Author: bmedentalplano

I remember the weeks nearing the end of dental school. Ahh. Finally, I see the light at the end of the tunnel! I am graduating at last and finally becoming a dentist! I have worked SO HARD to get this far, and I’m ready to relax and take it easy.

Dental school was the most stressful four years of my life, and I COULD NOT WAIT TO LEAVE THAT PHASE OF MY LIFE. My parents always told me that in order to live a life of comfort, you must suffer in the beginning. So, I viewed dental school as the necessary suffering I knew I had to go through in order to live a life of ease and abundance for rest of my life.

Life as a dentist was going to be SO EASY. I was ready to forever be called a “doctor,” earn a lot of money, and do cool things like change people’s lives in dentistry. Boy was I wrong.

The transition from being in dental school to practicing in a real-life private practice was a steep learning curve to say the least. No longer did I have four hours to complete a filling or two. In fact, I had less than 20 minutes to start and finish an “MOD” filling before I had to jump rooms to the next patient who is crazy anxious about the dentist!

Though the first two years after graduating was extremely stressful for me, I found them so vital in shaping my early career as a dental professional. I learned so many lessons, including the ones listed below.

1. Working on my clinical speed quickly.

Doing dentistry with speed and quality is difficult, but it is necessary to keep your stress to a minimum and ensure your patients are happy.

2. Managing patients’ fear and anxiety.

Everyone hates the dentist. Everyone is anxious. I learned how to effectively communicate with patients to reduce their fear and dental phobic tendencies.

3. Managing co-workers’ personalities and emotions.

This is tricky because you work with these people every day, so you must find the right way to deliver positive criticism. It’s important not only to find the right team who has the right attitude and mindset, but also, you as their leader must also have a healthy and positive psyche.

4. Talking to patients effectively about their dental problems and how they must take care of it.

In other words, we must learn how to create value to their dental needs so they actually want to get it taken care of. This involves proper communication to ensure our patients understand what the problem is. People won’t spend money on their teeth unless they really understand what’s going on and the consequences if left untreated.

5. Making mistakes, figuring out why it happened, and then correcting it.

In the beginning, I found myself seeing class 2 filling voids during my six-month recalls. In order to correct this, I had to completely change systems to the Garrison Matrix and the “snowplow technique” in order to deliver quality and predictable dentistry every single time. This removed so much stress and made class 2 procedures so much more enjoyable!

6. Managing my own anxieties and self-defeating thoughts.

Just because I made mistakes doesn’t mean I’m a bad dentist. Mistakes make me question what doesn’t work and then learning and finding a system that works for me.

Though I only have five years of experience as a dentist, I now know that it is not the easy, glamorous job I had always assumed it would be. It’s tough physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, it pays well (for the most part), but not only do you have to deal with the challenges of dentistry, but also the challenges of managing your patients, your staff, and your own emotional well-being.

That being said, I’m relieved to be over that beginning learning phase of my career and I’m excited to learn more about the complicated parts of dentistry. I plan on attending continuing education courses in functional occlusion and esthetics to expand my skills, fill my knowledge gaps about the more complex parts of dentistry, and deliver the highest quality of care to ensure predictable, successful dentistry. 

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Do you remember when you last replaced your toothbrush? Or how often you replace it? Most household things have an indicator that lets us know when it’s time to replace them: the alarm system makes a loud beeping noise when the battery needs to be replaced, the light flickers when the bulb needs to be replaced, etc.

But how do we know when it’s time to replace our toothbrush?

A good rule of thumb to follow is to replace your toothbrush every three months. At three months, the toothbrush bristles will be too worn down to effectively clean our teeth. Even if they may not look worn down, everyday use may have caused significant fungi and bacteria build-up in between the bristles of the toothbrush. If you don’t replace your toothbrush, you can get sick.

Tips and Recommendations for Toothbrush Care:

1. Replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months. Worn down bristles are NOT effective at cleaning our teeth, which can lead to gingivitis or gum disease.
2. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush carefully with water after EVERY use. Our mouths have millions of bacteria, which we then transfer to our toothbrush. If it’s not washed and AIR-DRIED properly, residual bacteria can build up and get you sick.
3. Go to Costco and buy the bulk toothbrush and toothbrush heads! This will make it easier to replace because all you have to do is reach down under the sink when it’s time to replace your toothbrush.
4. When you travel, make sure your toothbrush is well-protected. You don’t want to introduce foreign bacteria into the toothbrush bristles.

