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Root Canal Procedure – What are the facts and myths you need to know?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: February 17, 2023
Root Canal Treatment

Think of a root canal procedure and the common reaction is to associate it with excruciating pain. So much so that people even erroneously believe that extracting a tooth is better than having a root canal procedure done. While outdated facts & unproven theories abound when it comes to root canal treatments, it is time to debunk these theories and look at the actual facts around the treatment.

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Common Myths About Root Canal Procedure, Debunked:

Myth 1: Any tooth pain will result in a root canal treatment

Toothaches can be caused on account of a wide variety of factors such as tooth decay, gum disease, pressure on account of sinus & more. All of these do not call for root canal treatment. A root canal treatment is undertaken when the pulp of the tooth is infected.

Myth 2: Treatment is Painful

Contrary to the popular belief, with the help of modern technology, root canal procedure is no longer painful. In fact it helps to alleviate pain.

Root canals are therefore extremely common procedures with minimal post treatment discomfort.

Myth 3: Pulling a Tooth is Better

Saving the natural tooth always works better. In fact extracting the tooth without a proper plan to replace them results in it impacting your bite, as also leading to more extensive treatment. On the other hand if the natural tooth can be saved with a root canal treatment, it offers many advantages, including but not limited to:

  • Ensures that chewing is efficient
  • Ensures that the biting force remains normal
  • Helps the teeth retain their natural appearance
  • Protects other teeth from strain

Myth 4: The process is long drawn:

Far from it. most root canal procedures take only as much as 1-2 visits. It is important however that restoration of the tooth be undertaken after the root canal treatment. This typically involves sealing it with a crown.

Myth 5: Root Canals Cause Illness

Flawed research carried out by Dr. Weston Price in 1910 claimed that root canal treatment could leave patients prone to infection & illness. The research has been found to be baseless. In fact there is no credible research that has proven that having a root canal increases your risk of illness.

Myth6: It is prohibitively expensive

While costs of a root canal treatment vary as per the location of the tooth as well as the cost of the crown, the treatment is not prohibitively expensive. Importantly, it is often even covered by insurance.

Myth 7: It is a risky procedure

Once again there is no truth in this. It is in fact one of the most reliable procedures to save your natural tooth. If anything, it is delaying treatment that could result in extraction of your tooth & could make you prone to health risks.

Myth 8: Pregnant women cannot go in for RCT

While it is true that pregnant women need to avoid X-rays, however RCT requires an X-ray of the mouth that involves the rays not reaching the abdomen, making it safe. In addition, lead shielding totally ensures that any risks are mitigated.

Myth 9: You don’t need a root canal if there is no pain

There are enough & more instances where people have needed a root canal procedure without any pain. This is possible when the nerves within the teeth die, and you do not feel any sensation. However lack of treatment can result in abscess or infection from spreading.

Myth 10: Tooth treated with root canal procedure does not last long

While some patients might need a root canal treatment to be redone, this isn’t the norm. It is common for tooth treated after a root canal to even last a lifetime.

To ensure that the tooth remains protected the dentist will recommend getting a crown on the treated tooth, to offer it support.

While there are a lot of myths doing the rounds, they shouldn’t come in your way in getting the treatment that you need. Here are some facts about Root Canal treatment that you should know:

The Facts about Root Canal Procedure

1. Root Canal Relieves Pain

Instead of causing pain, the procedure relieves pain. With the use of modern technology as well as anesthetics, it removes the infected pulp from the tooth, which is the source of the pain.

2. It helps preserve the natural tooth

With a root canal treatment, you gift your tooth long life as well as other advantages such as efficient chewing.

3. The process is not too long

Root canal treatments typically require 1-2 visits as opposed to a tooth extraction that requires several visits especially as an extraction needs to be followed by a tooth implant to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.

4. It has a high success rate

Root canal treatments are known to be highly effective with the success rate being almost 95%. It is important that the tooth be crowned after treatment as that will seal & protect the tooth once the infected pulp is removed.

5. Root Canal protects the surrounding teeth

One of the lesser-known facts about root canals is that they are important to protect the teeth surrounding the affected tooth. Having an infected tooth removed can cause the teeth around it to shift and become loose, leading to a wide range of issues. Choosing a root canal procedure can not only save the affected tooth but also protect the surrounding teeth.

To Sum Up

With an experienced dentist who can remove the infected pulp, locate the canals, seal them off, you can definitely save your natural teeth.

