds familiar to you, acquire a soft bristle tooth brush and ease up a bit when brushing. But if gum tissue bleeds frequently or you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, you need to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment:

  • Gums bleed without provocation – You have not incurred any trauma, but your gums bleed.
  • Gums appear bright red or swollen – Healthy gum tissue is pink and not puffy.
  • Chronic bad breath – Halitosis can be the result of many things: strong or aromatic foods like onions or garlic; beverages like coffee; lifestyle habits like smoking … these things can result in bad breath. Chewing sugar free gum or sucking on a breath mint can take care of these issues. But when bad breath is constant, there are usually underlying reasons.
  • One or more teeth feel loose – If teeth appear to be pulling away from gum tissue or feel loose, it is critical to see the dentist right away.
  • Discomfort – Gums or teeth feel sore.

Bleeding gum tissue can indicate the onset of gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. Both of these conditions fall into the category of gum disease, and left untreated can lead to infection or even tooth loss.

There are several things that can contribute to gum tissue problems. Usually the most predominant reason is poor dental hygiene. Oral hygiene to maintain good dental health consists of brushing daily (at least twice per day) with tooth paste or gel; flossing daily (this will help to prevent plaque build-up as well as keep gum tissue stimulated); keeping dental appointments to have teeth clinically cleaned twice per year; and having at least one dental exam per year to spot and resolve potential problems.

Although genetics can play a role, excellent oral hygiene habits coupled with a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting sugary snacks and beverages is a good start. Sufficient rest and plenty of fluids (mostly water) round out the things needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

If it is time to schedule your next professional exam and cleaning, contact our team at The Dental Place today.