For more information and questions about oral health, visit BMEDental.com!

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“Is an electric toothbrush THAT much better than a manual toothbrush?” My patients ask me this question all the time, which is why I want to take a minute to share my professional opinion on the subject.

Do I recommend an electric toothbrush to most of my patients? Absolutely.
Are you going to get significantly more cavities if you use a manual toothbrush? Probably not.
Do you need to buy the most expensive electric toothbrush to get the best result? Def not.

I recommend an electric toothbrush to my patients because it makes oral hygiene FOOL PROOF. Here are a few pros that make an electric toothbrush superior to a manual toothbrush.

• The brush heads spin in an oscillating motion at an RPM 300x faster than when you manually move your hand. Thus, it removes plaque and build up more efficiently and effectively.
• They have a sensor that let you know if you’re pushing too hard on your teeth and gums. Aggressive brushing can cause gum abrasion, which cause thinning of the gums, which then cause teeth sensitivity because of the root exposure around the area.
• They have built-in timers that make sure you brush the whole 2 minutes! Most people brush their teeth for only 45 seconds because they lose track of time. This built-in timer holds you accountable to brush the entire 2 minutes.
• It’s helpful for people who have limited mobility (i.e., Arthritis, Parkinson’s, Carpal Tunnel) because it does the work for them!
• Some electric toothbrushes even tell you where you missed a spot! Bluetooth technology allows you to connect your electric toothbrush to your mobile device, and it will tell you exactly where you spent too little time brushing.

Lastly, you don’t have to spend $200+ on a fancy electric toothbrush. Amazon has many affordable electric toothbrushes that work just as well!

For more questions about oral hygiene care, please visit my practice site at www.bmedental.com!

Ahhh, the holidays and the never-ending meals and desserts. During this festive time, we expose our teeth to A LOT of food and sugar, so it’s important we stay on top of our oral hygiene.

Eating all day means constantly exposing our teeth to sugar. This increases the chances of cavities forming. Here are five quick, but effective, tips to ensure you don’t let cavities grow.

Tip #1: Avoid frequent eating throughout the day. Confining sugar intake to a couple times a day decreases the amount of plaque that build up on your teeth. Remember, plaque contains bacteria that causes cavities to form.

Tip #2: Drink water after sugar exposure. If a toothbrush is not handy, it’s good to rinse with water to remove the residual sugar and plaque that build up on your teeth. This will reduce the likelihood of tooth decay!

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Tip #3: Brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating. This removes the plaque that builds up on your teeth, thus removes the bacteria that causes cavities to form. However, it’s not advisable to brush immediately after eating because our enamel is very porous due to the low pH in our mouth right after eating. Brushing our teeth during this low pH may cause abrasion and thinning of our enamel.

Tip #4: Floss your teeth at least ONCE a day. Brushing our teeth is not enough to ensure we won’t get cavities. Food constantly get stuck between our teeth, and we must floss daily to ensure that no food is trapped. Impacted food can form interproximal cavities, which are cavities that form in between the teeth. These are harder to fix and may result in more sensitivity after a filling is placed.

Tip #5: Use fluoridated mouthwash! Fluoridated mouthwash such as ACT Mouthwash or Crest Pro-Health Advance Mouthwash may help reduce or stop cavities from forming. Acid in plaque causes loss of minerals from our enamel. This process is called demineralization. Fluoride helps reverse this by adding back minerals into these damaged areas. This process is called remineralization. Daily rinsing with fluoride can prevent small cavities from growing and/or prevent them from forming at all.

To find out more about oral hygiene care and the proper diet for an optimal oral health, visit our website at BMEDental.com!

Previously, dentists and patients alike relied on fixed prosthesis, such as a dental bridge, and removable prosthesis, such as partial dentures or flippers, to replace missing teeth. Though the aforementioned options are still in use today and are great remedies for replacing missing teeth, dental implants have now become the gold standard for teeth replacement.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone. After the implant is placed, osseointegration occurs, which usually takes 4-6 months. During this time, the implant integrates into your natural bone, giving it its strength and permanence. After 4-6 months, a permanent implant crown is cemented or screwed into place.

How long is the dental implant process?

