A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is one of the most carried out dental surgeries in the world today with about 24 million people in the United States alone undergoing the procedure every year. You’re not alone in wondering if a root canal is painful.

Most people associate undergoing a root canal with excruciating pain and discomfort. The fact is, for the vast majority of cases, the procedure should not hurt. If the pain is excessive, however, something might be going awry. If you are in pain, learn more about how Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic and Implant dentistry can provide root canal therapy to help get you out of pain.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at root canal and pain. 

The Truth About Root Canal Pain

When a dentist recommends a root canal treatment, many people become apprehensive, mainly due to the belief that the procedure is painful.

You should realize that the pain you feel is a result of an infection in your tooth. The root canal procedure does not cause it. This procedure helps to get rid of the pain.

Also, many people wrongly believe that root canals involve the removal of a tooth’s roots. The procedure treats the dental pulp, the tissue found inside the root, while keeping the root itself intact, thereby saving the tooth. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, then you’ll need a root canal to remove it.

Once the affected tissue is eliminated, you won’t have to worry about the pain and discomfort caused by the infected pulp or about the infection worsening. There’s a strong chance that you’ll keep your natural tooth for the rest of your life unless you suffer other dental issues.

A rubber-like material known as gutta perch will be used to cover the space left by the infected pulp. A root canal procedure typically takes one or two appointments to complete.  Your tooth can then be restored with a crown or filling so you can continue using your mouth as usual.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

It’s worth noting that not all pain should be treated with a root canal. Nonetheless, these are signs that you may need a root canal:

• Unbearable teeth pain when eating
• Sensitivity to hot or cold, which remains a little long after the hot or cold substance has been removed
• Darkening of the tooth
• A small, pimple-like bump on the gums close to the affected teeth
• Swelling in the gums near the affected teeth.

How Much Pain Can a Root Canal Cause?

You may feel somewhat sensitive or tender for a couple of days after undergoing a root canal. Here’s why:

• Persistent swelling or inflammation of the gum tissue – Some small nerves in the ligaments and tissue around the tooth usually are left after removing the pulp. When the root canal area gets inflamed, these nerve endings may also experience discomfort.
• Equipment-induced damaged – The dental instrument used to clean out the root canal may accidentally damage the sensitive surrounding tissue.
• High temporary filling – Your dentist may have inserted the temporary filling and failed to smooth it down properly. If the filling is even negligibly higher than the adjacent teeth, it can cause your mouth to bite harder on that area, making the tooth sore.

Usually, you should expect the sensitivity and discomfort induced by a root canal to subside in a matter of days. If the pain persists, or becomes more intense, even with the use of home remedies, you should see your dentist or endodontist for an examination.

How to Manage Root Canal Pain at Home

You can use over-the-counter or prescription painkillers to manage the pain after having a root canal. It’s imperative that you follow instructions carefully when using pain relievers. If the pain relievers don’t seem to be effective, you should contact your endodontist.

You should also refrain from chewing or biting down on the affected tooth until your dentist completes the final restoration. Otherwise, you risk breaking the delicate temporary filling. Moreover, it’s essential that you practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing on a regular basis.

Conclusion

The thought of a root canal may make you apprehensive or fearful if you’re not familiar with the procedure. One of the most common conceptions about root canals is that they cause a lot of pain and should be avoided at all costs. However, the exact opposite is true.

The procedure helps to eliminate pain that emanates from a tooth infection. The pain is eliminated by removing damaged tissues in the tooth through a root canal procedure. And thanks to modern technology and anesthetics, you won’t experience much pain. Moreover, endodontists have the tools and resources to manage pain.

If your teeth are on the verge of falling out, you’re missing one or more teeth, or you’ve been wearing dentures for several years, you could be a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants are arguably the best replacement for natural teeth. These implants are inserted into the jaw bone, and it’s difficult to tell that they aren’t real. That means that you must have an adequate amount of bone to support the implants in your jaw.

Most people are good candidates for implants. However, there are situations where dental implants may not work for you, like when you’re pregnant, or if your jaw bones haven’t stopped growing. In this article, we’ll explore various factors that determine whether or not dental implants are suitable for you. If you are looking for a dentist who can help you with your dental implant needs, click here.

Factors That Promote Dental Implants Success

Your prosthodontist will consider various factors to ensure a successful implant procedure. The factors include:

Presence of enough jawbone –

Since dental implants are screwed into the jawbone, adequate bone density and quality is essential for dental implant success. If you don’t have sufficient bone support, your prosthodontist may recommend bone grafts or mini implants.

