Many patients who are anticipating a root canal treatment are afraid of the pain. They’re afraid of the pain of needles or of the drill or of any of the steps needed to fix an infected tooth. Most of these people are already experiencing tooth pain. The root canal treatment is designed to fix this pain, not to cause more.

Root canal treatments are needed for teeth whose roots are damaged by trauma or decay, causing the roots to become infected and inflamed. The infection causes pain. It is this pain you feel when you put pressure on the affected tooth. Your dentist performs a root canal treatment to relieve this pain and to prevent it from reoccurring.

The procedure itself is also painless. Your endodontist utilizes local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissue. Sedation dentistry such as laughing gas or a kind of conscious oral sedation may also be used to help calm you and put your at ease in the dental chair.

After the root canal treatment, the gums surrounding the treatment site may be a little sensitive. This effect is more prevalent in procedures involving abscessed teeth. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth following treatment can help relieve this discomfort.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, especially those with anti-inflammatory properties, can be of great use during recovery. Ask your dentist what products are best for your use.

Don’t be afraid of your root canal therapy. Recent surveys have shown that patients who have undergone a root canal therapy are much more likely to refer to the experience as “pain-free” than those patients who have never experienced a root canal treatment. If you are one of the people in the latter category, and you’re putting off a visit to the dentist and ignoring symptoms of a bad tooth, don’t continue this behavior. See your dentist today and relieve your pain with a root canal treatment.

Root Canal Therapy in Sarasota Florida

Dental implants are titanium screws placed directly into the jawbone to serve as anchor points for replacement teeth. The screws serve as the natural tooth roots would, and stimulate the bone of the jaw to keep it healthy and preserved.

Following dental implant surgery, you will need to be vigilant for warning signs of infection. The risk of any infection is highest in the time period immediately following placement, so it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms.

Common symptoms of infection at the dental implant site include:

• Pain at the implant site or in other areas of the face. Pain following dental implant placement is expected, and you will have painkillers and anti-inflammatory options available to you. If the pain is acute and does not abate with time or medication, call your dentist. Even after long periods of time have gone by (months or years!) this pain can still indicate an infection.
• Redness and swelling around the implant site. Redness can be an important sign of infection. You won’t always feel pain with an infection, especially as dental implant placement can affect the nerves around the tooth. Redness and swelling may be your first clues to an infection.
• Bad taste or smell. Bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath and a sour taste in the mouth. If your mouth is clean but you’re still experiencing odor or a bad taste, you likely have bacteria somewhere in your mouth that standard oral hygiene can’t reach, possibly deep in the implant site.
• Unstable implant. Is your implant loose? Does it seem unstable? An infection at the implant site can lead to loose teeth, especially if it’s the result of bone loss.

If you live in the Sarasota Florida area, contact implant dentist Dr. Back if you have any of these symptoms. You may need to be seen so any infection present can be eradicated.

You have scheduled athletics physicals and bought back-to-school clothes, shoes, and supplies. However, when preparing your kids to head back to school this Fall, don’t forget to take care of their oral health as well. When establishing school year routines, be sure to include regular oral health care on your to-do list. Follow these tips from your family dentist to guarantee a smile as bright as your kids’ new shoes:

Schedule a back-to-school dental examination. The American Dental Association recommends that your children visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam to prevent tooth decay, as well as help children learn proper dental care throughout the year.

Establish regular brushing and flossing habits with your children. To encourage your children to brush and floss regularly, allow them to pick out several new soft-bristled toothbrushes and some fun kid-flavored fluoride toothpaste while you are out shopping for school supplies. Remember to have them replace their toothbrushes about every three months.

Encourage proper nutrition by packing healthy snacks and lunches. Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily will help to prevent cavities. Pack milk or water and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Baby carrots, fruits, nuts, cheese and yogurt are great healthy food options to give kids the fuel they need to make it through the day.

