Making the right choice is crucial for your dental health, comfort, and overall well-being. Here, we break down the factors that influence this important decision, helping you make an informed choice for your smile.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. This procedure involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels [1].

The dentist will clean and disinfect the inner chambers and then fill the space with a biocompatible material to seal it. Finally, the tooth may be restored with a crown to protect its function and appearance.

Root canal therapy is usually the best option if:

• There is severe tooth decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth
• You have a tooth infection or abscess
• The tooth is vertically cracked or fractured

What Does Tooth Extraction Involve?

Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone [2]. While this procedure is more straightforward than root canal therapy, it’s usually considered a last resort when a tooth cannot be saved through other means.

Removing the tooth may be a good idea when:

• The decay is extensive enough that the tooth can’t support a root canal or restoration
• The supporting structures of the tooth are compromised, such as in advanced cases of gum disease
• One or more teeth need to be removed to create space for orthodontic treatment
• The third molars are impacted and causing issues

Weighing the Options: Root Canal vs. Extraction

Whether you choose a root canal or an extraction is an important decision. Whenever possible, preserving your natural teeth is preferred. Root canals can often save a tooth, allowing you to maintain your natural bite and prevent further complications [3].

Root canals typically require a shorter recovery time than extractions since they are focused on restoring the tooth rather than removing it entirely. However, both procedures may involve some discomfort, and it’s essential to follow post-procedure care to ensure proper healing.

In many cases, root canals can be more cost-effective in the long run. While the upfront costs may be higher due to the need for subsequent restorations (like a crown), preserving the tooth is almost always cheaper than replacing it.

Ask Your Dentist About Root Canal vs. Extraction

If you have a tooth that doesn’t qualify for a filling due to extensive decay or trauma and you’re trying to decide between a root canal and an extraction, ask your dentist about the pros and cons of each option. If you can save your tooth, root canal therapy is almost always the better choice.

Sources:

1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/extractions 
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals 

The post Do I Need a Root Canal or Extraction? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While root canal therapy is considered a safe and effective way to retain a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed, some people want to consider all their options before making a decision. You have a few possibilities when it comes to alternatives to root canal treatment!

Extraction

In the majority of cases, if you forgo a root canal, you will eventually need to have your tooth extracted. When root canal therapy is necessary, the tooth is damaged to the point that it is no longer alive. Without a root canal, the tooth will continue to deteriorate and will need to be pulled.

Once your tooth is pulled, you’ll need to consider replacement options so that the rest of your teeth won’t shift in its place to fill the gap. Your replacement options could include a dental implant, which is considered the most secure restoration, a dental bridge, or partial dentures.

Whichever you choose is all about your personal preference and your candidacy for these procedures [1].

Ozone Gas Therapy

When the inner tissue of your tooth is affected by trauma, decay, or infection, you may have the option of pursuing ozone gas therapy to clean the chamber of the tooth. Research shows that ozone gas therapy can reduce bacteria in an infected tooth that would otherwise need a root canal [2].

The gas will help clean the tubules—tiny channels that extend from underneath the tooth
enamel to the inner chamber—where bacteria can travel. The gas will penetrate further than your dentist can reach, and while this therapy is unlikely to save your tooth or restore it to its original state, it may delay the need for you to make an immediate decision about extracting your tooth.

Calcium Hydroxide

If you’re looking for alternatives to root canal therapy, you may have the option of cleaning out the tooth chamber with a calcium hydroxide solution. This solution has been shown to help remove dead tissue from inside the tooth and reduce bacteria growth [3]. The procedure will need to be done by an experienced dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—for the best results.

Again, while this therapy may be available to you, it’s unlikely to permanently restore your
tooth, although it may help reduce bacteria growth and decrease your discomfort while you’re making a decision about your tooth.

The Choice Is Yours!

