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Root Canal Procedure: The Best Remedy for Tooth Aches-1

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp, a soft tissue located inside of a tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that facilitates the tooth’s growth.  The procedure is necessary when a tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected due to a crack, chip, or advanced tooth decay. We perform restorative and cosmetic treatments to keep you smiling, pain and worry-free. Keep reading to learn more about root canal procedures. WHEN DO YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL? To understand when a root canal procedure is needed, you first need to understand what goes on inside your tooth.  As mentioned, the pulp is a crucial part of your tooth. When it is damaged, it allows for bacteria to spread and multiply in the pulp chamber. When left untreated, this bacteria can cause an infection and lead to an abscessed tooth. Some of the other situations that can make a root canal procedure necessary are: * Tooth injury  * Teeth that require several dental procedures  * Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity * Chips or cracks in the tooth WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE? Each root canal procedure involves the following steps: * Anesthesia: For starters, our dentist will numb your gums by administering an anesthetic. You are likely to feel a pinch, but the sensation will pass quickly. * Pulp Removal: Next, the dentist will make a tiny hole in the top part of the tooth to remove the pulp. * Sealing: After the pulp is removed, the hole will be sealed with a sealant paste called gutta-percha. * Temporary Filling: Lastly, the dentist will apply a temporary filling to the tooth to prevent any further damage. On your next visit a few days later, our team will remove the temporary filling and replace it with a permanent one. If you need a root canal procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The Importance of Consulting Your Dentist During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes take place in your body, elevating the risk of developing oral health problems. Dentists and obstetricians recommend booking an appointment before conceiving. This prevents dental diseases in advance. It is important to consult your dentist during pregnancy to avoid complications during childbirth.  HOW DOES DENTAL HEALTH AFFECT PREGNANCY? Dental health, also called oral health, is the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. When pregnant, dental health becomes an important part of your prenatal care.  Oral health is directly linked to the general health of your body. Dentists claim that there is a link between dental health and childbirth. Studies show that gum diseases trigger increased levels of biological compounds that induce labor.  HOW CAN YOU ENSURE A SAFE AND HEALTHY PREGNANCY? Dental health is of prime importance during pregnancy. Brush teeth regularly, twice a day. Floss once a day to help get rid of any remains of food particles left after brushing. And more importantly, eat a balanced and nutritious diet and regularly visit your dentist to prevent major oral health problems. Here are other tips: * Use good toothpaste, preferably one that has fluoride  * Use antacids if brushing is impossible due to nausea and vomiting * Avoid smoking  ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY  Some dental health problems may lead to complications in childbirth like:  * Pregnancy gingivitis: The buildup of plaque on the teeth irritates the gum. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include red, inflamed, and bleeding gums.  * Tooth decay: There are high chances of developing tooth decay due to the unhealthy food cravings that occur during pregnancy. Also, nausea and vomiting conditions make some women do less brushing and flossing.  * Pregnancy tumor (pyogenic granuloma): The gum tissue swells, making it look raw. It usually disappears after pregnancy. If not, consult your dentist immediately. * Loose tooth: It is an uncommon complication that occurs during pregnancy. Due to the increase of certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone, tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place loosen.  VISITING A DENTIST DURING PREGNANCY Visit your dentist during weeks 14 through 20 or the second trimester or early third trimester of your pregnancy. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant. This is so they will know to avoid the use of X-rays, pain medications, antibiotics, and dental anesthetics. Discuss your medical history, past miscarriages if any, and medications with your dentist.  To receive the best dental care, contact us today.