For children that play sports or participate in PE classes, you may want to talk to your family dentist about having them fitted for a protective mouth guard to protect their teeth from damage.

Following these tips from your family dentist will help to ensure your child will start and finish the school year with a bright, healthy smile.

Do you need a root canal treatment? Are you worried? Have you thought about postponing the procedure? Don’t. The conditions that lead to your needing a root canal treatment won’t get better if left untreated; they will only worsen over time.

Untreated infection in the tooth will spread downward, through the tooth roots, to the bone of your jaw. This can spread infection to your healthy teeth and puts the health of your bone at risk. Treating the tooth infection immediately with a root canal treatment is essential to removing the infection from your mouth and to the process of healing and then engaging in proper oral hygiene care.

Infections in the gums and teeth have been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Problems in pregnancy can arise due to bacteria and infection in the mouth. Some types of cancers have been linked to poor oral health. If you think of your mouth as the gateway to your body for all things, good and bad, you can see why having a mouth full of infection and bacteria is problematic for your entire system.

If you are worried about pain following your therapy, you need to remember that you’re probably experiencing pain now. If you’re not, you likely will be soon. Root canal treatments are specifically designed to relieve and prevent tooth pain. You will feel so much better when the tooth is free of infection!

Ignoring an infected tooth can lead to a tooth so badly decayed it must be extracted. Missing teeth can cause problems with alignment, bite and speech that can only be corrected by some kind of dental implant or dental bridge.

Protect your healthy teeth and protect your body by addressing your root canal immediately. Once it’s treated, you will feel fantastic! Take care of your body by taking care of your smile.

If you live in the Sarasota Florida area and you need root canal treatment, contact our office today.

When looking to avoid more invasive dental treatments, prevention is the name of the game. If you want to avoid dental procedures like root canal therapy, there are a few tips you can follow to improve your chances of avoiding a root canal procedure:

• Develop good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss at least twice a day to rid your teeth and mouth of food particles and bacteria that can cause the tooth decay that leads to infection.
• For yourself and children over the age of two, keep your tooth enamel strong by using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Eat healthy to ensure your teeth and body receive the proper nutrients to maintain good health. Eating crunchy vegetables and hard fruits will also aide in keeping the surface of your teeth clean.
• Refrain from smoking, which can cause a host of health problems that weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the bacteria and disease that could harm your teeth and gums.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and to help clear your mouth of harmful acids, sugar and bacteria.

All of these recommendations will help to achieve the goal of preventing the cavities that lead to damage of the tooth’s pulp and root, and can require root canal treatment. Regular examinations by your dentist will also help to identify and treat potential cavities while they are small and have not yet reached the inner core of the tooth. Consult with your dentist about these and the other steps you can take to reduce your risk of a root canal procedure.

Root canal dentist in Sarasota Florida

Have you recently undergone dental implant therapy? Are you experiencing some problems with them? If you are concerned about how you are healing or feeling following surgery, consider the following signs of problems.

Implant failure can be signaled by persistent pain. This kind of pain is an ongoing pain that isn’t dulled by taking over-the-counter pain medications. Pain immediately following surgery is common, but if it’s been several days, your pain should be getting better, not getting worse.

Mobility of the implant itself can be a sign of a problem, especially after several weeks. Dental implants are so secure because of osseointegration, the process of the fusion of the implant into the jawbone. If this process fails, the implant will fail over time.

Certain patient types are more likely to experience implant mobility associated with dental implant failure. Patients with poor oral hygiene or those who grind their teeth can have implant failure, as can patients who are heavy smokers, diabetics or with bone disorders such as osteoporosis.

Continuous bleeding, acute inflammation or swelling at the implant site can signal a problem. If the area around the implant feels hot and inflamed, you might have an infection. Infection can play a large part of dental implant failure. Signs of infection in the mouth include pus around the implant site, pimple-like bubbles on the gum, or a foul-smelling and tasting liquid coming from the gums. Don’t ignore signs of infection in the mouth, or they can lead to much worse health issues.

