Managing Gum Disease: Keeping It Simple

Generally, a root canal is done as a last alternative to save the tooth from being pulled. The procedure involves the infected tooth being drilled so the decaying nerve tissue inside of the tooth can be extracted, essentially killing the tooth. The now hollow tooth is filled with a sealer paste. The final step is the crown at the top of the tooth. There are many people that are scared of the dentist, however, when a root canal is done the right way, there is nothing to fear.

If your dentist tells you that you have a tooth that needs a second root canal, you may think he or she is crazy. After all, a tooth cannot have two root canals–or can it? When a tooth needs a root canal, the tooth will typically never need another one. But there are times when a second one may be needed. Here are two of the most common reasons why a tooth would need a second root canal.

Losing a tooth is something that most people desperately want to avoid, but there may be times when the damage to the tooth is far too excessive for it to be saved. When this is the case, patients do not have to suffer the embarrassment of having a gap in their smile because dental bridges are an affordable, effective and comfortable way of having this cosmetic dental issue corrected. Sadly, some people may avoid opting for a dental bridge but by having the following two misconceptions dispelled, you can make an informed decision about getting this dental prosthetic.

If you've been told that you're going to need a dental implant, then you might be wondering how much it's going to end up costing you out-of-pocket. If you ask your dentist for the cost, however, you may be surprised to find that your dentist can only give you an estimated range. After all, the cost of dental implants can range greatly depending on a number of factors. By being aware of what those influencing factors are, you should be able to get a better idea of what to expect.

If you are a busy college student and want straighter teeth, Invisalign is a great choice. Not only are the aligners nearly invisible when they're in your mouth, but since you change the aligner yourself every few weeks, you don't have to take as much time out for orthodontist appointments as you would with traditional braces. Though a great choice for most people, Invisalign does require some responsibility and a little time commitment if you want the aligners to work properly.

Not only does what you eat impact your overall health, it can specifically affect your oral health by either helping or hindering your body while it is trying to build your teeth or fight off tooth decay. We all know the importance of calcium in the diet, but you may be less familiar with the other ways that food can protect your teeth. Vitamin C and Your Teeth The human body has to have a certain amount of vitamin C in order to maintain its various connective tissues and to fight off infection.

Many braces wearers are eager to have their dental devices removed to display their new smiles. However, straightened teeth can gradually revert back to their original position if a retainer isn't used after braces. Retainers are designed to prevent your teeth from shifting as the jawbone and gums stabilize around your newly-aligned teeth. Caring for your retainers will help ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Follow these tips to care for your dental retainers after your braces are removed.

When it comes to your dental care, new technologies are constantly being developed to make your trips to the dentist easier and less problematic. When it comes to diagnosing dental caries, also known as cavities, dentists are better equipped now than ever before for early diagnosis and detection. Before you go to your dentist the next time, make sure that they are using the latest technologies to look for cavities in your mouth.