Best Practices To Maintain A Healthy Smile

BRUSH YOUR TEETH REGULARLY While brushing your teeth every day alone won’t completely eliminate all plaque and tartar, it will keep much of it at bay. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities, increased tooth sensitivity, and gum disease. Regular flossing is also an essential part of oral health as it helps to remove plaque. FLOSS DAILY Flossing daily removes food debris and plaque from between the your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because food debris and plaque can turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove than plaque alone. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, which is an infection of the gums. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss, and your gums may swell, redden, or feel tender to the touch. Once gum disease develops, you may notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss. This sign is an indicator that your gums are inflamed and infected. Your gums may swell, redden, or feel tender to the touch. VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY Even if you have healthy teeth and gums, you should still visit your dentist regularly. This will help you prevent dental issues from forming in the first place. For example, your dentist can examine your gums and teeth for signs of gingivitis. If caught early enough, gingivitis can be treated with a deep cleaning. PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM DAMAGE There are two main ways that teeth can be damaged: physical problems and oral problems. Physical Damage Injuries to the mouth, such as biting down on hard foods, can cause chips, fractures, or breakages. While minor chips or fractures may not need treatment, broken teeth may require restorations. Oral Problems Oral problems are those that affect the mouth as a whole and can include tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. QUIT SMOKING Smoking is terrible for your oral health and your overall health. Smoking leads to stained teeth, bad breath, oral cancer, and gum disease. While it may feel like you can smoke and still get oral care, it will be extremely difficult for your dentist to treat you properly. PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN’S TEETH Tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease. Fortunately, it can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth regularly as well as scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams. EAT HEALTHY FOODS Eating foods that are healthy for your body is also healthy for your teeth. Foods that are good for your teeth and gums include water, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, and red wine. USE MOUTHWASH The American Dental Association recommends that patients use mouthwash once a day. It can help kill bacteria, wash away food particles, and control bad breath. Mouthwashes come in a variety of strengths. Consult with your dentist to find out which type of mouthwash is right for you. USE FLUORIDE Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride helps prevent decay by reversing the early signs of acid erosion. Topical fluoride treatments are administered in-office, helping patients avoid cavities and tooth decay. To learn more oral care tips from the experts, call Freeman Dental at (270) 444-6080 or visit our dental office located at 4616 Village Square Dr, Paducah, KY 42001. 

Easing Dental Anxiety: Coping Methods that Can Help

Dental fear can affect anyone, regardless of their age. Dental anxiety can stem from a variety of reasons, including a bad childhood experience, a previous traumatic dental procedure, or a fear of needles or pain. If you've been putting off going to the dentist because of dental phobia, you're not alone. Many patients feel nervous or anxious about going to the dentist. Speak Up About Your Fears Although your dentist is trained to handle any dental emergencies that may arise, severe anxiety may hinder your ability to receive proper dental care. This is why it is important, to be honest about your fear of the dentist and speak up regarding ways you can make your appointment less stressful. Try to schedule your appointments during times of the day when you are most calm. If you become anxious or uncomfortable during treatment, let your dental team know so he or she can make adjustments to make you more comfortable. Many dentists offer patients who struggle with extreme levels of dental fear the option of receiving dental sedation through the use of oral sedatives. Talk to your dentist about the different options of sedation he or she offers to help put you at ease during your next visit. Agree On A Signal It is helpful to have a predetermined signal that you will use when you need a break due to heightened anxiety or discomfort. This can mean tapping on the table or simply raising a hand to let the dentist know that it's time to stop.  It can also be helpful for patients to voice their concerns about pain levels and other sensations they experience during a procedure. This allows a dentist to make accommodations and adjustments as needed. Take A Trusted Person With You The presence of another person can ease a patient's fears, so bringing someone you trust is usually a good idea.  If somebody is accompanying you for treatment, make sure they understand what will happen ahead of time and relay that information back to you once you are in the dentist's chair. That way, you can explain what is happening via your signals. It also gives the person the opportunity to confirm that their knowledge matches the dentist's word. If they have any questions, they can ask away. Bring Distractions For people who get anxiety or fear at dentist visits, bringing a distraction can be useful. This kind of distraction can take many forms. It can be as simple as a favorite stuffed animal that can give a person something to hold during procedures like fillings and crowns or a tab and headset to listen to your favorite music. Some dental offices have TVs in the patient rooms as well. All of these things can help you feel at ease while you are in the dental chair. Consider Sedation Dentistry If the thought of sitting in the dentist's chair makes you anxious or fearful, then sedation dentistry might be a great option for you. At our dental practice, we offer two types of sedation dentistry – oral sedation and nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. With both options, you won't feel any pain or discomfort during your appointment. You will still be conscious, but you will not be bothered by what's going on around you. You can use this as an opportunity to catch up on some reading or work on your computer or even take a nap if you'd like. Oral sedation is as simple as taking a pill before your appointment. This medication will make you feel very drowsy, so you'll need someone to bring you to our office and help you home after your visit. You might experience grogginess, but you will likely be awake enough to drive yourself and get home safely. You will need a friend or family member to help you care for yourself and your children for at least the remainder of the day after your procedure. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, works quickly to make you more comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. You won't feel any pain, and you will be able to communicate with us as needed throughout your visit. After it's done, the gas will wear off quickly, and you can return to your normal activities. You'll need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment since you will be feeling groggy for a few hours after treatment. Both options are safe and effective at allowing you to get the dental care you need without fear. Our team can discuss these options with you in more detail and help you decide which is right for you and your needs. To learn more oral care tips from the experts, call Freeman Dental at (270) 444-6080 [Puducah office] or (270) 247-1966 [Mayfield office]. You can also visit our dental offices located at 4616 Village Square Dr, Paducah, KY, 42001, and 312 Wyatt Drive, Mayfield, KY, 42066.