Once you have visited your dentist, you can be evaluated by x-ray for bone loss. Bone loss surrounding the implant site is a warning sign of implant failure. At this time, the implant might be removed and replaced when the bone and soft tissues have regrown.

Talk to your dentist today if you think you have a problem with your dental implants. Don’t wait to find out what can be done to address your problems.

Dental implants dentist in Sarasota Florida

If a root canal is in your future, don’t worry. There are ways you can prepare that will make the therapy as comfortable and as successful as possible.

Root canal treatment typically necessitates multiple office visits to your endodontist. The procedure is specifically designed to repair and to save a tooth that is severely decayed or is full of infected tissue. Trauma to the face, repeated dental treatments on a specific tooth, cracks or very large fillings can trigger the need for root canal therapy, as can some genetic conditions or medications that affect tooth enamel.

In the beginning, you will have an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage to the tooth. It will also show the endodontist any infection in the tooth or in the bone that surrounds the tooth.

On the day of the procedure, the area will be numbed and the tooth will be isolated from the surrounding area to keep it clean and dry during treatment. A rubber sheet known as a dental dam will be clipped around the tooth to protect it and the area around it.

Your endodontist will drill into the tooth and remove any infected or decayed tissue, or tooth pulp, flushing and filling the area to prevent any new infection. The tooth will be sealed permanently, either the day of the procedure, or in the case of any lingering infection, at a subsequent visit.

When the tooth is completely healed and the infection is no longer present, the tooth is filled with a rubbery compound and sealed again with paste. If the tooth is very badly decayed, you may also require a dental crown to completely resolve matters.

Talk to your endodontist in Sarasota FL today about your upcoming therapy. You should feel completely informed and comfortable in preparation for your procedure. Don’t be afraid to get answers to all of your root canal treatment questions.

Our lives seem to get busier and more scheduled with the passing time. This feeling can be compounded and increased if you have children. Children have events at school and piano lessons across town and basketball games in other cities, and if you have more than one child, these appointments can feel like they’re increasing exponentially.

A hectic schedule can lead you to put off the most important aspects of healthcare, including dental needs. You might be ensuring that your children are up-to-date on all of their checkups and cleanings, but that you are six months late – or more – for your own checkup. Parents tend to place the care of their children above their own personal care, something that sends the wrong message to the children about caring for themselves as they age and become parents.

Don’t run all over town to address your family’s dental healthcare needs and stop sending the wrong message about your dental care. See a family dentist and have your dental needs met at one convenient appointment. Because your family dentist sees each member of your family, from youngest to oldest, all of your family’s appointments are in the same office, saving you time and frustration, stuck in traffic or feeling stressed-out and overwhelmed.

Your family dentist can work with you to schedule your appointments in a “family block,” so that they occur concurrently or back-to-back. Time in the waiting room with unhappy children is greatly reduced with these types of family appointments.

Family dentist offices also offer many amenities, especially those that cater to entertaining children and teens. This allows parents to sit and relax, enjoying a complementary coffee or tea while they wait and their children play quietly.

Family dentist practices are on the rise because they acknowledge and value your time. They want to form a life-long relationship with you and with your family, providing quality dental care you can trust. You can make your life simpler and allow your family to keep on smiling by choosing a family dentistry practice in Sarasota today.

Once you have undergone root canal therapy, your tooth will require permanent dental restoration to allow it to return safely to full function. During a root canal treatment your dentist creates an access cavity in the tooth, which further weakens an already compromised tooth. Depending on the condition of your tooth, there are a several options to consider for restoring an endodontically treated tooth.

For a tooth that is relatively intact, with little damage to the overall structure of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a tooth-colored filling. Teeth that did not require the creation of a large access cavity or were not excessively damaged prior to treatment would be candidates for restoration with a filling. This type of restoration is probably best suited to small cavities in front teeth that are not utilized for heavy chewing.