Healthy gums –

You need healthy gums to ensure proper support of your new implants as they fuse with the jawbone. If you’re susceptible to periodontal disease, your dental implant is highly likely to fail. Proper cleaning should be done before implant placement.

Good overall health –

Keep in mind that dental implants are placed through a surgical procedure, so you must be in excellent health. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or are diabetic, there’s a high chance dental implants will fail.

These conditions undermine oral health, which in turn affects the implant’s healing process. If your diabetes is adequately controlled, however, you may still be a good candidate for dental implants.

Commitment to uphold good oral hygiene –

Good oral hygiene is essential for the success of dental implants. It’s vital that you commit yourself to daily brushing and flossing. You also need to go for regular dental check-ups to keep both the implants and natural teeth healthy.

Patience –

Patience is key to the success of dental implants. Your mouth can take up to six months to completely heal after the procedure itself. The whole process of placing implants can take about four months to one year to fully complete. You need to be patient throughout the process to achieve the desired results.

The best way to find out whether you are a good candidate for dental implants is to consult with a qualified prosthodontist. Your prosthodontist will typically carry out a thorough evaluation to determine whether implants will solve your particular dental problem effectively.

Evaluation –

During the evaluation, your prosthodontist will examine your mouth, jaw, teeth, and general health. You’ll also undergo a mouth X-ray and probably a Computer Tomography (CT) scan. This is necessary for identifying the area of bone loss.

X-ray and CT scan also help in determining the shape of your sinuses and locating your nerves to ensure accurate assessments for your treatment. A medical evaluation is necessary as your overall health can affect the healing process after the surgical procedure.  You prosthodontist needs to know whether you have any untreated condition or you have a condition such as anemia or diabetes.

He also needs to know whether you’re using any medications currently that may affect the effectiveness of the anesthesia.

What About People Who Aren’t Good Candidates for Dental Implants?

You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Pregnant women
• Young people with growing jawbones
• Individuals with chronic ailments or systemic problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes, hemophilia, and connective-tissue disease.
• Heavy smokers – smoking impedes the healing process and may result in implant failure
• Individual with bruxism (teeth grinding) problem – This habit can exert excessive pressure on the implants, thereby increasing the risk of failure.

Conclusion

Most people are good candidates for dental implants, but they must have adequate jawbone to support the implants, healthy gums, and good overall health. A prosthodontist has to carry out a thorough evaluation, including X-ray and CT scan to ascertain if dental implants are a suitable solution.

Pregnant women, children whose jawbones are still growing, heavy smokers, and individuals with chronic diseases may not be suitable candidates for implants. However, some conditions may still work with implants depending on their severity. A consultation with a qualified prosthodontist will help you make the right decision.

Adult Dental Care

Proper dental care is essential for keeping teeth healthy, but not many know how vital it is in promoting general health as well. It involves taking good care of all parts of the mouth, including teeth, gums, and the tongue. Many adults have dental problems mainly due to ignorance and laziness when it comes to proper adult dental care.

Here are some valuable adult dental care tips to help you maintain good dental health, minimize your risk of dental diseases, and improve your overall health. If you are looking for an exceptional dentist to help you with your dental care needs, learn more about Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic and Implant dentistry at riverpointfamilydental.com.

Brush Properly

You could be brushing regularly, but the brushing isn’t enough to keep your teeth clean. Merely running the bristles over your teeth can’t adequately clear the food debris and polish your teeth.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush for at least two minutes to ensure your teeth are thoroughly clean. To properly brush, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and use short strokes, back and forth across the front, top, and sides of your teeth. Afterward, with the brush in a vertical position, use a couple of short strokes to clean the backs of the teeth, which are prone to plaque accumulation.

Clean Dentures With Soap and Water

If you wear dentures, you should brush your gums and tongue at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush. Moreover, it’s important to clean dentures after every meal to prevent the build-up of plaque and food particles.

It’s also advisable to take out dentures overnight and clean them thoroughly using liquid soap and a soft toothbrush. Once clean, dentures can either be left to dry or kept in a cup of fresh cold water.

If you feel any pain when wearing your dentures, don’t hesitate to inform your dentist about it.

Minimize Sugar-rich Food and Drinks

Many foods and drinks we consume today contain a lot of sugar. These foods are notorious for causing tooth decay.

