Let’s dive in and demystify these two key roles in your dental healthcare team.
Your Regular Dentist: The General Practitioner of Oral Health
Think of your regular dentist as the general practitioner of your mouth. They’re often the first line of defense in your oral health, and you’re likely most familiar with these professionals. Regular dentists cover a wide range of oral health issues. They perform routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, and may also handle more complex procedures such as crowns or bridges.
If you’ve ever had a cavity filled or your teeth cleaned professionally, you’ve interacted with a regular dentist. Their main focus is on preventive care, helping to keep common dental problems at bay.
What Makes an Endodontist Special?
An endodontist, on the other hand, is a specialized dentist. They undergo additional years of training beyond dental school, focusing specifically on diagnosing and treating dental pain and diseases affecting the dental pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth. This includes conditions like tooth infections, dental injuries, and root canal therapy, which is their most well-known role.
In other words, endodontists are the “tooth-saving” experts. They step in when the problem is too severe or complex for a general dentist to handle.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
There are several situations where you might find yourself in an endodontist’s office rather than your regular dentist’s. Let’s dive into some of these scenarios.
Persistent Tooth Pain
Persistent tooth pain is one clear sign you may need an endodontist’s expertise. This isn’t your ordinary toothache – we’re talking about a severe, constant ache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when biting down. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of deep-rooted problems, such as an infection or inflammation in the pulp of your tooth, which an endodontist is specifically trained to handle.
After a Dental Injury
Have you suffered a dental injury? Perhaps you’ve had a hard fall, a sports accident, or even a car crash that affected your teeth. In such cases, an endodontist can play a crucial role in saving your damaged tooth. They’re skilled at dealing with the complexities of tooth trauma, including fractured, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth.
When You Need a Root Canal
Root canals – most of us shudder at the thought. But they’re often essential for treating severe tooth decay or infection that has reached the dental pulp. Regular dentists can sometimes perform root canals, but complex cases are often referred to endodontists. They are experts in pain management and use advanced technologies that make the procedure as painless and efficient as possible.
Why Choose Gentle Dental for Your Endodontic Needs?
When it comes to your oral health, choosing the right provider is crucial. At Gentle Dental, we take pride in offering endodontic care that is a cut above the rest. Here’s why our clinic should be your first choice for endodontic needs.
Expertise and Advanced Technologies
The world of dentistry is continually evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. At Gentle Dental, we stay at the forefront of these advancements.
Our endodontists have undergone rigorous training, far beyond the years spent in dental school. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, honed over years of clinical experience treating a wide variety of complex dental issues.
But our commitment to offering top-quality care doesn’t stop there. We incorporate the latest technologies into our practice to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient comfort. We use 3D imaging, which offers detailed views of your mouth, helping us diagnose issues with accuracy. Our use of dental microscopes allows for enhanced precision during procedures, reducing the risk of complications, discomfort, and recovery time.
Personalized and Comfortable Care
At Gentle Dental, we believe that dental care should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer personalized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs. Before starting any treatment, our endodontists take the time to discuss the procedure, potential alternatives, and any risks involved. We ensure all your questions are answered and that you feel confident in the care you’re receiving.
We also understand that dental procedures can be intimidating for many. That’s why we’ve created an environment that prioritizes patient comfort. From the moment you step into our clinic, our friendly staff will make you feel welcome and at ease. During procedures, we use efficient pain management strategies to ensure your comfort.
Seamless Referral Process
If you’re visiting us based on a referral from your regular dentist, you can expect a smooth transition. We value the relationship you have with your dentist and work in close collaboration with them to ensure continuity of care. We keep them updated on your treatment progress, so everyone involved in your care is on the same page.
Our clinic provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof, meaning that you don’t have to go through the hassle of visiting multiple clinics. We aim to make your endodontic treatment as efficient and stress-free as possible.
If you’ve been experiencing persistent tooth pain, had a dental injury, or your dentist has suggested a root canal, we’re here to help. Don’t let dental problems affect your quality of life. Reach out to us and schedule your consultation with Gentle Dental today.