The most common type of permanent restoration for root canal treated teeth are dental crowns. Because the tooth may have been severely damaged by either trauma or decay, root canal therapy further weakens the structure. Dental crowns provide stability and protect the tooth from future damage. Crowns also effectively protect against bacteria entering and contaminating the treated tooth. Studies have shown the highest success rate for the life of a tooth restored with a dental crown.

Your dentist will place a temporary restoration at the time of your root canal therapy. A permanent restoration, either filling or crown, should be placed as soon as reasonably possible to protect the tooth from additional fracture or decay. Consult with your dentist or endodontist for additional information about which type of restoration would be best suited to seal and protect your tooth after root canal therapy.

As wisdom teeth grow, it is common for them to crowd the surrounding teeth, causing them to shift and move. For this reason, your dental professional may have recommended extraction of the offending wisdom teeth for your teenager. Making your teen aware of what they can expect and how to prepare for oral surgery will help to relieve their anxiety and ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

Your oral surgeon in Sarasota, FL will provide a list of guidelines for before and after surgery. Some of these may include wearing loose-fitting clothing to the appointment and leaving contacts and jewelry at home. It will probably include instructions not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Explain to your teen that “chipmunk-cheeks” can be expected for a few days following surgery. Swelling is a normal expectation of recovery and can be controlled by regularly icing the cheeks.

Your teenager may be sad to hear they will have to forgo pizza and burgers for a few days. The good news is ice cream, smoothies, and mashed potatoes are encouraged!

Since most wisdom tooth extractions utilize some form of sedation, let your teen know they can expect to feel goofy and groggy for a period following surgery. Assure them you will be with them through the entire procedure. You will drive them home, and stay with them while they recover (and maybe record a funny video of their post-surgery loopiness for their enjoyment later).

It’s important to explain the procedure to your teen, making them aware their surgeon will be making incisions when the teeth are extracted and that they can expect to leave with a few stitches in their gums. Tell them their dentist will prescribe medication to ease any pain or discomfort they may experience following the procedure.

Encourage your teen to ask any questions or express any concerns they have about the procedure to you or their surgeon. With proper preparation, wisdom tooth extraction can be a smooth and easy procedure for both you and your teen.

When your tooth is severely damaged or infected, root canal treatment is often the best way to repair and save it. The procedure involves removing damaged pulp from the inside of your tooth and filling it with special material made for this purpose. It is then sealed and usually a crown is placed on top to complete the process. Root canal therapy gets rid of the existing problem and protects your tooth from further problems. Even though it may sound daunting and can require more than one trip to the dentist, it is sometimes the only option for saving your tooth.

Beneath the white enamel that you see outside your tooth lies a hard layer of dentin and soft tissue called pulp. The root of your tooth grows from the pulp and it contains nerves, tissue, and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, it is vital to repair it for the health of your tooth. Also, root canal treatment eliminates any pain that you may be experiencing related to the affected pulp and nerves. Damaged pulp that is allowed to worsen can lead to severe pain and eventual tooth loss.

If you experience pain in a tooth or even if you are just in for your regular dental checkup, your dentist will be able to tell if a tooth has a problem serious enough to require root canal treatment. Sometimes a simple filling is all that is needed, but in other cases the best choice is root canal therapy.

You might wonder if you’d rather just have the problem tooth extracted, but in nearly all cases it is advised to keep your natural tooth. Losing a tooth will require tooth replacement such as a crown or dental implant, because without replacement your remaining teeth can shift and alter your bite or appearance. Having root canal treatment allows you to salvage your real tooth and allow it to be restored to its full function and appearance. With proper oral hygiene, after root canal treatment your tooth should last as long as your natural teeth. You can expect a comfortable and healthy smile for years to come.