From start to finish, dental implants usually take about 4-6 months. The process involves many steps that include:

• Dental implant placement (bone graft may be necessary if there is inadequate bone)
• We give 4-6 months to let the implant heal and integrate within your natural bone
• Your implant surgeon confirms complete integration and stability of the implant
• You go back to your dentist for an implant crown impression or mold
• After 2-3 weeks, your implant crown comes back from the dental lab; it is then cemented or screwed into the implant

The most important maintenance factor after dental implant placement is oral hygiene. Make sure to clean the area around the implant and remove any food debris daily. If hygiene is not maintained, the dental implant can fail due to implantitis, or inflammation surrounding the implant.

What is a dental implant crown?

A dental implant is the titanium screw that is placed into your jawbone. A dental implant crown is the porcelain tooth that is screwed or cemented into or on the implant screw. Just like a natural tooth, the implant crown is what you see when you smile and what you use to chew.

How much is a dental implant?

Dental implants are not cheap, but they are worth the price if you desire longevity, comfort, and esthetics. Dental implants and implant crowns combined can cost around $3,000-$5,000. Like everything in dentistry and life, you get what you pay for. Don’t opt for cheap implants if they are done by an inexperienced dentist or surgeon because they may not last as long.

For more questions about dental implants, visit BMEDental.com or book your appointment at 972-208-9998!

Teeth whitening is becoming so popular nowadays as we become more esthetic-centered as a society. For example, the increasing pressures of having a well-built social media presence demand more personal pictures and selfies, which call for a beautiful smile. For many, that means yellow teeth are a no-no. Though teeth whitening is generally safe, it is important to go over the science behind the way it works, so you can determine which way is best and safest for your teeth.

What causes teeth staining?

When we eat colored drinks and food such as red wine, coffee, tea, or blackberries, the stains from the color of the food or drink linger on top of our enamel. These are called extrinsic stains. If we do not remove the extrinsic stains using a toothbrush, the stains travel down through the enamel into the inner layer of teeth called the dentin. The dentin is the yellow part of the teeth, and its discoloration is amplified as it receives more stains from the external surface. These become intrinsic stains. Thus, to avoid permanent teeth stains, it is very important to brush your teeth within 3-4 hours of drinking anything dark such as coffee, tea or red wine.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening uses peroxide as a bleaching agent. Peroxide can penetrate the inner layers of the teeth, removing discoloration. The difference in over-the-counter and in-office whitening kits lies in the concentration of the peroxide. The higher concentration of peroxide the whitening gel contains, the stronger it is.

Over-the-counter whitening kits can have peroxide component as high as 3%, while dental office whitening kits can have hydrogen peroxide concentrations as high as 40% and thus need professional supervision during application.

The concentration of peroxide also inversely correlates with the amount of time necessary to whiten teeth. The higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide used, the less time it takes to achieve whiter results. Those who prefer immediately whiter teeth should opt for in-office whitening treatment because a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used, and whiter teeth can be achieved in as little as 45 minutes to an hour.

Those with hypersensitive teeth should opt for lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide because it does not cause as much sensitivity. However, it will take more time to achieve the same whitening results. For example, an over-the-counter whitening mouthwash will contain 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, but it may take up to 4 weeks to achieve a whiter smile.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is generally stronger; thus, it should be done under the supervision of a dental professional. It has immediate results, which is perfect for those with time restrictions, such as those going to a weekend wedding or reunion. Since it has a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide, people may experience sensitivity during and after treatment. Thus, in-office teeth whitening is not recommended for those with hypersensitive teeth.

KOR Whitening

If you are looking for the most effective and most long-lasting whitening product, KOR Whitening is your brand. Though it is also the most expensive, it can whiten the most discolored and stained teeth. KOR Whitening is a month-long process and has 3 steps that involve both at-home and in-house whitening.

Step 1: 14 days of at-home whitening with your custom-made whitening trays

Step 2: 1-hour appointment for in-office whitening

Step 3: Continue at-home whitening for 14 more days or as needed/maintenance basis.

Philips Zoom!

Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed promises their consumers immediate results in as little as 45 minutes. The in-office appointment involves placing a higher concentration hydrogen peroxide on your teeth under UV light in 20-minute sessions that is repeated up to three times.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening is exactly as it says. Using custom whitening trays, you place the gel on the outer surface of your teeth and place the trays on top of it for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. At-home teeth whitening kits are great for those wanting to maintain a whiter smile and to avoid general staining from coffee, tea, or red wine.