You have alternatives when it comes to root canal therapy, although your affected tooth will most likely require an extraction at some point. If you’re looking for other options to save your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist or endodontist today to find out more about your candidacy for these procedures!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509120/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839455/
3. https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/rootcanalirrigantsdisinfectants.pdf?_ga=2.75478866.137

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We know that diet influences our oral health, but what do we know about diet and our breath? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering whether or not chronic bad breath could be due to your diet!

Diets High in Sugar Can Lead to More Plaque

Added sugar (sugar that’s not contained naturally in fruits and vegetables) is known for causing adverse oral health symptoms. It’s well documented that sugar is a major contributor to the formation of cavities, as it leads to more plaque in the mouth. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that sticks to your teeth and needs to be removed regularly with brushing and flossing.

But did you know that added sugars can actually change the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to changes in your breath [1]? Diets consistently high in refined sugar—present in everything from baked goods to stir-fry sauces to sweetened yogurts—could increase your risk for chronic bad breath and tooth decay!

High-Protein Diets Such as Keto Can Cause Bad Breath

Diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates such as the ketogenic diet are known for causing bad breath [2]. While these diets can be beneficial for people suffering from certain health conditions, they generally aren’t considered long-term ways of eating and can have consequences for your breath.

“Keto breath”, as it’s commonly called, is the result of your body switching from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fat. The reason for this is because of increased ketones—chemicals made in the liver—in your body, which happens when your body doesn’t have enough glucose to turn into usable energy.

You Eat Foods That Aggravate Your Acid Reflux

About 20 percent of American adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as acid reflux disease [3]. Some people don’t know they suffer from acid reflux, which can be dangerous as the condition causes unpleasant side effects and can have detrimental effects on your oral cavity.

Acid reflux disease can lead to bad breath, as it causes traces of corrosive stomach acids to end up in your mouth. If you’re eating foods that aggravate your acid reflux, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, and high-fat foods, this could be a cause of chronic bad breath that you’re not aware of!

The Best Diet for Oral Health

The best diet for oral health is a well-balanced diet that includes all the nutrients you need, plenty of water, and of course, regular dental care! When it comes to persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what the problem could be. It could very well be your diet, but it could also be gum disease!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893787/pdf/ISRN.DENTISTRY2013-
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-

The post Can Chronic Bad Breath Be Due to Your Diet? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Affected Tissue in Your Tooth Is Removed

Some patients who need root canal therapy have an infection inside their tooth, or extensive decay that’s compromised the inner tissue that supplies the tooth with blood and nutrients to keep it alive.

During a root canal, any tissue that’s been affected will be removed by your dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth. This tissue generally consists of nerves that may or may not be dead, and will be cleaned out from your tooth.

The removal of this material will prevent your tooth from being sensitive to temperature and, if your affected tooth is discolored, help restore its natural hue.

The Pulp Chamber Is Cleaned and Sealed

Once the affected tissue is removed, your dentist will carefully clean the inside of your tooth—sometimes called the pulp chamber—with special tools. This cleaning process will remove any bacteria and remaining microscopic tissue in your tooth that could contribute to future problems.

After the cleaning is done, your dentist or endodontist will dry and seal the canal to protect the tooth and ensure an infection can’t happen. The pulp chamber of the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material, meaning your body will not react to it and it won’t cause any problems [2].

Your Tooth Is Capped Off With a Dental Restoration

Now that your tooth has been properly cleaned and sealed, you’ll need to have some type of restoration placed over your tooth to protect it from further trauma [3]. Many patients will get a dental crown, which is a porcelain replication of your natural tooth, placed over the area. However, some patients will only need a filling material to keep the treated tooth protected.

Your dentist can let you know more about what you need during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Could a Root Canal Benefit Your Smile?

Root canal therapy can save a tooth that’s been impacted by decay or an injury, and for patients that have a single discolored tooth, a root canal can generally restore its color. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t fret about this common procedure. Your root canal will be handled by an experienced dentist or endodontist to save your tooth!