Getting the dental care you need is important for your entire family. Finding a family dentist in Sarasota Florida can be one of the best choices you make regarding the health of every member of your household. A family dentist is a dental professional who can provide care and treatment for all types of patients. Some of the benefits that come with locating a qualified family dentist include the following:

• A family dentist is trained to provide care for all ages of patients, in varying stages of growth and maturity.
• Your family dentist is a one-stop shop that saves you time and hassle by taking your entire family to one location. You may even be able to make all of your family’s appointments on the same day, to avoid having to take off from work or school on multiple occasions.
• When you choose a family dentist, you are choosing lifelong dental care. Your children will not need to find a new dentist or transfer their dental records when they become adults, guaranteeing continuity of care.
• Because your entire family will be visiting the same dentist, you will be able to develop a personal relationship with the office and staff. Having a family dentist who is familiar with your family will make it easier for them to give you the best care possible.

Whether you need to schedule annual examinations, routine cleanings or seek treatment for dental problems, a family dentist will have your issues covered. Family dentistry allows families to build trust with one familiar dental professional and gives them a comfortable place to go for their dental needs. The oral health of your family is crucial, and finding a qualified family dentist is the first step towards years of healthy smiles for your entire family.

You could be an excellent candidate for professional teeth whitening if you suffer from superficial tooth stains and have a desire for a brighter, whiter smile. Professional teeth whitening not only removes the surface stains that are making your teeth look yellow and dingy, but also penetrates the tooth surface to lighten deep-set stains that at-home systems can’t touch.

There are some conditions and situations that may preclude you from being an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, including:

• You should be in good overall oral health. Patients with gum disease, untreated cavities or worn enamel would not be candidates because the bleaching gel will cause sensitivity to those areas.
• Patients under the age of 16 are not good candidates because the nerve of the tooth is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening could irritate the pulp or cause sensitivity.
• Teeth whitening is not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating.
• If you have tooth-colored fillings or composite materials in dental restorations such as crowns or bonding, they will not whiten. This can result in uneven coloring between your teeth and your restorations.
• An allergy to hydrogen peroxide would preclude you from professional teeth whitening.
• Patients with receding or sensitive gums would not be good candidates for teeth whitening.
• If you have darkly stained gray or purple stained teeth, they may be especially resistant to professional bleaching treatments.

Schedule a consultation with your Sarasota FL dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for professional teeth whitening, and to discuss the options best suited to you. With professional teeth whitening, you could be enjoying teeth up to 10 shades lighter in as little as one visit.

If your Sarasota dentist has recommended a root canal procedure, you may be wondering what will happen while you are undergoing treatment.

A root canal treatment necessitates one or more office visits. It can be performed by your dentist or by an endodontist, a dentist specializing in the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of trauma or diseases of the human tooth pulp or nerve. Depending on the degree of difficulty of your procedure needed, you may choose your regular dentist or seek out a specialist. Your dentist can help you with this decision.

An x-ray is often the first step toward planning your root canal procedure. This allows the accurate visualization of the shape of the root canals and any surrounding infection in the bone or tissue. Once this information is established, you will then receive a local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth.

Your dentist will then prepare the space around the tooth with a dental dam (a sheet of thin rubber) around the tooth, shielding it from saliva during the procedure. This allows for a more sterile and safe working space.

During treatment, an access hole is drilled into the tooth, allowing for the removal of tooth pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any remaining debris. This thorough cleaning is necessary to prevent infection. If you have a severe infection, your dentist may apply medication inside the tooth, or if there is none, your tooth may be sealed immediately with a temporary filling to keep out saliva and food particles until your next appointment.

During the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed and the interior of the tooth is filled with a sealer paste and tooth compound. A permanent filling seals the hole again.

If further restoration is needed due to extensive decay, a dental crown or other dental cosmetic restoration might be needed to prevent further tooth decay, cracking or breaking, and to restore full tooth function. Your dentist will know what additional dental work is needed for you.