Teeth with infected roots were extracted in the past, leaving your gums exposed and in need of dentures or bridges. With the advancement in dental technologies, a dentist may be able to restore your natural tooth function even when the inside is infected. A root canal is a treatment that targets the inside of your tooth. The inside of the teeth is made of blood vessels that cover the surrounding tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth will affect the blood vessels, causing severe pain and discomfort. The only alternative to decayed teeth is extraction or root canal.

The root canal procedure entails removing the decayed pulp and replacing it with composite materials that protect it from infection. There are a variety of reasons why you would be a good candidate for a root canal, including:

• Decayed teeth.
• Nerve loss in the teeth.
• The pulp is destroyed as a result of trauma to the tooth.

Some of the symptoms that may indicate severe dental issues may include:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods or drinks.
• Pain when chewing or biting down.
• Darkened or grayed teeth.
• Swelling and tenderness of the gums.

A root canal is a helpful procedure to save your natural teeth. However, preventing situations that require a root canal is the healthiest method to preserve your teeth. Your risk of requiring a root canal could be reduced significantly when you:

• Practice good oral hygiene routines, which include flossing and brushing.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist.
• Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

The most common misconception about the root canal is that it is painful. However, most of the pain results from tooth infection and other conditions that require the procedure. A root canal does not cause much more pain than other dental procedures. The procedure is carried out under a general anesthetic, and any pain after the procedure can be managed using pain killers.

Tooth canal treatment is a highly successful procedure. However, a tooth may be infected again following a tooth canal. In this case, your dentist may perform the procedure again or extract the tooth.

If you have unexpected symptoms after a root canal, you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist. Some of the reasons why you need to call your dentist after a root canal procedure include:

• Feeling pressure on the root canal.
• Inflammation or swelling of the gums.
• Severe pain in the area.
• Recurring complications that prompted the root canal.

Cavities are caused by dental erosion of the tooth surface. After you eat, the bacteria in your mouth will combine with residual food particles and mouth acid to form plaque. Dental caries occurs in children and adults due to acids, bacteria, and tartar that is not regularly removed by brushing and flossing. Dental caries is not painful in the early stages. However, if left untreated, it can result in tooth abscess, which is more painful.

Dental caries symptoms are limited to the mouth and may include:

• Pain when biting or chewing food.
• Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot foods.
• Serious toothache.
• Holes on the tooth surface that could be filled with food particles.

Dental caries can be dangerous at times, causing severe symptoms such as uncontrollable toothache or swelling and inflammation of your gums. The following are some of the factors that increase your chances of developing dental caries:

1. Diseases that lower your immunity.
2. Advancing case. Older teeth are more likely to develop plaque.
3. Poor nutrition. Consumption of starchy and acidic foods causes not only dental caries but also other dental complications.
4. Poor dental hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing aids in the removal of plaque, which can lead to dental caries.

It is critical to consult with a dentist as soon as you notice any signs of dental caries. This will help prevent more damage to your teeth or infections. Dental caries can be detected with a minor dental examination. However, your dentist may require an X-ray to determine the extent of damage to the tooth.

Even though the cavities on the tooth enamel do not hurt, you could experience severe pain in the deeper area of the affected tooth. To relieve the pain in the tooth area, your dentist could prescribe antibiotics or painkillers. In addition to the drugs, the dentist may fill the cavity to restore the shape and function of teeth.

In severe cases, dental caries can result in tooth loss, dental abscesses, and severe pain. Therefore, you should contact your dentist if you experience a sign of this dental complication.

Braces are wire-based appliances used to correct crowded and misaligned teeth and jaws. Most people wear dental braces in childhood, but adults can also benefit from the braces. The main goal of dental braces is to properly align your teeth for an even bite and produce a pleasing smile. You may need dental braces if:

• You have overcrowded and crooked teeth
• There is too much space between your teeth
• Your upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much.

You have jaw misalignment problems. Proper alignment of your jaws will improve not only your smile but also your oral health.

Wearing dental braces is a very safe and most beneficial procedure. However, there are some risks associated with this process. Braces form tiny spaces around the teeth. When food particles are trapped in these spaces, they can cause tooth decay or stain your teeth. The benefits you accrue from wearing braces will significantly depend on the efficiency of placement. Therefore, it is crucial to seek the services of an experienced dentist.