You should minimize the consumption of foods with added sugar, especially snacks. If you have to eat sugary or sticky foods, be sure to eat them at meal times to minimize the risk of tooth decay.

Floss Regularly and Properly

To floss effectively, consider using about an 18-inch long piece of floss. This is to ensure that you use a fresh area of floss for every few teeth, minimizing the possibility of returning the bacteria you just removed.

When flossing, make sure the floss rubs against the teeth in a movement that creates a forward/backward ‘C’ shape, enveloping the floss around each tooth.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Using alcohol and tobacco products increases your risk of oral cancer. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that men aged above 40 years are the most vulnerable to oral cancer. Moreover, most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist as he performs a routine dental checkup.

To minimize your risk of oral cancers, you should quit smoking and taking alcohol. If you’re not using any of them, don’t think of starting.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride plays an important role in the health of your teeth. It’s a great mineral that helps in strengthening the teeth enamel and in making them healthier and brighter. It’s also useful in preventing tooth decay.

So, you should make this mineral an element of your daily dental care routine. You can get fluoride from various toothpaste brands, mouthwashes, and supplements in the form of tablets.

Understand the effects of any medication you’re taking

Some medications are known to cause mouth dryness (xerostomia). Xerostomia increases the risk of tooth decay. Before taking any medication, ask your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist if the medication you take can cause dry mouth.

Some medications also have a lot of sugar, which can be harmful to your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after taking such medications. You can also ask your doctor if there’s a sugar-free alternative.

Go for Regular Dental Check-Ups

You should see your dentist at least twice a year. Regular check-ups and professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

It’s also important to visit your dentist as soon as possible if you experience pain in your teeth or swollen and bleeding gums.

Conclusion

Dental care is an integral component of basic human health care and hygiene. Nevertheless, many people disregard proper dental care, resulting in tooth decay, plaque accumulation, and cavities. These adult dental care tips will take you a long way toward maintaining good dental health, which is not only crucial for a healthy smile but also your overall health.

Many things change as one ages, but one thing that remains constant is the importance of good oral care. Taking good care of your teeth is essential throughout life. In fact, dental heath might become even more essential as you age. This article offers some education on elderly dental care to help you or a loved one maintain good oral health through the golden years. 

Why Dental Care Matters as You Get Older

It is important to see your dentist twice a year. As you age, your body experiences many changes, some of which might affect your dental health. The aging process makes people more prone to gum disease and dry mouth. In addition, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, that affect many seniors increase the risk of dental problems.  Research shows that most people who are 65 years and above suffer from at least one chronic health condition, with most having multiple conditions. Some of these conditions include diabetes, cancer, arthritis, hypertension and heart disease, as well as eyesight problems, neck and back pain, hearing loss, dementia and depression. Managing these chronic conditions normally involves taking medications, many of which cause dry mouth, which leaves the people who take those medications at a higher threat for gum disease and cavities.

Periodontal disease and dental decay have direct correlations to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, so elderly dental care is important to avoid making these conditions worse.  It is important to note that even seniors without chronic health conditions are at risk for dental issues. Healthy older people are also at a great risk for dental cavities and gum disease simply because they have used their teeth for longer.

Unfortunately, as many people reach the retirement age, they lose employer-provided dental and health benefits. Even for those that are Medicare eligible, in many cases only medically needed procedures are allowed, needing another option to be provided to cover elderly dental care. Lack of easy access to dental insurance makes many elderly people choose to skip their dental visits. This puts them at a greater risk for dental problems. 

The Basics of Elderly Dental Care

• As you age, you are likely to experience dry mouth and see gum recession. Both of these put you at a higher risk for gum disease and cavities because there is less saliva in the mouth for washing away bacteria. However, there are a few things that you can do to maintain good oral care and save your teeth. These include:
• Continue seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Even if you have had good dental health throughout your life, you should still see your dentist for routine dental examinations. Regular dental visits ensure that your dentist is able to detect dental problems early and treat them before they become worse.
• If you are not able to brush, you can chew sugar-free gum after every meal. However, you should first get the approval of your dentist. Your dentist will recommend the right chewing gums that will help clean your teeth without compromising your dental and general health. 
• Ensure that any implants, dentures, bridges or crowns are in good condition at all times. If you have any concerns about your dentures or implants, speak to your dentist. Dentists offer denture repair and other services to ensure that your teeth, whether natural or artificial, are good looking and comfortable at all times. 
• Look at dental plans that you can afford. Dental insurance can be expensive, so choose a plan that you can afford. Compare different plans and choose one that suits your budget and dental needs. It is important to know what procedures a dental plan you are considering covers before making your final decision. 

