Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Facts And Information About Root Canals

13 December 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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If you have recently seen your dentist for the first time in several years, then you may not be surprised that you have to return to the office for a few treatments. However, you might be apprehensive if you learn that a root canal is needed. If you are worried or anxious about this, then there are a few things you should know.

Root Canals Are Only Scheduled If Needed

Root canals are not elective procedures and are only performed when they are needed. They are necessary when bacteria get into the middle portion of the tooth and destroy the tissues inside. For many people, this creates a great deal of pain, but for others, a silent infection may be present. If you are in the silent infection category, then you may put off the treatment. However, infections will spread and are likely to produce some serious symptoms when this happens. If you wait too long, you can lose your tooth, and you may even need to have some of your jaw bone removed. Also, spreading bacteria will often move to the heart and infect the muscle or the outer pericardium.

So, make sure that you are making arrangements to have the root canal performed as soon as possible. And ask about antibiotic treatments and whether long-term therapy is needed. This might be important if you have had any previous heart problems in the past, like a history of rubella. 

The Procedure Is Usually Painless

Teeth that are infected are typically quite sensitive due to the dental distress and the tooth nerve's reaction to the distress. The good news is that the nerve is removed during the root canal process, meaning that the tooth cannot sense or emit any more signals. Any sensitivities or pain that you feel from the tooth will immediately subside. And, the procedure itself is about as painful as a dental filling.

If you are having a quiet infection, then there is a good chance that the nerve has already been damaged or destroyed. So, you probably will not feel any pain from the tooth at all before, during, or after the procedure. 

You should keep in mind that a little bit of gum sensitivity is common with root canals, but this should resolve in a few days. Ibuprofen can help to reduce the pain.

If you want to know more about root canals, speak with your general dentist and go to websites like https://valleyoakdentalgroup.com/.