If you fail to follow your dentist’s instructions after the braces are removed, you may lose the benefit gained from the braces. Braces help align your teeth, and as the teeth move, permanent loss of tooth roots may occur. Practicing proper oral hygiene practices will help avoid damaging the effort made through wearing braces.

Dental x-rays are useful in helping dentists detect signs of tooth complications. Early detection is essential to ensure that dental issues are treated before they advance and cause damage. X-rays use radiation that could be damaging in the long run. Therefore, it is best to use x-rays when necessary. The dentist will examine your child for signs of decay, oral hygiene, or nutrition before deciding to use x-rays.

Different types of x-rays are used to diagnose different dental complications. It is essential to understand that dental x-rays are only necessary when a child is two to three years old.

When your permanent teeth come in, they are expected to last a lifetime. You can ensure that your teeth are healthy by practicing proper oral hygiene practices. However, you can protect your teeth using dental sealants. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of your molars and premolars.

Dental sealants are used to protect your teeth from bacteria that cause decay. Even though the sealants are placed as soon as the permanent teeth erupt, you can still apply them on older teeth. Placement of the sealants is often painless and does not require numbing or drilling of the enamel.

A dental veneer is a tooth-colored coating applied professionally on the visible part of your tooth. Dental veneers provide an instant makeover for your smile. Dental veneers are used for different cosmetic corrections, including reducing gaps on your teeth and whitening. Dentists use reflective materials that appear natural on your teeth to make veneers. There are several reasons why one would consider dental veneers, including:

1. Chips and cracks on the teeth. Veneers can help restore a natural shape to your teeth when the enamel is cracked or chipped, giving you a better smile.
2. Correct discoloration. Veneers are often used for cosmetic dental procedures. If your teeth are discolored and do not want to use chemical whitening, you can use veneers. Porcelain veneers are made with a material that resembles natural teeth. Therefore, you can restore your smile without undergoing lengthy and painful teeth whitening procedures.
3. Reduce gaps between teeth. Sometimes, the gaps between teeth can affect your outlook. Some people opt for porcelain veneers to reduce these gaps.

No. Not all individuals are eligible for veneers. It would be best if you met the following criteria to have porcelain veneers placed:

• You must understand your cosmetic goals and the results you expect from the procedure.
• You should have good periodontal health. Before you undergo the procedure of placing veneers, your teeth and gums should be in good condition. If you have a condition such as gum disease, root canal infection, or tooth decay, you must have the condition corrected before placement of the porcelain veneers.
• After placement of the porcelain veneers, you should maintain good oral hygiene to protect them from damage.
• It would be best to have a healthy enamel since a thin layer of the enamel is removed before the porcelain veneers are placed.

Before deciding on veneers, you need to understand that the procedure is permanent. Since a part of your enamel is removed to facilitate placement of the porcelain veneers, you must replace them in case of damage.

Specialty dentures are an affordable alternative to dental implants. Specialty dentures are custom-made to fit the gaps in your mouth. In a non-invasive procedure, specialty dentures are placed. Your dentist will create a temporary impression that feels comfortable on your mouth, then create the specialty dentures. Dentures consist of a plastic base and a synthetic tooth connected to the metal frame. If you have multiple missing teeth, dental bridges may be a better alternative to dentures.

Whether or not you need dentures is a question on many people’s minds. Regardless of the number of teeth you have lost, you can benefit significantly from the dentures. These restorative prosthetics have the following benefits:

• Specialty dentures are customized. Your dentist will customize your dentures to fit your mouth. This helps ensure that your teeth usually function and create a normal bite. Dentures are comfortable, and they help eliminate the discomfort resulting from tooth loss.
• Dentures improve your smile. Tooth loss is not only uncomfortable but can cost you your self-esteem. Placing dentures to replace lost teeth can help boost your appearance and confidence. A competent dentist will help you restore your natural look with dentures.
• Dentures restore tooth function. Dentures allow you to bite and chew as you would with natural teeth. Placement of the dentures will restore the shape of your face and help you speak without the slur caused by missing teeth.
• There are few diet restrictions. An individual who has lost several teeth may find it difficult to eat certain foods. When you have dentures, your normal function is restored, and you will have few dietary restrictions.