Conclusion: Your Smile Deserves the Best, Choose Gentle Dental
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It deserves the best care possible. Whether you need routine dental care or specialized endodontic treatment, Gentle Dental is equipped to provide the exceptional care that your smile deserves.
Our team of endodontists brings a combination of expertise, advanced technology, personalized care, and a seamless referral process, aiming to make your visit as beneficial and comfortable as possible.
Don’t let dental pain take away your joy. Let us help you restore your smile and your confidence. Reach out to us at Gentle Dental and schedule your consultation today. Together, let’s take the first step towards a happier, healthier smile.
Getting a dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. However, it can be difficult to know how often to get one done. Most general dentists recommend dental cleanings twice a year, but there are certain signs to be aware of that can indicate a need for them more frequently.
How to tell if you need a dental cleaning
Outlined below are a few signs that indicate a need for a dental cleaning. When unsure, it can be helpful to review the following information.
Plaque and tartar
Plaque and tartar are dangerous to the teeth and gums. Thankfully, they can often be identified. Plaque may appear as a white or yellow film. Tartar, on the other hand, typically appears white and hard. It sits right above the gum line and is often very difficult to remove at home. Both plaque and tartar are signs that a dental cleaning is needed.
Dark spots
Any spots or areas on the teeth that are dark indicate a need for a dental cleaning. Discoloration usually indicates a cavity or decay, both of which require the attention of a general dentist. In some scenarios, these spots may be harmless and only require a dental cleaning. However, there are times when spots require more in-depth treatment, such as a filling, dental crown, or bonding procedure.
Staining
Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to staining. Heavily dyed foods and beverages can leave the teeth looking yellow, which is not ideal for anyone. When the teeth start to look yellow or stained, it is usually an indicator that a dental cleaning is necessary. Cleanings alone do not remove stains; however, they can help avoid the long-term buildup of stains.
Bad breath
Another sign that a dental cleaning is necessary is bad breath or a foul odor in the mouth. Oftentimes, bad breath is an indicator that the teeth have buildup behind them or beneath the gums. When there is any sort of buildup, it is usually a result of a long-term lack of oral hygiene, which means a dental cleaning is in order.
In some scenarios, a dental cleaning alone may not tackle the bad breath. In this case, further exploration and treatment may be required.
Discomfort
Any pain, discomfort, or soreness in the gums or teeth indicates a need for a dental cleaning. More often than not, discomfort indicates a cavity; however, in some cases it may just be a sign that the teeth need to be cleaned. Plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth or along the gum lines can put pressure on the nerves, which may result in discomfort. The pressure can be relieved through a dental cleaning with a general dentist.
Get started with a dental cleaning
When experiencing any of the signs listed above, it is necessary to get a dental cleaning right away. Dental cleanings can improve oral health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a dental cleaning appointment.
When it comes to avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some people think oral sex is safer than intercourse. But several STIs—such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—can spread through oral sex. In many cases, chlamydia is curable with antibiotics, however an untreated chlamydia infection can result in serious health problems, including ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
This article discusses the possibility of getting chlamydia in the throat, what it may look like, and other symptoms. It also talks about diagnosis and treatment options, how chlamydia spreads, and when it’s time to seek medical care.
Can You Get Chlamydia in the Throat?
It is possible to get chlamydia in your throat when you have unprotected oral sex with a person who is infected with chlamydia.
Possible routes of getting chlamydia in the throat include:
Giving oral sex to a person with an infected penis
Giving oral sex to a person with an infected vagina or urinary tract
Giving oral sex to a person with an infected rectum
What Does Chlamydia in the Throat Look Like?
In some people, a chlamydia throat infection doesn’t cause any symptoms, however it can still spread to others. Some people experience symptoms similar to a strep throat infection.
You may have a sore throat and notice that your mouth and throat are more red than usual. Some people also get white spots on their tonsils or back of their throat. In some cases, sores form in the mouth or around the lips. Your tongue may also feel more bumpy.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in the Throat
Common symptoms of oral chlamydia include:
Sore throat
Pain the mouth
Redness in the mouth or throat
Mouth sores
Sores around the lips
Dental problems
Swollen lymph nodes
Bumps on the tongue
White spots in the back of the throat or tonsils
Fever
Symptoms of a genital chlamydia infection include:
Pain or burning during urination
Frequent urination
Pain during sexual activity
Pain or swelling of the testicles
Itching or burning
Rectal pain
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, including bloody discharge
Keep in mind that chlamydia symptoms may not surface right away. They usually appear 1-3 weeks after initial sexual contact with an infected individual. Even if a person with chlamydia doesn’t have symptoms, they can still spread the infection to others.
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
Whether you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection in your throat or genitals, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Many tests can screen for chlamydia, but testing for throat chlamydia isn’t usually part of standard STI screening. Tell your medical provider if you’re experiencing symptoms in your throat or are worried about an infection after giving oral sex.
If your medical provider suspects chlamydia in the throat, they’ll ask about your symptoms and sexual contact. They may then swab your throat and send the sample to a lab to test for chlamydia. It’s also possible that you’ll have a general STD test, which may involve a urine sample, blood test, or cheek swab. If you test positive for any STI, make sure to tell your sexual partners so they can take necessary precautions.
Treatment
Healthcare providers treat throat chlamydia infections with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Antibiotics work by slowing or stopping bacterial growth, which cures the infection. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia of the throat, wait to have oral sex or sexual intercourse until you finish your prescribed dose and your symptoms have completely resolved.
Even if your symptoms improve or go away, make sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics. Stopping early could cause the infection to come back. While antibiotic treatment may cure a current infection, it is possible to get chlamydia again. The recurrence rate of chlamydia is particularly high, so it’s important to take action to prevent future infections.
Preventing throat chlamydia
Because throat chlamydia spreads through contact during oral sex, practice safe sex by using a condom or dental dam.
Other ways to prevent the spread of chlamydia include:
Avoiding sexual contact if you have sores in your mouth
Using latex or plastic condoms or a sexual barrier
Routinely getting checked for STIs
Encouraging your partner to have regular STI checks
If you have any symptoms of chlamydia or any other STI, it’s best to avoid sexual contact until you receive and finish any treatment. You cannot get chlamydia from contact with toilet seats, sharing clothes or towels, or hugging.
Risks of Chlamydia in the Throat
Along with potentially uncomfortable symptoms, chlamydia carries a risk of other medical complications:
Infertility in women
Preterm delivery in pregnant women
Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus)
Infections in newborn babies from an infected parent
Inflammation in the upper genital tract
Prostate gland infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that causes pelvic pain and fever)
Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, a type of inflammatory arthritis
If you have chlamydia and think you may be experiencing any of these complications, seek emergency medical care right away. Some chlamydia-related medical issues can be irreversible without proper treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If left untreated, throat chlamydia can result in significant health complications. If you have strep throat-like symptoms after giving oral sex, seek medical care right away, especially if you’re pregnant. A healthcare provider can test you for chlamydia and other STIs and also rule out other infections.
If you have had to receive a dental crown at some point, you know that the crown looks and feels very much like your natural teeth. It even acts like a natural tooth. In fact, you can even treat it just like a regular tooth. One of the questions that many people have after they receive the crown from their dentist is what type of special dental crowns aftercare they need to follow. Once the crown is permanently in place, you will be happy to know that you don’t need to follow too many special tips.
Recovery After a Dental Crown Procedure
Numbness from Anesthetic
If a local anesthetic was used during the dental crown procedure, the numbing effect may still be present for several hours after the dental appointment.
During this time, patients are prone to burn or bite themselves unknowingly because they are unable to feel the warning sensations, such as heat or pain, as usual. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid drinking hot liquids or chewing hard foods during this time.
There may also be some bruising and inflammation at the site of the anesthetic injection shortly after the dental crown procedure, particularly on the lower jaw. This should go away spontaneously without the need for treatment after several days.
Pain, Discomfort and Sensitivity
Most people experience some pain or discomfort in the affected area of the mouth following a dental crown procedure. This typically improves after several days or weeks without any assigned treatment.
Many patients find it useful to use simple analgesic medications to help manage the pain in the meantime. For example, ibuprofen is often recommended to help reduce the associated pain and make the patient feel more comfortable.
Some sensitivity of the surrounding gums is common following the placement of a dental crown, due to irritation from the dental cement. In most cases, a topical anesthetic gel readily available at most pharmacies is able to help relieve this, and is often more effective than oral medications such as ibuprofen. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may also be useful.
If the pain continues beyond several weeks or it is severe, it may be necessary for patients to seek dental advice to investigate the situation.
While it is normal for the crown to feel strange as patients get used to the feel of it in their mouth, in some cases the crown may need some adjustment to properly fit the shape of the mouth. If the bite does not seem right after several days or a week, dental advice to investigate the need for adjustment should be sought.
Care for Temporary Crowns
Most people who need a dental crown will get a temporary crown to protect the prepared abutment tooth between the two appointments, while the permanent crown is being constructed to fit their jaw and bite shape. The temporary crown will require special care to prevent fractures and dislodgement because it is more fragile than the permanent crown.
In general, patients can continue to eat and brush their teeth as normal; however, the following diet and oral care recommendations are prudent:
Avoid sticky or chewy foods, which may dislodge the temporary crown
Avoid hard foods, which may break the temporary crown
Attempt to chew most foods on the opposite side of the mouth while the temporary crown is in place
Avoid flossing next to the temporary crown, or take care to slide the floss rather than lifting it out
Dietary Advice During Recovery
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Temporary Crowns
With the temporary dental crown, the following few precautions should be taken:
Avoid chewy or sticky foods, such as caramel, taffy, and gum. These foods can grab and pull out the crown.
Avoid chewing hard foods, such as granola, hard candy, and ice. These goods can break off or dislodge the crown.
Avoid foods that are extremely cold or hot
Avoid tough foods like hard bread or steak.
It is also advisable that you chew less on the affected mouth part but chew more with the opposite side of your mouth. This will reduce the possibility of dislodgement or damage to the dental crown. More so, when flossing, slide out the flossing material instead of lifting it out. You may mistakenly pull off the temporary crown when lifting the floss out.
Once you receive the permanent crown, it is important for you to avoid sticky diets for the first 24hours. After then, you may return to your normal diets and oral practices.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Permanent Crowns
When you receive your permanent dental crown, you will have fewer dietary restrictions. Nonetheless, there are still a few diets to avoid, which include:
Hard or crunchy foods like pretzels, seeds, or nuts. These types of foods can break or chip your dental restoration.
Sticky foods like steak and candies. These foods can pull off or potentially dislodge your dental crown. More so, be mindful of your dental crown when choosing snacks.
Popcorn and nuts. Biting down on nuts or accidentally on an uncooked popcorn kernel can be harmful to your dental crown.
If you’re the type that likes chewing on ice, it is important that you stop as this can cause damage to your dental crown.
Raw vegetables. It is advisable to eat cooked vegetables and not raw vegetables. Cooked vegetables are softer and will not harm or damage your dental restoration.
Oral hygiene
As soon as you receive your crown, it should be permanent within the hour. This means that it has cemented into place and it is not going to move when you talk or chew. You can treat it just like it was a part of your natural teeth. Even though the crowns are not likely to stain, this does not mean you should not brush. You will still want to brush them, as well as the gums. In addition, you want to floss regularly – at least once a day. This helps keep the entire mouth healthy.
Exemplary oral care should continue to be practiced for the lifetime of the patient. They should be aware that crowns are still susceptible to decay, particularly along the gum line of the abutment tooth. For this reason, it is important for patients to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and carefully floss daily.
What to do if complications occur?
If After a Dental Crown Placement
Uneven bite
In most patients, the bite is normal after a dental crown or bridge procedure. However, it can be difficult to sense the bite when your mouth is numb. If you find that your bite is uneven once your anesthesia wears off, please call dentist as soon as you notice the issue. experienced dentists will want to fix the bite to keep the crown or bridge from cracking as a result of a “high” bite.
You Feel Sensitivity and Discomfort
Generally, a feeling of discomfort and sensitivity goes away within a few days after the procedure. But, if you still have a nerve in your tooth and experience any kind of discomfort when you bite, immediately contact your dentist. This may be a sign that your crown is too high and should be adjusted.
