July 2014 - The Dental Place

July 25, 2014

A root canal is needed when the nerve of a tooth has been damaged due to trauma or infection. For most patients, they can return to work or school right after having their tooth treated.

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where your dentist will clean out the canals of the affected tooth. A dental x-ray is taken prior to the procedure for a couple of reasons. The dental provider will want to verify the number of roots involved and how they are positioned. An access point is drilled in the tooth; a special drill called a file is used to remove the contents of each canal.

The contents of the canal consist of blood and nerve tissue along with pulp. The file is used to remove the contents of each canal, and then the opening is sealed. Treating each canal is critical to the success of the procedure. Any canal left untreated can require the need for retreatment.

Depending which tooth is treated, the opening may be sealed with a composite resin filling; but in many cases the final step to a root canal is with a dental crown.

If the nerve was damaged due to infection, additional treatment may call for an antibiotic pack in the tooth’s opening; an oral medication may also be recommended.

A root canal has earned a very negative reputation … this may have been deserved years ago, however, with today’s procedures this process can be completed efficiently without discomfort. As with many dental procedures, the patient is anesthetized for a root canal. Even though the nerve is already dead in the tooth to be treated, the patient and dentist are more comfortable when the individual is anesthetized.

There is no concern about the nerve being removed from the root’s canals. Once the tooth has erupted, the nerve serves no actual useful purpose. Once the need for a root canal has been diagnosed, the only other alternative treatment is tooth extraction.

Having a tooth pulled usually results in further needed treatment. With tooth loss comes the inability to eat many foods, word pronunciation may be affected, and self-confidence may be impacted due to missing teeth.

Needless to say, a root canal that can salvage a tooth is a far more advantageous over the experience of tooth loss.

If you are facing a root canal and need more information, call our office at 972-264-5795 to reserve your appointment.

July 16, 2014

There is not an expiration date issued for the duration of any dental work. Some patients may enjoy a longer life for their dentures. Many things can impact the longevity of dental work: the overall health of the patient at the time of treatment, the individual’s dental health, and the care the patient extends to their oral dentition and restoration.

Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. will consult with you and provide your best options to deal with your tooth loss. When dentures are advised, there are several considerations. How many teeth are being replaced? Will a partial or complete denture be required? Would other dental services in Grand Prairie be required?

A partial denture can be used when the patient has lost just one or a couple of teeth. A partial denture can be made to affix to the adjacent teeth, which is called a removable partial denture. When the patient wants to enjoy a more permanent solution to tooth loss, an implant supported prosthesis could be placed by The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX.

When the patient is faced with the loss of the entire upper, lower, or both arches they can select a complete denture. These dentures rely on the expertise of their dentist to fit them precisely; if the patient wants a permanent denture placed, implants can be embedded in gum tissue to eventually be completed with a denture.

Removable dentures are treated differently in that they are intended to be removed and kept moist overnight to preserve their durability. If the correct procedure for care is not followed the dentures could become brittle over time decreasing their lifespan.

Permanent dentures are generally given the same care as biological teeth… brushing and flossing daily coupled with regularly scheduled visits to your cosmetic dentist in Grand Prairie TX should maximize their life.

In many cases, when dentures do not feel just right, it may be time to have them relined. This is a process where the material surrounding the “teeth” is replaced – this process can usually be completed on the same day and extends the life of the denture.

No matter which type of denture is selected, the patient is responsible for daily maintenance and keeping appointments with their dental provider to maximize their denture’s life. If there is a little discomfort, see your dentist for a needed adjustment. Do not attempt to make repairs on your own… this can do permanent damage to your denture. Contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX for optimum care.

July 3, 2014

Any surgery should be followed by a day’s rest. While surgery for dental implants is not considered major, returning home and resting should be observed to make sure any concerns about bleeding are minimized. Following the advice provided by your dentist is always advisable, so take as many days off as recommended.

The placing of dental implants for most patients is done using either a local or topical anesthetic. A local anesthetic is injected into the tissue area at the site where the implant will be placed. The gum area becomes numb allowing the dentist and patient to proceed with the procedure without concern for discomfort. At the patient’s request, a topical application may be applied to the site of the implant that eases discomfort, but does not have any lasting effect.

A dental implant is a unit made from titanium that when successfully fused with jaw bone becomes the base for the unit or units it is intended to support. Titanium is the metal of choice for its ability to acclimate to the body preventing rejection along with its fusing capability.

The patient can have one or several implants surgically embedded depending on how many units or teeth are being supplanted. One implant for one tooth; two implants for an implanted supported bridge; or several implants to permanently place a denture … the number of implants and how easy the procedure was completed may also dictate of the number of days before the patient may want to return to work.

The surgical area must be kept clean to prevent infection. This is done by brushing, flossing, and often rinsing. The actual implant will have a protective covering to prevent movement to the implant … if it is moved or dislodged, the implant is considered a failure and must be redone.

The day following implant placement is usually acceptable for most patients to return to work; however, if the individual performs manual labor or is very active for their job, they may be advised to take one more additional day before returning to work.

The healing period can take four to six months before the patient can expect to receive their final restoration. At treatment completion, the individual will be able to eat all their favorite foods, speak without fear, and smile broadly with their new, permanent restoration.

If you are considering dental implants, but need more information, call our experienced implant team at 972-264-5795 today.