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we do offer a full array of dental services including root canal, tooth whitening, Dentures, Tooth Extraction, & more to help you maintain healthy teeth. Call us on (925) 846-4491 or email us on office@dentaloasispleasanton.com to schedule a dental appointment.

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Dental Veneers Vs Crowns: What is the difference and which treatment is best for you?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: February 22, 2023
dental-veneers-vs-crowns

When it comes to dental restoration methods, two options stand out- dental veneers & crowns. It is important to know how they differ from each other as also what their individual pros & cons are for you to make an informed decision. While the difference that stands out is that veneers cover the front of your teeth while a crown covers the entire teeth, there are several other differences. Let us look at them in some detail.

Dental Veneers Vs Crowns

Simply put, a veneer is a thin layer either of porcelain or any other material that is bonded to the front of your tooth. A crown, on the other hand, is made up of porcelain, porcelain fused with a metal alloy, an all-metal alloy that is around 2 mm in thickness & covers your entire teeth.

Common conditions of the tooth that call for a restoration include:

  • Teeth that are discolored
  • Teeth that are chipped
  • Decayed teeth
  • Crooked Teeth

The advantage that both crown & veneers offer is that they can be matched to the color of your teeth, making their presence not stand out.

What is a veneer?

While a dental veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth, the big advantage it offers is that it isn’t as invasive as a crown. All the dentist needs to do is ground down half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth so that it bonds easily with the veneer. The steps involved in a veneer include:

  • Making an impression of your tooth to be able to customize the veneer
  • Once the customized veneer is received it is bonded to the tooth with a special cement
  • Ultraviolet light is next used to harden it
  • In case you are prone to grinding your teeth at night, it will work well to wear a night guard to protect the veneer

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What is a crown?

Since a dental crown covers the entire tooth, the process is more invasive as it is required to grind down a larger portion of the tooth. In case of any tooth decay, it is important to remove the decayed part before the crown is put.

The steps involved in placing a crown include:

  • Taking an impression of your tooth
  • On receipt of the customized crown, it is put into place in a manner so that your bite is right.
  • The crown is then cemented in place

What works better a veneer or a crown?

While a qualified dentist will be in the best position to make the decision for you, the thumb rule largely is that if the tooth has a large filling, or if the tooth is worn or cracked, a crown works well. On the other hand, if the tooth doesn’t have any serious issues and the restoration is largely for cosmetic purposes, a veneer works well. Additionally, if you are looking for small shape corrections of the tooth, veneers can be of help.

Cost

In terms of cost, the cost of both crowns & veneers will depend on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the size of your tooth, where it is located in your mouth and more. It is important to check your individual dental insurance cover to see if they cover the cost of veneers & crowns

To Sum Up

To sum up, let us look at the pros & cons of veneers & crowns to enable you to come to a decision. It is obvious, however, that a dental professional may be in the best place to advise you of the right option:

Pros of Dental Veneers

The big advantages of veneers include:

  • They are aesthetically pleasing. In fact, as opposed to crowns they do not reveal gum margins.
  • Since the grinding down in their case isn’t too much, you tend to retain a large part of your healthy tooth.

Cons of Dental Veneers

  • Since they leave a large part of the tooth exposed, there is the possibility of new decay.
  • They need to be replaced after a few years depending on the material used
  • Veneers aren’t reversible
  • In many cases they aren’t covered by dental insurance.

Pros of Crowns

  • Since they cover a large part of your tooth, the tooth is protected from decay.
  • They look like your natural teeth
  • They are relatively permanent
  • Dental insurance often covers a part of the cost of a crown.

Cons of a Crown

  • A substantial portion of the natural tooth needs to be removed in order to place the crown
  • In the initial days the crowned tooth is more sensitive to heat & cold
  • If porcelain is used, it can damage over time
  • If porcelain is fused with a metal alloy, the crown is often visible.

So, while both veneers & crowns come with their own set of advantages & disadvantages, you need to choose the option that works for your bespoke needs. Veneers work well for cosmetic improvement while crowns work well when the tooth has undergone decay or chipping.

Whether you opt for a veneer or a crown it is imperative that you maintain appropriate dental hygiene. This will protect not just the veneer or the crown but also the rest of the healthy teeth & reduce the need for further restorations.