Caring for specialty dentures will require you to do more than regular oral hygiene practices. Specialty dentures are fragile. If the dentures are damaged, you could experience discomfort and irritation. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your dentist for repairs and necessary adjustments to help relieve the discomfort. Your dentist can make necessary adjustments or repair the denture to restore a perfect fit. The following are some complications associated with specialty dentures:

• Difficulty eating. Eating with dentures requires practice. Since the denture is a foreign object in your mouth, eating with new dentures can be challenging. The dentures may slip out of position when you attempt to bite or chew. Some hard and sticky foods could stick under the dentures and cause you discomfort. You can overcome this problem by sticking to easy-to-chew foods while you adjust to the dentures.
• Denture slippage. Sometimes, your dentures may slip out of position. This could happen when you cough, laugh or talk. If your specialty dentures fall out of place, you can reposition them by biting them down. After some practice, you will be able to hold your dentures in place with your muscles naturally.
• Trouble speaking. Speaking can be challenging with new dentures. When you have new dentures, you can practice speaking in private. This will make it more comfortable and confident to do it in public.
• Cleaning problems. Cleaning your denture is not the same as cleaning your natural teeth. Therefore, you may need some time to adjust to your new schedule. Also, you need to ensure that you use the right cleaning products to avoid damaging your dentures.

A dental implant is a titanium screw placed surgically in the jaw to act as a false root and support dental crowns. Dental implants are the closest you can go to acquire a natural look after tooth loss. Dental implants are more effective and long-lasting than other types of tooth replacement. Dental implants require surgical placement done in three significant steps:

• Step One

Placement of a dental implant begins with an examination to determine if you are eligible for the implants. For successful dental implant placement, you should have good overall oral health. Also, it would be best if you were not suffering from a severe illness. A good candidate for dental implants needs to have a healthy jaw bone. This is because the jaw bone is expected to support the titanium screw that acts as the root.

If you have a low jawbone density, bone grafting will be necessary before the placement of dental implants. Also, it is essential to understand that pregnant women will not be eligible for dental implants.

• Step Two                                                                                          

If you are deemed fit to receive a dental implant, the dentist will use a general anesthetic to numb your gums where they make an incision. A hole will be drilled on your jawbone and the implant put in position. The gums will then be sutured back to make the area look natural.

After successful implant placement, a temporary dental prosthetic is needed to protect the area and restore the functionality of your tooth. The surgical site can take up to six weeks to heal.

• Step Three

The last step in the placement of dental implants is the removal of the temporary crowns or bridges to fit the permanent custom-designed ones. At Washington Dental, we employ modern dentistry practices to ensure the best results.

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that destroys the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis often results from poor oral health habits, smoking, or other health conditions that weaken your immune system. If left untreated, periodontitis can result in tooth loss. Plaque, a bacterial film in your mouth, is the most common cause of gum disease. Development of periodontitis occurs in the following steps:

• Formation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque forms on the teeth when sugars and starches from food interact with bacteria in the mouth.
• Plaque hardens to form tartar. Tarter is a sticky substance filled with bacteria and is more difficult to remove from the teeth.
• Accumulation of the bacteria-filled substance on your teeth will cause irritation and inflammation of your gums.
• Continued inflammation causes severe gum disease. Eventually, the bacteria on your teeth will cause pockets within your gums that fill with plaque. When left untreated, your gum tissues may be damaged completely, causing you to lose your teeth.

Losing your tooth can be a devastating experience. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of gum disease, it is crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible. If periodontitis is in the early stages, treatment may involve less invasive procedures like:

• Scaling is the removal of bacteria and tartar from the tooth and gum surfaces.
• Smoothing the surfaces of your teeth during the process of root scaling helps discourage the continued buildup of tartar.
• In the early stages of gum disease, you can use antibiotics to control bacterial growth.

In the advanced stage of the disease, the tissues in your gums and bones supporting your teeth may be weak. Therefore, they need to undergo surgical treatment, including soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration.