To save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury, extraction is no longer the only option! Your dentist may suggest ‘root canal treatment’ which can help treat an infection, take out the injured nerve and alleviate the pain. Root canal treatment is generally the preferred option to extraction as your own natural tooth is stronger and more effective for chewing and biting while cleaning and maintenance is a lot easier.
If you choose to leave the tooth untreated an infection may occur which could spread to the jaw. Pus can build up and cause pain while cysts may also develop. In some cases if the infection is left untreated it can lead to facial swelling which may require more aggressive treatment. However like all things in life, root canal treatment does pose some risks and complications. The tooth may need additional treatment, referral to a specialist (endodontist) or possibly even extraction
It is probably best to see a dentist if you present with any of the following symptoms:
Lingering tooth sensitivity to cold or hot liquids
It is also important to note that not all root canal infections are painful. However this does not mean it doesn’t require treatment.
The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the infected nerve and the infected canal tissue from the inside of the tooth and therefore eliminate infection from the tooth.
Dental radiographs (x-rays) show the structures of your teeth and mouth that cannot be seen visually during your clinical examination. X-rays also allow us to see the very early signs of decay which means we can start treatment early – sometimes without having to do a filling! From time to time there are other more specific reasons to take an x-ray, for example, infection or to check on wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays require small radiation doses (even smaller now that we have digital x-rays!) however, we never take them unnecessarily.
We encourage you to bring your children in with you to your check-up appointments from very early on. This introduces them to the dental environment and the Dentist in a non-threatening way and allows your child to have confidence when it is their turn.
You can introduce a soft children’s toothbrush from 12 months (earlier if tolerated by the infant) and just use water.
Many comparisons have been made between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque effectively and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) build-up, thereby reducing the development of gum disease. Research studies have indicated both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly, which mean it is not so much the brush you use, but how you use it is the critical factor. Many people are choosing to use a power toothbrush, especially older patients who find them easier to hold. Advice from our dental hygienists can help ensure that your brushing routine is effective no matter which brush you prefer to use.
Clinically referred to as halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant condition that is cause for embarrassment both socially and professionally. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware they have a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see one of our dentists for an assessment as they can help to identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment programme to help eliminate it. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Sometimes bad breath is attributed to certain foods such as garlic and onions. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on your tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.
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