Month: July 2016

Tooth Pain? You May Need a Root Canal.

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root canal When your tooth hurts, it’s incredibly unpleasant and often described as a pain unlike any other. There could be any number of explanations for the discomfort, but sometimes the problem is pretty serious and may require a root canal. But how can you tell? Let my Holland dental office help.

Signs & Symptoms

Besides the obvious sign that your tooth hurts, there are other symptoms that may mean you need a root canal including:

  • Increased pain while chewing or with applied pressure
  • Sensitivity to heat or cold that doesn’t go away quickly
  • A small, raised bump on the gums near the tooth that hurts
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Gum swelling or pain

It’s Not So Bad — Really!

Root canals have a pretty bad reputation as being painful. But the truth is, root canals actually stop the tooth pain. When your tooth becomes so infected or decayed that it hits the inside pulp, it can be incredibly painful. Once your Holland dentist cleans out the area where the roots are located (the canal), and covers it with a filling or dental crown, relief will feel so good.

What’s The Process Like?

Before beginning, you’ll be numbed to avoid any discomfort. Once the medication kicks in, your dental team will get to work. First, a tiny hole is made in the infected tooth which allows access to the middle of the tooth, known as the pulp chamber. This is where the root canals are located. The root canals house pulp, nerves, and blood vessels. Your dentist will remove any and all of these materials, making your tooth no longer able to feel anything. After a thorough cleaning, the canals are sealed and the tooth is capped with a restoration.

Avoiding a Root Canal

The best way to prevent the need for a root canal in the first place is to brush and floss everyday to rid your mouth of the day’s bacteria and food particles. And speaking of food, limit eating sugary or acidic foods. These types of eats can weaken enamel and increase bacteria, leaving your teeth at higher risk for decay. Lastly, always keep your dental cleanings at least every six months for an extra-deep, extra-thorough cleaning you just can’t get at home.

If you’re having tooth pain and think you may need a root canal, give my Holland dental office a call. We’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible, get to the root of the problem, and discuss the best treatment options. Don’t let tooth pain linger, call for an appointment as soon as possible.

Welcoming patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland and beyond.

Are You Using the Right Toothpaste?

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toothpaste Toothpaste serves a very specific purpose — to brush away bacteria and plaque that collects on teeth. But with all the developments in toothpaste technology, many options offer additional benefits like whitening, decreasing sensitivity, and adding an extra boost of freshness. With all the options available to you, how do you know you’re using the right one? Read on to learn more from the dental team at my Holland dental office.

Seal of Approval

Before we talk about the different types of toothpastes and what they’re used for, we need to talk about the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. The ADA researches and tests ingredients and claims made by different toothpastes, and supplies a seal of approval to those whose claims are supported by the research. This seal is something you should look for, no matter which type of toothpaste you choose.

Whitening Toothpastes

If your smile needs a little extra help in the whitening department, using a toothpaste that has magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate may help. These ingredients paired with a mild abrasive can brighten teeth. However, sometimes a whitening toothpaste alone isn’t enough to get you the results you want. If that’s the case, consider cosmetic dentistry like veneers or a professional whitening.

Tartar Control Toothpastes

Tartar, also known as calculus, is basically plaque that has been allowed to build up on teeth and harden. The only way to remove it is at your dental cleaning. But you can do things to prevent it from hardening in the first place like using a toothpaste that contains zinc citrate or pyrophosphates.

Sensitivity Toothpastes

Whether it’s sensitivity to heat or cold, or maybe both, having sensitive teeth can be painful. If you suffer from sensitivity, choosing a toothpaste that aids in desensitizing your teeth and gums may be the right decision for you. Look for a toothpaste that has the ingredient strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. Both have been shown to help decrease sensitive tooth pain.

Selecting the right toothpaste for your unique needs can help protect your smile from decay and the need for dental treatments like fillings, root canals, or dental crowns. But selecting the right toothpaste is only half the battle — you need to use it to brush twice a day every day and maintain visits with your Holland dentist at least every six months for optimal oral health.

If you’re looking for more help identifying your teeth’s needs, or are in need of a dentist, call my dental office in Holland and schedule an appointment today.

Accepting patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland and beyond. 

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