Philips Zoom DayWhite: the DayWhite whitening kits use hydrogen peroxide as their main bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster and therefore works faster, so it can be used for as little as 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those who don’t like wearing trays overnight because it’s fast and easy.

Philips Zoom NiteWhite: the NiteWhite whitening kits use carbamide peroxide as their main bleaching agent. Carbamide peroxide breaks down much slower than hydrogen peroxide, so it releases its whitening compounds in the first two hours and can remain active for up to 6 hours. It must be worn for at least two to four hours to achieve maximum effectiveness. It’s ideal for those who prefer to whiten their teeth overnight.

FAQs:

How do I avoid coffee stains on my teeth?

Overall, to avoid stained and discolored teeth, you must brush your teeth within 3-4 hours after exposing your teeth to dark-colored drinks. By removing the stain while it’s still on the superficial layer of your enamel (extrinsic stain), you prevent the stain from penetrating the inner layers of your teeth into the dentin and becoming an intrinsic stain, which is much harder to remove.

How do I avoid sensitivity during and after teeth whitening?

A little trick I use is applying Sensodyne toothpaste before and after. Sensodyne uses potassium nitrate to block the tubules on your teeth, which cause sensitivity. Here is the step by step process:

1. Before applying any whitening solution, dry your teeth with a paper towel and place Sensodyne paste on top of your teeth. Place your custom trays on top of your teeth and leave it on for at least 5-10 minutes.
2. Proceed with your whitening protocol.
3. After finishing with your whitening, apply Sensodyne again on your teeth, and cover it with the trays. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
4. Rinse.

Which whitening should I use if I have sensitive teeth?

Generally, I recommend using a lower concentration of peroxide if you have sensitive teeth. For example, I would opt for a 10% Carbamide Peroxide, wear it for 2-4 hours at most, and use Sensodyne before and after as a desensitizer.

For more information about teeth whitening, visit my website at BMEDental.com!

Do you experience teeth sensitivity? Have you noticed chipping on your teeth? Do you sometimes wake up with a headache and/or jaw soreness? If you have answered yes to any of the above, you may be grinding your teeth at night!

Nighttime teeth grinding is more common than we think. This is because we express stress in our sleep. Not only do we tense up our bodies during times of stress, but we also tightly clench our jaws, causing our teeth to grind against each other excessively. This can cause major problems because teeth are not meant to carry that much stress. Over time, grinding can wear down and fracture teeth and cause irreversible jaw or TMJ problems.  

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Typically there are NO signs or symptoms that we grind our teeth in the early stages. Symptoms arise when it is too late, and we have already lost a good layer of our enamel, which protect the inside of our teeth. Your dentist may be able to detect early signs of grinding if they observe wear facets on your enamel.

Wear facets are indentations, holes, or flat surfaces on your enamel that are indicative of grinding. For example, if you are showing wear facets on your lower left molar, that means your upper left molar is hitting hard against your lower left molar, digging into your enamel (top layer) and into the dentin (inside layer). Your dentist may recommend covering the exposed dentin with a composite filling and a nightguard to prevent other teeth from the same plight.

Symptoms of habitual nighttime grinding include:

• Sensitivity to temperature
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Jaw soreness
• Worn down teeth
• Exposed dentin (yellow, inside layer of the tooth)

What are signs that I grind my teeth?

The biggest objective finding we notice as dentists from someone who grinds their teeth is the presence of abfractions. Abfraction is the loss of enamel or dentin near the gum line.

Chipping near the gum line happens because it is the softest part of the tooth and thus receives the most stress during grinding. If not addressed, abfractions can get worse over time, causing sensitivity, fracture, or exposed root canals.

Worn-down enamel and abfractions should be treated with a composite filling because we want to avoid any exposed nerve fibers, which cause teeth sensitivity. Filling the exposed parts of the teeth will not only relieve sensitivity, but it will also ensure these areas do not get cavities.

What is the treatment for grinding?

A person with habitual grinding during sleep should get a custom-made nightguard. A nightguard will protect the teeth from causing stress and damage at night as well as alleviate any jaw muscle contraction that can cause headaches and jaw pain.

It is also important to be conscious of any clenching throughout the day. It takes weeks or months to be fully aware of just how hard you are clenching your teeth. During rest, you are not supposed to be touching your teeth tightly because constant tight contact can cause stress throughout your jaw and teeth nerve fibers.