Sources:
1. https://news.llu.edu/patient-care/let-s-get-root-of-root-canal
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm

The post What Happens to Your Tooth During a Root Canal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What this means is that your cavity may take several months or even longer to show symptoms, which makes your regular dental checkups all the more important. But what happens if you either don’t know about existing tooth decay in your mouth, or you ignore it?

Your Tooth May Break or Crack

Cavities don’t go away on their own. They continue to get larger or deeper as time goes on. As the decay affects more of your tooth, the cavity can get large enough that it causes your tooth to break or split, permanently altering its structure and compromising its health. Decayed teeth are more susceptible to cracks or other damage than healthy teeth!

The width and depth of the cavity can make your tooth more likely to crack [2]. A cracked tooth will need more extensive treatment than a simple filling—you may need dental bonding, a root canal, or even an extraction.

You May Need a Root Canal

Once the inner nerve tissue of your tooth is affected by the cavity, you can experience pain, an infection, or both. Once your cavity has become large enough to involve the inner tissue, you will need either a root canal or an extraction to fully address the problem. A filling typically won’t be able to resolve the decay at this point.

If you continue to ignore the cavity past this point, you could develop a painful dental abscess, which is an area of infection underneath the gumline. While root canal therapy could potentially still save your tooth at this point, you may have only one other option.

Your Tooth May Need to Be Pulled

For some people, a tooth just won’t be able to be fixed because of the severity of the cavity [3]. Not even root canal therapy can save a tooth that’s too far gone. This is why getting treatment for your cavity sooner rather than later is so essential, as it can prevent a tooth extraction.

Once your tooth is extracted, you’ll need to discuss replacement options with your dentist, as leaving a gap in your mouth can cause your remaining teeth to shift. Depending on the position of the missing tooth, it could also potentially cause problems with speaking or chewing.

If you know you have existing tooth decay, always follow up with your dentist to get the cavity fixed as soon as possible. It may be so small that a fluoride treatment will do the trick, or you may need a filling. Either way, fillings are less invasive and less expensive than other treatment options once decay has progressed—so never ignore cavities!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001055.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870147/
3. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/82774-overview

The post What Happens When You Ignore Cavities? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth damage has both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) causes. Damage to the tooth may be the result of decay or an infection inside, while exterior discoloration can occur from tooth staining [1].

How can you prevent a damaged tooth from turning black?

See Your Dentist to Identify the Problem

No matter what’s affected your tooth, your dentist can help you. For teeth that have sustained an impact or deep decay, the interior of the tooth, also known as the pulp, may be affected.

When the inside tissue of the tooth is affected by bacteria, it can cause the tooth to turn a darker color. Decay may also appear as black spots on your teeth [2]!

If your tooth is already turning a darker color, the tooth may be dead. However, if you see your dentist as soon as you’re able, you may be able to save the tooth and avoid an extraction with root canal therapy.

During root canal therapy, your dentist will clean out the dead tissue and seal your tooth, which will help restore its color and prevent it from turning black—and also help you avoid getting an extraction!

Never Wait to Seek Attention

Your tooth may not turn dark as the result of decay, but it could be due to a crack that’s extended down to the pulp of the tooth. Addressed in a timely manner, cracks can typically be repaired and don’t always affect the inner tissue of your tooth, which will help prevent it from turning black.

Waiting to seek dental treatment increases the chances that your damaged tooth will turn black. Even if the damage isn’t the result an interior problem, it could be the result of enamel damage, which still needs to be addressed by your oral healthcare professional to prevent your tooth from turning a darker color [3].

Do You Have a Damaged Tooth?

If your tooth has been damaged for any reason, seeking professional attention can help you prevent it from turning black. Once a tooth has begun to turn a darker color, it can take some time for its white shade to return, even after treatment. But with the right care as soon as possible, you can prevent this darker color entirely so your smile stays bright and healthy for years to come!

