Q.1. What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is indicated in teeth that have developed a deep cavity with the involvement of the nerve in the respective tooth.
The infection may spread through the infected nerve into the underlying bone and cause accumulation of pus associated with pain.
The root canal treatment involves removal of the infected nerve.
Once the nerve is removed the walls of the root canal are smoothened and enlarged to accommodate a filling material.
Once the infection is drained, the root canal is filled with the filling material.
Next, in 6-8 weeks the cavity on the tooth surface is filled a permanent filling material.
Root Canal Treatment
When a dental pulp (nerve) is traumatized, diseased, or dead, it must be removed and replaced with a root canal filling. The filling material may vary from the most popular, rubber like material, gutta-percha, to sterling silver, other metals, plastic, or various cements. The procedure usually requires one or two appointments. The root canal procedure typically is not painful, but some discomfort may be present during treatment and healing. In most situations the therapy is not finished after the root canal has been completed, because the tooth is now weak. Often a reinforcing metal post is inserted into the tooth through the opening in the top of the tooth. Many teeth are still too weak or unpleasant looking, and a crown (cap) is required to make the tooth both functional and beautiful. The minimal therapy required for a dead tooth is root canal only.
Q.2. What are the signs of gum disease?
♦ Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, and tender
♦ Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
♦ Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
♦ Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth
♦ Teeth that have shifted or loosened
♦ Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
♦ Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
♦ Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Q.3. How does Plaque form?
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film of a bacteria or germs that is constantly forming on your teeth and gums. If it is not brushed off after you eat, it combines with sugars present in food particles to produce acids which attack and harm your teeth. Plaque is the real villain behind both tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque turns food stuck between the teeth and acid which attacks the tooth enamel. With repeated acid attacks, the enamel wears away and a cavity is formed.
Once a cavity forms the decay spreads to the next layer - the dentine . But if the cavity is filled by a dentist, the decay can be stopped.
If the cavity is not treated at the dentine stage, the decay spreads deeper into the pulp and this can be very painful.
In the last stage the decay spreads to the root and causes an abscess, accompanied by severe pain. At this stage, only root canal treatment can save the tooth. In some case, the tooth may have to be extracted.
Q.4. What are sensitive teeth?
If you've ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and beverages, you've experienced tooth sensitivity. And you're not alone. It's a condition that affects one out of four adults, often coming and going over time.
The most common cause of sensitive teeth in adults is exposed tooth roots due to receding gums. Because these roots are not covered by enamel, thousands of tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve center (pulp) are exposed. When heat, cold or pressure touch these channels, you feel pain.
Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems. This is especially true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, making you vulnerable to tooth decay
Q.5. What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess? Will it go away on its own, or do I have to go to the dentist?
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in the roots of teeth or in the gum tissue surrounding teeth. The main symptom of a tooth abscess is a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache. Initially, the tooth may be sensitive to heat and pressure with chewing or biting. Later, you may develop a fever, swelling in your face or cheek, and tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck. If the abscess ruptures, you will have a sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting fluid in your mouth.
A tooth abscess will not go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly, but dental treatment is still needed. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck and even become life-threatening.
Treatment of a tooth abscess is directed at eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth and preventing complications.
Treatment may include:
♦ Draining the abscess
♦ Antibiotics
♦ Warm saltwater rinses
♦ Over-the-counter pain relievers
♦ Root canal therapy
♦ Extraction of the affected tooth
Q.6. Are over-the-counter teeth whitening products safe? How do their results compare with whitening products used in a dentist's office?
When used as directed on healthy teeth, over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products are generally safe and effective. Side effects are few — and usually temporary — but may include:
Sensitive teeth
Gum irritation
Whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains on teeth. But "whitening" toothpastes have gentle chemical or polishing agents that provide additional surface stain removal. These products contain no bleach.
Peroxide-based whiteners or bleaching agents, including whitening gels and strips. These products bleach teeth — which means they actually change the natural tooth color — helping to remove deep and surface stains. Over-the-counter whiteners usually contain a lower strength of bleaching agent than do products used in your dentist's office. For this reason, they must be used longer to achieve the desired effect. But they are also cheaper.
No matter which product you use, whitening isn't permanent and the process will need to be repeated periodically if you want to maintain the lighter color. Whitening effects from OTC products typically last several months. But this can vary depending on:
Your current and desired tooth color
Foods and beverages you consume
How well you take care of your teeth (oral hygiene)
Teeth whitening products are not recommended for:-
● Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding
● Children younger than age 16
● People with sensitive teeth or peroxide allergy
● People with gum disease or worn tooth enamel
Q.7.What can I do to protect my teeth from damage from my clenching and grinding?
Between one half of all adults over the age of 16 clench or grind their teeth, mostly at night, which can severely wear down or crack teeth and fillings, loosen teeth in the gums, and make the bone and gum support of the teeth shrink. Clenching and grinding is the number one cause of headaches, jaw joint soreness and popping, and painful jaws. By wearing a 1/8 inch thick custom-made strong plastic tooth appliance, a Night Guard, over the upper or lower teeth cuts these symptoms tremendously.
Q.8. Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important? What kind of floss is best?
The use of dental floss is essential in preventing gum disease. Most oral health problems are related to dental plaque—the soft, sticky layer of bacteria and food film on the surface of your gums and teeth, particularly along the gum line. When dental plaque grows, it infects the gums and releases toxins that irritate the gums causing gingivitis and periodontitis. The toothbrush can’t reach difficult areas in the tooth, like between teeth and along the gums. Using dental floss at least once a day provides effective removal of dental plaque. Lightly waxed dental floss is effective and the easiest to use.
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