Full mouth reconstruction (FMR) is an option for those who have lost significant teeth and enamel.  FMRs aim to replace lost enamel and worn-down teeth with porcelain crowns and open up one’s bite so that attrition and wear is addressed. FMRs are typically very complex and expensive and should only be performed by experienced dentists with broad knowledge and expertise in the area of occlusion.

How Much Do Nightguards Cost?

Nightguards can cost anywhere from $20-$1,000. One should avoid cheap, over-the-counter nightguards because they are NOT custom-made to your teeth. These can cause jaw problems in the long run because they do not have the right thickness or fit, causing your jaw to move improperly during sleep. Nightguards are worn not just to prevent grinding. They are also used to guide your jaw during sleep. Any discrepancy from “normal” may cause jaw soreness and pain. It is invaluable to consult your dentist for a custom-made nightguard to avoid any jaw issues.

If you suspect you grind your teeth or if you would like a consultation about nightguards, visit BMEdental.com to book your appointment today!

Radiographs, also known as x-rays, are part of your routine dental check-ups because x-rays show us what we cannot see with the naked eye. It is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that shows the bony, hard structures of the body. Non-bony structures such as gum tissue, tooth decay, and infection appear as shadows on the x-rays. Thus, routine dental x-rays are invaluable in diagnosing dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and root canal infection.

Regular dental x-rays help dental professionals detect early onset cavities and periodontal disease as soon as possible. This prevents more aggressive treatment down the line.

There are three types of x-rays we commonly take in a dental office:

Panoramic Radiograph: A panoramic x-ray is the “big picture” radiograph. It shows the entire mouth which also includes the upper and lower jaw, the sinuses, and the jaw nerve called Intra Alveolar Nerve which runs through the lower mandible. Panoramic x-rays are used in a variety of ways including:

• Detecting infection at the roots of teeth
• Locating wisdom teeth
• Detecting bone abnormalities in the upper or lower jawbone
• Detecting oral cancer of the jawbone
• Monitoring a child’s dentition as it transitions from baby teeth to permanent teeth

Typically, a panoramic x-ray is taken every 3-5 years. This ensures we can see and detect any bone or jaw abnormalities that bitewing or periapical x-rays cannot capture.

Bitewing Radiographs: This type of radiograph is the most useful for diagnosing cavities. Thus, they are taken at every six-month dental check-up. Bitewing x-rays capture the back teeth while the patient is in biting position so it is a good way to see cavities growing in between the teeth. Bitewing radiographs are most useful in:

• Detecting cavities in between the teeth
• Detecting defective margins of crowns or fillings
• Detecting bone loss surrounding the teeth and gums (periodontal disease)
• Verifying proper seal of crown margins

In the bitewing x-ray above on the left, we were able to detect root caries, also known as root decay. The above right bitewing x-ray shows after a dental filling was placed. This type of cavity can be prevented by proper flossing.

Periapical Radiograph: This type of x-ray shows the surrounding area/bone around the apex or root of the tooth. Periapical x-rays are taken to check the status of a root canal and to detect if there are any infections at the bottom of the roots.

Periapical x-rays are best used for:

• Detecting inflammation of the surrounding bone and ligament around the roots
• Detecting cavities in the front teeth
• Detecting infection or bone loss at the bottom of the root
• Checking the health of a root canal

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

There seems to be a stigma surrounding x-rays and the amount of radiation it emits. However, it is important to know that dental x-rays emit relatively low doses of radiation. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation from a single dental x-ray than from sitting in a three-hour flight (see image below).

Regardless, it is important that proper protection and technique is implemented each time a radiograph is taken in a dental office. This includes proper lead apron use, and the dental technician must stand at least 6 feet away and behind a wall while the radiograph is being taken.

How often should I be taking dental x-rays?

I personally prefer to take bitewing x-rays every 6-12 months. I believe dental x-rays are necessary for accurate dental diagnosis because a dentist cannot detect small cavities, bone loss, or infections through a clinical exam alone. Cavities can grow within a few months, and bitewing radiographs allow us to detect cavities and other dental issues as early as possible.

However, an individual who is not high-risk for cavities and who practices excellent oral hygiene can take dental x-rays every 18 months.

For more questions about dental x-rays or radiographs, go online at BMEDental.com to book your appointment today!

Up next on the most common services in dentistry series – ROOT CANALS!

Root canals are not as scary as it sounds! When people hear the words “root canal,” they immediately associate it with PAIN. When, in fact, a root canal therapy actually relieves pain. In today’s blog, I will explain what a root canal is, why one would need root canal therapy, and what to expect after a root canal procedure.