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321777.php#causes
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/
3. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-

The post How to Prevent a Damaged Tooth From Turning Black appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are a few different types of root canal treatments that can be done depending on your individual case. All have a similar goal in mind—to save your tooth and keep decay and bacteria from further affecting it. Here are a few different types of root canal therapy to know about!

Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment

This form of root canal treatment is your typical root canal which removes the inner nerve tissue of the tooth and seals the inner chamber. You might need nonsurgical root canal therapy if your tooth has experienced extensive decay that can’t be fixed with a filling, or if you have an infection that’s compromised the nerves of your tooth. Either way, a root canal could be a viable form of treatment!

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is a procedure used for when a primary root canal—the nonsurgical root canal treatment we just discussed—is unsuccessful. In this case, the infection or inflammation may still be present in your tooth or in your alveolar bone, which is the bone that constitutes your jaw.

In an apicoectomy, only local anesthesia used, and this form of treatment is considered a microsurgical procedure [1]. The very tip of your tooth’s root is removed, and a filling material is used to seal the canal.

In the following months, the bone in your jaw heals the tooth’s root where the affected material was removed. However, you won’t be in recovery for quite that long—most patients can return to their usual activities the next day!

Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are typically procedures done on baby teeth—essentially, root canals for children. Both of these procedures help save your child’s natural tooth, but they have one difference.

In a pulpotomy, the affected pulp of the tooth’s chamber is removed, and the healthy pulp is left in your child’s tooth roots. A pulpotomy only works if only part of your child’s tooth’s inner nerve tissue is affected.

In a pulpectomy, all of the pulp is removed and replaced with a filler material [2]. This procedure is generally done for teeth that can’t be saved with just a pulpotomy due to the extensiveness of the infection or decay.

Root canals are a great way to save teeth that would otherwise have been lost due to infection or decay. Your professional dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-
2. https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_PulpTherapy.pdf

The post Are There Different Types of Root Canal Treatments? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

For some people with dental anxiety, they’re still able to receive dental treatment even with their fears, but may not be comfortable during their appointment. For others, dental anxiety may prevent them from going to the dentist at all.

What can be done about dental anxiety? Many dentists today are offering oral sedation as a way to help patients feel less anxious and more comfortable at the dentist office.

What Is Oral Sedation in Dentistry?

Oral sedation in dentistry uses medication to help patients relax and experience less anxiety during their appointment. During oral sedation, you’ll still be conscious and able to communicate, you’ll just feel more relaxed [1].

Here’s how it works: your dentist will prescribe an oral medication that you’ll take either before your appointment at home or at the dentist office upon your arrival. Once the medication takes effect, you’ll continue with your procedure.

You’ll need to arrange for someone to bring you to and from your appointment, and the effects of the medication should be gone by the following day. Your dentist will let you know more about what to expect based on your specific medication and procedure.

Patients Who May Qualify for Oral Sedation

Generally, any patient who experiences dental anxiety will be considered for oral sedation. A variety of factors are taken into account when it comes to oral sedation in dentistry, including the procedure to be done, your level of anxiety, and your health [2].

Before scheduling a procedure with oral sedation, your dentist will evaluate whether or not you qualify and review the next steps for moving forward with you.

Benefits of Oral Sedation for Patients with Dental Anxiety

From a regular teeth cleaning to a more involved procedure, oral sedation can help patients who have a range of anxiety levels get the treatment they need without the worry.

Oral sedation is considered to be safe and effective [3]. For patients who experience distress about their dental visit, medication can help create a more positive experience which can make patients with dental anxiety more likely to return for future treatments.

Patients with dental anxiety who take advantage of oral sedation can also have numerous procedures completed in one visit. For instance, getting a teeth cleaning and a cavity filled at the same time can make it easier for patients instead of returning for numerous appointments which can potentially increase their anxiety.