You Have Noticed a Dark Line on Your Crowned Tooth
If you see a dark line on the tooth next to your gumline, don’t worry, it is normal. The dark line is a metal that is showing up through the crown. This is especially typical if you wear porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.
You Crown Has Been Cracked
A dental crown, especialy if it is made of porcelain, may chip under the extreme biting force. In most cases, it can be repaired. The dentist uses a special adhesive and composite resin to put cracked particle in place. Usually, repaired crown doesn’t last long, so consider it as a temporary solution. If you have more than one chip, you may need to replace your crown.
A Dental Crown Seems to Be Falling Out when You Bite or Chew
If your crown is badly adjusted to your tooth, it means that with a course of time the cement may wash out, resulting in the gap between the crown and the tooth under it. Usually, this is followed by a bad smell from the mouth. If you notice this symptom, you could already have bacteria spread under your crown. Contact your dentist to check your crown and fix it.
Your Crown Has Been Fallen Out
Sometimes, crowns can fall out due to improper fit and washed out cement. If this happens to you, put your crown in a plastic bag and bring it to your dentist. This crown can be used as a temporary one until your new crown is designed. Don’t try to put the crown in place by your own. In case of fallen crown, wash your tooth to remove any cement left. A cotton swab or a toothpick may be helpful. If you don’t have a possibility to visit your dentist immediately, you can try to fit you crown by using a special adhesive sold in pharmacies.
How to Prevent Decay
Crowns are crafted from high-quality dental materials, such as ceramic porcelain and zirconia. These surfaces are impenetrable to decay. However, this does not mean the tooth structure underneath cannot suffer a cavity. Some patients wrongly assume that teeth with restorations do not require as much attention. On the contrary, teeth with dental crowns require just as much care, if not more. If proper oral hygiene habits are not maintained, recurrent decay can develop underneath the crown. Once this occurs, the tooth weakens further, often leaving extraction as the only viable option.
To actively prevent recurrent decay, you should brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once per day. When cleaning between the teeth, gently pull the floss all the way through the spaces, rather than snapping it down. This will help keep the crown from loosening or falling off. Some patients find that specialized hygiene tools, such as interproximal brushes and dental picks, are beneficial as well. dentists can help you determine an at-home regimen that will work for your needs.
How to Prevent Damage
Dental crowns are strong, durable, and resilient, much like your natural tooth enamel. However, when exposed to excessive force or pressure, crowns can chip or fracture. To prevent this, avoid chewing on hard objects, such as pens, pencils, ice, or your fingernails. It is also important that you never use your teeth to open packages.
Additionally, if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), or if you play contact sports, you should wear an occlusal guard. These oral appliances protect your teeth from damage by gently separating and cushioning the upper and lower arches. If you think you may require a mouth guard, talk to dentist about a custom oral appliance.
Iron deficiency has some strange symptoms, from craving nonfood substances like dirt to a mysteriously sore tongue. The most common form of iron deficiency is iron deficiency anemia, in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. A blood test will confirm a deficiency, and your doctor can formulate a treatment plan to bring your levels back up to normal. Once your iron levels have increased, your iron deficiency tongue symptoms should disappear.
Oral Anemia Symptoms
In a 2014 study in the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, participants with iron deficiency anemia experienced a host of oral symptoms compared to a control group of age- and sex-matched healthy adults. The top five oral symptoms were a burning sensation in the lining of the mouth, inflamed purplish veins on the underside of the tongue, dry mouth, inflamed swollen tissues and sores and an abnormally smooth tongue.
You may also see white patches inside the mouth, and your tongue may be paler than usual. These symptoms are the result of inflammation caused by your body's inability to transport fresh, healthy blood to your cells.