What is a root canal?

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Root canal therapy is simply the removal of the tooth nerve and the cleaning of the pulp chamber that houses that nerve. Root canal therapy is necessary when bacteria from tooth decay gets so large that it enters the pulp chamber, the inside of the tooth, where the tooth nerve is located. When this happens, pain receptors inside the nerve fire up, causing a toothache.

Someone who is consistent with their six-month dental visit will not likely ever need root canal therapy. If we develop tooth decay, and it is addressed immediately while it is still small, a simple filling can be used to treat the tooth. We run into trouble when the decay remains undetected and not addressed. It gets bigger over time and travels inside the tooth into the nerve, causing pain. 

There are two types of tooth pain:

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1. Severe cold and hot sensitivity: Intolerable temperature sensitivity is the most common symptom of a tooth that needs root canal therapy. This is when the tooth decay becomes very large, travels down inside the tooth, and starts impinging on the nerve, causing it to become aggravated and inflamed. We call this irreversible pulpitis. Pulpitis means inflammation of the nerve. It is irreversible because once the bacteria enter the nerve, there is no going back. The inflamed nerve must be removed to remove pain/sensitivity.

An additional symptom of a tooth experiencing irreversible pulpitis is spontaneous pain that usually appears out of nowhere and cannot be relieved by over-the-counter medicine like Advil or Tylenol. The pain is typically so severe that it can wake someone up in the middle of the night.

2. Necrotic pulp: Necrosis occurs when the cells in a localized part of the body die. In a tooth, necrosis can happen when the inflamed nerve is not removed or treated, and bacteria continue to travel even further down into the root, causing an infection. Necrosis of the nerve usually happens over a long period of time and is typically presented with a dental abscess.

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Common causes of necrosis are:

• Tooth trauma caused by an injury
• Large untreated decay
• Large dental restorations (crowns or fillings) that were too close to the nerve.

Symptoms of a necrotic nerve are:

• Pain to the touch
• Pain when chewing
• Severe throbbing and tenderness

This type of “throbbing pain” is due to the infection or abscess located at the bottom of the root. A tooth with a necrotic nerve experiences no hot or cold sensitivity because the tooth no longer has “feeling” once the nerve dies.

Sometimes, a necrotic tooth with a dental abscess will not present any symptoms! This is because the infection drains through the abscess, and the pressure is relieved this way. It is very similar to how a pimple works. As soon as the pimple pops, the pain is relieved because the pressure is relieved.

What is the Root Canal Procedure?

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1. During your consult appointment, your dentist will perform a few clinical tests to evaluate the tooth’s condition.
2. After adequate numbing, your dentist will remove the decay inside the tooth.
3. Infected nerve tissue is then removed. The canals and pulp chamber are cleaned and shaped so that no remaining nerve tissues or bacteria remain.
4. The canals are rinsed thoroughly with Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCL) in each step to ensure bacteria is killed properly.
5. Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, a permanent filling material called gutta percha is used to fill the canals.
6. A permanent composite filling is placed to seal the access and rebuild the tooth.
7. The tooth is prepared for a dental crown. A dental crown is almost always necessary to ensure proper seal to protect the tooth and prevent recontamination of the root canals.
8. Two or three weeks later, the dental crown is permanently cemented.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

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A root canal procedure is not supposed to be painful because we perform the procedure under local anesthesia. However, if one has a very infected tooth, it may be hard to numb due to the acidic nature of the infection around the root. We call this a “hot tooth”.

What Should I Expect After a Root Canal Procedure?

Mild tenderness or soreness after a root canal procedure is perfectly normal. This is especially true for very infected teeth because it may take some time for the infection to heal. Fortunately, the pain will not be as severe. Anti-inflammatory pain medicine, like Advil or Ibuprofen, and antibiotics should be able to alleviate the pain.

Sensitivity to hot and cold should not be felt because the nerve has been removed. If you continue to experience temperature sensitivity after a few months post-root canal, please call your dentist for a consultation!

It’s important to note that you should get a PERMANENT restoration done shortly after root canal therapy is completed. Permanent restorations include composite fillings or a full coverage crown. Otherwise, bacteria from your mouth can leak through the inside of the tooth, which can recontaminate the root canal, causing reinfection.

Is It Important to Get a Root Canal Right Away?