Don’t Let Anxiety Keep You from Visiting the Dentist

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you don’t have to let your stress stop you from having the smile you’ve always wanted. Consider looking for a dentist who offers oral sedation options for your next procedure and schedule a consultation. You might just be surprised how much oral sedation can improve your experience at your next appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/anesthesia-and-sedation
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1993866/

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How can you treat an infected tooth? While every case will differ, two common options are root canal therapy, in which your natural tooth is left intact, and extraction, in which your tooth is removed. Here’s when each might be appropriate for your infected tooth.

When Root Canal Therapy Is an Option

Root canal therapy can provide a way for patients to recover from a tooth infection and still keep their natural tooth. Your dentist will remove the infected nerve tissue of the tooth and seal the chamber, leaving the tooth intact [1].

Teeth that have minor chips and cracks can usually be repaired with root canal therapy, as can teeth that have deep decay but still have the majority of their tooth’s structure intact. Only your professional dentist can determine if a root canal is the best option to treat your infected tooth.

When an Extraction Is Best

Although dentists generally like to avoid removing a tooth when at all possible, there are cases where an extraction may be necessary. An extraction may be best for cases such as:

• A cavity that’s taken over your tooth. If your infected tooth is the result of a large cavity that compromises your tooth’s structure, your dentist likely won’t be able to save your tooth with a root canal.
• Your tooth has a large crack. Teeth that have cracks that extend below the gumline may also not qualify for a root canal and will instead need to be extracted.
• The tooth has been worked on several times. If your infected tooth has been through numerous dental procedures or has had a root canal previously done without success, it might be time to consider removing the tooth.
• The infection is the result of advanced gum disease. Some dental abscesses are the result of gum disease that’s progressed. In certain cases of an infection resulting from gum disease, a root canal may not be an option and the tooth will need to be removed [2].

Tooth infections are serious conditions. Bacteria from infected teeth have the capability to travel through the bloodstream, and in rare cases, can even be fatal [3]. Whether you receive root canal therapy or an extraction for your infected tooth, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-
explained/
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
3. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

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If left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to decay or an infection that can compromise the health of your entire tooth. If your dentist finds that your tooth has indeed been cracked, what are your best options to repair it and get your smile back to normal?

Dental Bonding

For cracks that are minor, dental bonding can help restore teeth. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored composite resin—the same material used for many modern fillings—to fill in small cracks and protect teeth from further damage.

Dental bonding is a simple and minimally-invasive treatment option; however, your dentist may not recommend dental bonding if the crack in your tooth is more severe.

Fillings

In some cases, cracked teeth can also be repaired with fillings, similarly to cavities. Cusps, or points, on the teeth—of which canine teeth only have one while molars will have several—can be fractured or completely broken off. In cases such as these, dental fillings can be ideal for repairing fractured cusps and restoring your tooth [1].

Root Canal Therapy

If you have a tooth that’s been deeply cracked—such as a tooth with a crack that extends below the gumline—your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Teeth with cracks such as these—commonly the lower molars—can benefit from root canal therapy [2]. A cracked tooth may be at risk for infection or already be infected, in which case, root canal therapy will offer you your best chance to save your tooth and avoid an extraction.

Dental Crowns

For patients that have a severely fractured tooth cusp or for those that have received root canal therapy, your dentist may utilize a dental crown to protect your tooth’s structure. Dental crowns have been shown to reduce symptoms of cracked teeth and help protect them from future cracks and other damage [3].

Dental crowns are either made from porcelain ceramic or acrylic resin and will act as a type of cap that covers your natural tooth and provides additional protection. Dental crowns are durable and match your natural teeth, making them useful for a variety of cracked tooth cases.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Symptoms of a cracked tooth could include pain, tooth sensitivity, or swelling around the affected area. If you suspect your tooth has sustained an injury, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your local dentist to evaluate your smile and get a potential repair!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944835
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1918671

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