Root Canal Myths Busted

The phrase “root canal” can be unnerving to a person who has never gone through the procedure. Well, we’re here to give you the scoop on this endodontic procedure, why it’s performed and why it could actually save your tooth.

Myth #1: Root Canals are painful.

Fact: You’ll be relieved to hear that root canals are performed to alleviate your pain, not cause it.

Because of the advanced techniques we use here in our office, it is usually a comfortable procedure without any pain.

Myth #2: Extractions are a good alternative to a root canal.

Fact: Keeping your natural teeth is always the best option. If the infection is caught early, a root canal can help preserve your natural tooth.

When a tooth is removed, it’s gone forever. Tooth loss can cause more problems down the road. Dentists only resort to tooth extraction in cases of the most severe infection.

Myth #3: A root canal causes illness.

Fact: If you do not have a root canal performed, you risk allowing bacteria from the infected tooth to spread throughout your body.

Root Canal Therapy “cleans” the infection out of the tooth and is recommended to prevent infection of the tissue around the affected tooth which may result in abscesses.

Myth #4: Root canals require multiple appointments.

Fact: Most root canals can be performed in about one to two hours in just one visit.

Those with more severe infections may have to come back for additional visits to make sure there are no complications and the infection has fully healed.

With proper care, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime. For more information about root canal therapy, contact our office today!

What is Tooth Decay?

Getting a cavity isn’t something you enjoy experiencing, and yet, it happens to almost everyone at least once. Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, a whitish, sticky substance, that accumulates on and clings to the teeth and gums. The acids in plaquedissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (inner layer of the tooth) and in some cases extend into the pulp (nerve).

Cavities can cause the enamel, protective part of the tooth, to weaken a break. Because of all the damage they can cause to your teeth, cavities should never go untreated.

Treating Cavities

There are several ways to go about treating cavities, depending on how bad the decay is.

• If you catch the decay early enough, a fluoride varnish applied to the affected teeth will be enough to stop the decay in its tracks.
• If you’ve already got a cavity, your dentist will have to remove the decay and fill the hole with a filling.
• If the decay has damaged your tooth’s nerve center, you may need a root canal to remove the nerve and restore it with crown.
• If your tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be removed.
  
  

Depending on the damage, there are varying degrees of procedures which one can undergo to fix a wide range of damage to the teeth. Using fillings, composites, alloys, ceramics, and crowns and bridges, we can restore the health, look, and feel of your teeth!

Preventing Cavities

So how can you protect your teeth from cavities? Floss regularly and brush with fluoridated toothpaste.You can also remove leftover food from your teeth by rinsing with water after a meal or snack. And, as always, seeing your dentist twice a year will prevent and catch cavities before they cause too much trouble!

Why is Dental Health Important

Having a healthy mouth is more than just having attractive teeth. Oral health touches every aspect of our lives. If you think about it, our mouth is one of the parts of our body that is almost always in constant use. We use it to eat, talk, breathe, etc. Practicing good dental health is important to maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums, but, it’s not just about looks. We also need our teeth to hold the shape of our face, the lips, and cheeks,to speak properly and clearly, and they help to chew foods for your well-being.

What happens if I don’t practice good dental health?

When the plaque is not removed, it continues to build up and eventually causes tooth decay and gum disease.Cavities are painful places on your teeth where decay has eaten through the enamel and exposed a tooth’s root. Hot or cold food or liquids can send a painful signal that something is wrong. However, cavities may not have any symptoms until after significant damage to the tooth. Early signs of tooth decay are easier to treat than advanced cases. If a cavity goes untreated, root canals, removal of teeth and other more expensive and invasive procedures could become the only treatment options available. This is why regular visits to your dental professional are so important.

How to properly brush your teeth

Daily brushing and flossing isprobably one of the most important things you can do to protect your teeth because it removes plaque and debris. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once per day.

Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently brush in a circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. This will take about 2 minutes. Then brush the tongue by using a sweeping motion with the toothbrush or by using a tongue scraper. Once you are done brushing, it is important to clean the sides of the teeth with dental floss or other interdental brush. You can also rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Should I only worry about cavities?

Besides tooth decay, there are many problems that can arise by not taking the time to strive for a healthy mouth.A common complication of poor oral health is gum disease, which can be mild in the initial stages, but lead to much more severe problems if untreated. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. If not caught early and left untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease, which may cause loss of teeth, infections and other complications. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to preventing gum disease and periodontitis.

Your dental healthcan influence your overall health and well-being

There is a direct relationship between the health of your mouth and your overall physical health. Experts say that certain diseases can first show their presence in the mouth and studies have indicated a link between periodontal disease and other health problems including heart complications, strokes, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues.A dental cleaning every six months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of many health concerns.

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pregnant women need to eat a healthy and balanced diet, get regular exercise appropriate for each trimester, and avoid things like tobacco and alcohol.It is also important to keep your teeth clean.

WhileGum disease is a common oral issue for adults, ranging from slight gum inflammation to serious dental issues, pregnant women can be more at risk to gum disease due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood flow, so it is especially important that women who are pregnant practice good oral hygiene habits.

Gingivitis is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the gums that is caused by a bacterial film that grows on the teeth, resulting in plaque buildup. This plaque irritates the gum tissue, making them tender, bright red, swollen, sensitive, and easy to make bleed. If left untreated, the bacteria can attack the gums and bones surrounding your teeth, leading to pockets around the teeth that can result in tooth loss. If you already have gingivitis going into a pregnancy, it will likely get worse during pregnancy if you do not seek treatment.Pregnancy gingivitis is especially harmful because the infected and swollen gums harbor disease causing bacteria. The pockets provide an access your bloodstream and allow bacteria to travel throughout your body. Since the bacteria that cause gingivitis can enter the bloodstream, they are able to travel down to the uterus.Several studies have found a strong link between gum disease and pregnancy complications, particularly, it increases the risk of preterm delivery and babies with low birth weight.

The good news is gum disease can be identified and treated early. The best defense is to follow a good oral hygiene routine.

You can prevent plaque from building up in your mouth by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. Brush your teeth at least twice a day:

• before you have breakfast
• before you go to bed at night

Brush thoroughly, but gently, for at least two minutes, no sooner than one hour after eating or drinking. Use a brush with soft bristles, or an electric toothbrush, with fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day, ideally before you go to bed.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, schedule an examination with your dentist to discuss your oral health.

Meet Dr. Martin Skrapits, DMD

Dr. Martin Skrapits has practiced cosmetic and restorative dentistry in Hackettstown, New Jersey since 2005. During this time, he earned the reputation as a dentist who can provide beautiful and lasting results for his patients. To maintain the highest quality of patient care, Dr. Skrapits attends a multitude of continuing education courses each year. This enables his practice to grow with progressive dental techniques. His extensive training and experience in the broadening field of cosmetic dentistry allows him to use both science and artistry to create beautiful smiles for each patient.

Providing Quality, Compassionate Dental Care..

Dr. Martin Skrapits been serving and meeting the dental care needs of patients in Hackettstown, NJ and the surrounding areas for more than ten years. His calming demeanor and our friendly, professional staff has made him one of the top preferred dental care providers in New Jersey. Our goal is to create and nurture personal connections with our patients. We believe that establishing such relationships will allow us to make meaningful changes and help you and your family achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. At Dr. Skrapits practice, you will find a supportive and comforting atmosphere, where you will receive expert care, professional solutions, state-of-the-art dental services and experience an environment of teamwork with people who love working with families. Making your smile beautiful and healthy is our passion. We offer general and cosmetic dental care to patients of all ages for everything from routine check-ups to complex restorative treatments..