Yes! It is important to perform root canal therapy immediately because the untreated infection can have serious consequences like endocarditis or meningitis, which are life-threatening.

More questions about Root Canals? Visit www.BMEDental.com to book your appointment today!

Welcome to the third blog post about the most common services in dentistry! Today’s topic will be all about our GUM HEALTH! In this post, I’ll explain the difference between gingivitis and gum disease as well as why one would need a deep cleaning rather than a regular cleaning.

Let’s start out by defining what healthy gums are. Healthy gums consist of the absence of dental plaque and calculus (tartar) and inflammation (swelling and bleeding). Someone who is consistent with brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist for their 6-month dental cleanings will most likely have healthy gums. Where you run into trouble is when you don’t maintain good oral hygiene at home!

How Does Dental Plaque Form?

When we eat food, our saliva mixes with the food debris, forming a sticky substance called plaque. If left uncleaned, plaque mixes with the calcium phosphate from our saliva, forming a hard substance called tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar is dangerous because it contains millions of bacteria that causes your gums to swell and bleed. This is called gingivitis – the inflammation of the gums due to plaque and calculus.  

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Fortunately, gingivitis is REVERSIBLE. Once we remove the plaque and tartar stuck on our teeth, our gums go back to a healthy state. In other words, the absence of tartar and plaque leads to healthy gums. Healthy gums do not bleed or appear swollen.

However, when gingivitis is not addressed, it can lead to a more serious chronic dental issue called periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease develops when the tartar is not removed. Therefore, the bacteria continue to cause further inflammation underneath the gums and into the jawbone. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss because the bacteria in the tartar gradually eats away at the jawbone and the surrounding tissues that connect your teeth to your bone.          

While gingivitis is reversible, periodontal disease is IRREVERSIBLE. This is because once the jawbone has been eaten away by the bacteria, it is gone. You can’t grow back bone. Thus, it is CRUCIAL you address gum disease in its early stages or prevent it from developing at all.

How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?

Maintaining healthy gums is very straightforward. Brush and floss daily. Go to the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning.

Unfortunately, most people do not practice healthy dental habits or seek regular dental care. A person most at risk for gum disease is one who neither practices good at-home oral hygiene nor maintains a regular dental routine. Other risk factors for gum disease include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor genetics.

What is the difference between a regular dental cleaning vs. a DEEP cleaning?

Regular Dental Cleaning (also known as Prophylaxis):

During a regular dental cleaning, the ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar abovethe gums. A regular dental cleaning is recommended only for people with healthy gums or those with mild gingivitis because the plaque and tartar are localized above the gums. A regular cleaning is NOT recommended for people with periodontal disease because the ultrasonic scaler does not reach deep enough to clean and remove the bacteria that is causing bone loss.

Deep Cleaning (also known as Scaling and Root Planing):

During a deep cleaning, the ultrasonic scaler is used to clean and remove tartar and bacteria under the gums. This is the type of dental cleaning required for people with gum disease because there is tartar and bacteria attached to the root surfaces of the teeth underneath the gums.  A deep cleaning takes longer because it is a thorough cleaning and removal of tartar surrounding the underlying gums and jawbone.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I qualify for regular dental cleanings?

Ask your dentist! Your dentist should be able to evaluate your gum health using your dental x-rays and clinical exam. If you are someone who goes to the dentist every six months and practices good oral hygiene at home, you will most likely only need a regular dental cleaning. If you have a lot of bleeding, swelling, and calculus under the gums, you will most likely need a deep cleaning.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Do you suffer from bad breath? Has it been years since you have had a dental cleaning? If you have answered “yes” to any of these, you may be suffering from early stages of gum disease! Schedule a dental visit right away. It is important that you address gum disease in its early stages before too much damage is done to your surrounding gums and bone.

How often do I need a deep clean?

In an ideal world with an ideal patient, you will only need a deep clean once in your life. This is possible if you commit to practicing excellent oral hygiene every day and maintain regular cleanings. Tartar can reform if you don’t brush or floss every day, so thorough oral hygiene care is a must!

Does a deep cleaning hurt?

Nope! Almost always, local anesthesia will be used to perform a deep cleaning. This is to make sure we can clean adequately without causing you discomfort!

Is deep cleaning expensive?

Your dental insurance will often cover a good portion of your deep clean. Ask your dentist to see your dental coverage!

Ready to get your teeth cleaned? Book online today at BMEDental.com!