Conclusion

Dental care is important to keep your teeth or the teeth of your loved ones healthy through the golden years. A reliable dental office can educate you more on elderly dental care and give you information on affordable dental insurance options. You should remember that living a great life includes maintaining good oral care besides overall health. To maintain good oral health, however, you should have a reliable dentist that you are comfortable with. If you do not have a dentist to offer quality dental care, conduct some research to find a reliable one. Choose a dentist that offers affordable and comfortable elderly dental care that meets your needs.

Your smile is among the first things that people notice about you. Healthy teeth and a beautiful smile can portray happiness and confidence. If you are not happy with your smile, you might feel insecure or shy away from social gatherings. This is one of the many reasons that it is important to maintain healthy teeth. The same goes for your kids and other family members. Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is widely trusted as an exceptional family dentistry provider. Here are some of the strategies that we suggest to ensure that everyone in your family has a healthy smile.

Six tips to optimize your family’s oral health

Regular Brushing and Flossing

One way of keeping your family’s teeth healthy is to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine. Ensure that everyone in your family makes dental hygiene a part of their daily lives. It is important to instill good dental habits in your children at an early age. For young kids, brushing and flossing their teeth regularly can at times seem like a tiresome task. You can make it fun by buying toothbrushes featuring one of their beloved cartoon characters. You can also buy kids’ toothpaste in tasty flavors, such as bubblegum. Even when traveling with your family, you should ensure that you all maintain healthy teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly.

Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks

Your family’s food choice can have a big effect on the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary drinks such as fruit juice and soda can cause tooth decay as well as cavities. Everyone likes to indulge a bit, especially while on vacation. However, you should avoid too much sugary drinks, and choose water instead. If you or a member of your family has a sweet tooth, it can be difficult to avoid the temptation of sweet drinks and food. If you have to indulge, choose foods with limited sugar or brush your teeth after having a sweet treat.

Limit Acidic Food Intake

High intake of acidic foods can damage your teeth over time. Acidic foods eat at the outer protective covering, or enamel, of your teeth. Weakened teeth enamel can cause uncomfortable sensitivity or teeth discoloration. Coffee, alcohol, and citrus foods are some of the acidic drinks or foods that can damage your enamel. To reduce damage to your teeth, take acidic foods and drinks alongside foods with high pH level, like mangoes, bananas, cheese, nuts, and oatmeal. When traveling with your family, you should pack dental friendly snacks that will help to keep your teeth healthy and clean. They include crispy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pears, and apples. These healthy foods keep your breath fresh and they wipe plaque off your gums, teeth, and tongue.

Schedule Your Dental Appointments In Advance

It is advisable that you visit your dentist for teeth cleaning at least once or twice a year, depending on your specific dental needs. However, remembering to schedule routine dental checkups for your family on top of work and family responsibilities can be a challenge, particularly when it is a basic cleaning instead of a painful toothache. You can avoid this by scheduling your family’s dental appointments in advance. This way, you are sure that your family gets routine cleaning as required to maintain healthy teeth.

Select the Right Dental Care Products

Ensure that everyone in your family is using the proper dental care products. There are many dental products in the market, so research different mouthwashes, toothpastes, and toothbrushes to ensure you are selecting the best for your family. Ask your dentist for recommendations and read online reviews. Choosing the right dental products and incorporating them into your family’s brushing and flossing routine will help you enjoy many years of healthy teeth and beautiful smiles.

Find a Dentist for the Entire Family

Finding a good family dentist sets the foundation for keeping your family’s teeth healthy. Having one dentist for your entire family makes it easier to schedule appointments. Conduct some research and ask questions before making a final decision. Pick a dentist that provides the services and type of care that meets your family’s dental needs. Your family’s dental health is crucial for their overall well being.

Show Your Love for Your Family by Choosing the Right Dental Provider

We know that you love your family and that you want the best for them. Helping them be confident in their smiles is one of the best things that you can do for your family members. A beautiful healthy smile will help them have more confidence which is a major factor to their overall success. Follow the steps above, and let Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry help you and your family when you need an exceptional dentist!