With years of experience in dental care services, our dentist offers you a hassle-free experience when it comes to dental veneers and dental crowns. If you are looking to improve your smile instantly, call us at 925 846 4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com

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The fluoride and sealants are powerful cavity-fighting treatments for children, how?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 20, 2022
fluoride-and-sealants

One of the CDC research shows that nearly one-fifth of children between the ages of 5 to 11 have at least one decayed tooth that hasn’t been treated. Children are particularly prone to dental cavities & tooth decay. Sure enough, you ensure that they brush their teeth twice daily & also take them for regular dental visits. Is there anything else that you can do to ensure that their pearly whites are taken care of? The answer is yes & it lies in Fluoride & Dental Sealants. Before we delve deep into how the two of them work, it will be worthwhile to know how children develop cavities in the first place.

What causes cavities in kids?

Cavities largely occur in the absence of good oral hygiene. Often if food particles are left in the mouth, the bacteria in the mouth combines with food, acid & saliva to form plaque. The plaque, in turn, eats away at the tooth’s enamel. Some of the factors that increase the risk of cavities & tooth decay include:

  • High level of bacteria in the mouth
  • A diet high in sugar & starches
  • Water supply without fluoride
  • Insufficient oral hygiene
  • Poor saliva flow

The signs & symptoms of cavity include:

  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity in teeth
  • Visible holes in the teeth
  • Stains on the surface of the tooth
  • Pain biting down

Small cavities that are just starting can sometimes be stopped or reversed. Importantly you can prevent cavities from forming by way of sealants and fluoride treatment.

Let us study fluoride and sealants in some detail:

Dental Fluoride

A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride is known to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. It is possible to get some amount of fluoride from consuming fluoridated water as well as foods rich in fluoride. However, fluoride treatments give that extra protection & support healthy tooth enamel. In fact, regular use of fluoride can go a long way in helping children fight tooth decay. Besides remineralizing & strengthening the enamel, fluoride also plays a significant role when it comes to protecting the teeth from acids that act on the enamel. In fact, fluoride can also rebuild weak enamel and reverse signs of decay when caught early.

If you have any fears around whether the use of fluoride is safe in children, the answer to that is a yes. Fluoride when given in the right dose is absolutely safe. It is only when too much fluoride is taken, that it can lead to a condition called fluorosis which results in white spots or pitting of the enamel.

Fluoride treatment can be offered to children as soon as they get their first tooth. In fact 2-4 fluoride treatments are recommended per year. The process is easy. The dental practitioner will clean the child’s teeth & apply a topical fluoride treatment. Fluoride gel will be placed in trays & inserted into the child’s mouth, enabling the teeth to soak in the fluoride. The only precaution that you need is that the child shouldn’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after the treatment.

Research also shows that fluoride treatment when done along with sealant treatment, offers far better results. In fact an ADA study puts the probability of children who have had both treatments as 73% less likely to have cavities.

Dental Sealants

Simply put, sealant is a preventive coating that is applied on the chewing surface of the teeth. The process is extremely simple and involves putting the sealant on the tooth surface and later hardening it with a special light. They form a protective shield on the molars. This ensures that food does not get stuck in the tooth’s creases. Sealants are typically applied on the back teeth and are best used soon after the permanent molars erupt. In fact the sooner it is done, the better it is, since tooth decay wouldn’t have a chance to set in.

There are several sealant materials that are available & the placement technique can vary. Some sealant materials could require an acid-etching while some do not. Some materials, similarly involve the use of a bonding agent depending on the material being used. Your dental practitioner can be your best guide in advising you of the right sealant depending on your bespoke needs.

Importantly, the use of a sealant can significantly stem the need for fillings and crowns at a later stage. The preventive sealant coating is nearly invisible & lasts 5 to 10 years.

It is recommended that after a sealant is installed, the child avoids eating certain foods such as hard pretzels, hard candy or sticky food which can accidentally dislodge the sealant.

Dental sealants along with fluoride treatment and a good oral hygiene can go a long way in keeping the child’s teeth protected.

To sum up

Both sealants & fluoride are a great protection for the child’s teeth, albeit in diverse ways. An experienced dental practitioner can educate you about these two processes as also recommend the best course of action for your child. Both the processes are quick & painless and help avoid the need for costly and invasive dental procedures later.

With years of experience in dental care services, Our dentist offers you a hassle-free experience when it comes to dental sealants and fluoride. Call us at (925)-846-4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com to schedule an appointment with us.

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Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed (Understand These Signs)

By | Date posted: | Last updated: February 3, 2023
signs you need your wisdom teeth removed

Wisdom Teeth, the third set of molars, typically tend to erupt between 17 and 21 years of age. Contrary to their nomenclature they do not make us any wiser, however, they can create issues if they do not grow properly. While sometimes the symptoms associated with wisdom teeth include pain and discomfort, at other times the dentist may advise removal of wisdom teeth before they create any issues. In fact, an initial evaluation of wisdom teeth is recommended between the age of 16 & 19. While they are left alone if there is enough room to accommodate them, sometimes their removal is advised while the teeth are still soft & pliable.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Let us look at some common causes & signs of wisdom teeth removal.

1. Impacted Teeth

It is common for the wisdom teeth to become impacted & not have enough space for their eruption. The symptoms associated with this condition include:

  • Swollen Gums
  • Pain in the jaw
  • Difficulty in opening the mouth
  • Bad breath

In order to prevent any further issues and increased oral health problems it is often recommended the wisdom tooth is such a condition be removed.

2. Overcrowding

It is common for the wisdom teeth to grow crooked & to take too much space in the mouth. In such a situation of overcrowding the only option is to have the wisdom teeth removed. Not addressed in time, it can even lead to pushing the other teeth or damaging them. Extraction of the wisdom teeth can prevent the other teeth from being damaged.

3. Pain and Discomfort

If you experience pain & discomfort, it is important that you visit the dentist who will then undertake an X-ray. The dentist will be able to advice if extraction is the best solution or whether the pain will get better in time & extraction may not be required.

4. Difficulty in Eating

Sometimes difficulty in eating may be a sign that your wisdom tooth needs extraction. It is a possibility that food is being stuck between the teeth & the gums. This can, in turn, lead to a number of problems especially if you aren’t able to clean it well enough during brushing.

5. Sinus issues

Sometimes when wisdom teeth erupt & the roots develop, they can rub against the sinuses causing pressure. In turn this can lead to headaches & congestion.

6. Cyst Growth Around Wisdom Tooth

Tiny liquid filled sacs can grow around your impacted wisdom teeth and cause damage to your teeth & jaw. It is important that the issue be tackled before the cyst develops into a tumor.

7. Cavities

The position of the wisdom teeth sometimes does not allow for proper cleaning of the teeth. This can lead to thriving of bacteria leading to cavities & tooth decay. For the same reason, while you may be taking care of your oral hygiene by brushing & flossing, you may still be experiencing bad breath. With wisdom teeth erupting in hard-to-reach areas, these issues are fairly common. In fact, this can also lead to infection or inflammation.

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8. Inflamed gums

If the wisdom teeth start to break through the gums, a flap of gum tissue is created. The flap, in turn, traps food particles on which bacteria thrive. This also leads to tissue around the teeth becoming inflamed & to a condition known as pericoronitis.

In many of the above situations, wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended by the dental professional.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure Involve

The following steps are broadly followed in extraction of the wisdom teeth.

Pre-Procedure

A general or local aesthetic will be administered to you prior to the procedure. A local anaesthetic will typically be used for simple procedures. General anaesthesia on the other hand is used in complex cases where the tooth is trapped beneath the gum or there are other issues. This procedure may involve cutting the gums to extract tooth fragments. This kind of surgery is also recommended where all the 4 teeth need to be extracted in one go.

During the Procedure

Depending on how many wisdom teeth have to be removed; the procedure could take a few hours. Post removal the dentist will examine the surgery site to see that any dry sockets do not develop.

Post Procedure

The dentist will prescribe antibiotics & medication for the pain. During this time blood thinners are typically avoided.

Is It Better to Remove Wisdom Teeth Early?

The earlier the wisdom tooth removal, the easier it is on your jaw. The more firmly wisdom tooth are structured into your jaw, the more difficult the process gets. It is therefore imperative that you get regular dental check ups done for the dentist to pick up early signs. Needless to mention that should you experience any of the above symptoms do seek an appointment with your dentist without any delay.

To sum up

While some amount of nervousness is natural in getting the wisdom teeth removed. It is important to remember that if it is advised by your dental professional, it is the best way to eradicate oral pain as also prevent infection. Equipped with all the knowledge & aided by the experienced professionals, you will feel empowered & will soon be fully healed.

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer both simple as well as surgical tooth extraction services. We offer you an extremely comfortable and stress-free tooth extraction procedure. Schedule an appointment with us if you experience intense pain around your teeth or jaws. You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us on (925) 846-4491.

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