Other Low Iron Symptoms
If an iron deficiency is causing your tongue symptoms, it's highly likely you'll experience concurring symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, common iron deficiency symptoms include:
Severe fatigue
Weakness
Pale skin
Chest pain
Fast heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Headache
Lightheadedness and dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails
Strange cravings for non-nutritive items such as dirt, ice and starch
Decreased appetite
How to Treat Iron Deficiency
Once you remedy the deficiency, your tongue symptoms should go away. Your doctor may recommend a daily iron supplement, and you can also focus on including more iron-rich foods in your diet. Women need 18 mg of iron daily, and men need 8 mg. Some of the foods highest in iron include:
Fortified breakfast cereals: Up to 18 mg per serving
White beans: 8 mg per cup
Beef liver: 5 mg per 3 ounces
Tofu: 6 mg per cup
Spinach: 6 mg per cup, boiled
Lentils: 6 mg per cup
To increase the amount of iron your body absorbs from foods, pair iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C, abundant in most fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A in plants, can increase iron absorption and inhibit compounds in foods that can prevent absorption such as tannic acid and phytates. Sources of beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, kale, apricots and cantaloupe.
Relief for a Sore Tongue
There isn't much you can do for your sore tongue until you treat your iron deficiency. However, there are some things you can do at home that may temporarily relieve swelling and pain. Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can help reduce soreness and swelling, but make sure that the product you choose doesn't interact with any other medications you're using.
Gargling with salt water is often recommended to soothe a sore throat, and it may have the same benefit for a sore tongue. Similarly, a mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide can help relieve minor mouth irritation. To prevent making matters worse, avoid crunchy or sharp foods like chips, acidic foods like lemons, spicy foods and foods that are too hot in temperature. Brush your teeth, gums and tongue gently as well.
Choosing a new dentist can be a daunting process for many of us. A dentist like any health professional sees us when we are most vulnerable. Let’s be honest, how confident or brave do you think you look with your mouth open next to someone hovering over you with a sharp implement? When it comes to visiting a dentist, most of us tend to put off the visit except in an emergency. If we have moved cities, suburbs, or even countries, this difficulty gets multiplied because we do not know what to look, where to look amidst the slick websites with glamourous images and impressive “before and after” photos.
So, what should you consider when you are deciding who your dentist should be? Here are a few tips to choose wisely:
Australian Dental Association
In Australia, the Australian Dental Association is the peak national body for dentists. The ADA has a repertoire of information on the latest news in dentistry, regulations and is the proponent of oral health policies in Australia. You can search for a dentist through the ADA’s Find a Dentist Service which locates dentists near you.
Word of Mouth
There is no stronger advertising than word of mouth. A dentist, like a hairdresser or a doctor, is personal, so when a family member or a friend recommends someone, it is most likely that you will like them. If you are moving cities or across a great distance, you can also ask your existing dentist for a recommendation. The chances are they would know someone they went to school with or through an industry association that might be a great fit for you.
Reviews
Let’s face it, these days no business can escape from the limelight. Whether it is positive or negative publicity, every business must go through the ups and downs of social media and review sites. Google reviews unlike social media, for the most part, is trustworthy, but it is always easy for a competitor to leave a negative review under an assumed name. So, how can you choose a dentist from a myriad of reviews?
Check out for informative and relevant reviews. Avoid reviews that do not have any comments and only have stars. Look out for reviews that describe what the patient has faced and experienced. Real patients write about the procedure they had instead of a general comment
Feel the language. Most authentic reviews use everyday language. Be on the lookout for over descriptive terms or technical jargon because these can be fake reviews done by a paid agency
Look for a mix of reviews. No business can only have positive reviews. Ignore a dentist who does not have any negative reviews. While reviews for the most part cannot be taken off, there are instances where service providers have been successful in removing negative reviews. When reading reviews, it is always the balance you need to seek
Compare reviews across websites. Comparing social media platforms in addition to Google is the best way to go. If all reviews are positive, you need to research further
Do Your Own Research
If you have private insurance, some health insurers try to convince you to use their “contracted dentists” or “preferred providers”, with the promise of reduced out-of-pocket expenses. However, you will be impacted personally by the dentist you see, so any financial gains you might receive will be negligible if you are not satisfied and must change dentists frequently.
Customer Service
Imagine you have come across a dentist you think is good for you and want to fix an appointment. Instead of confirming an online appointment or emailing the dentists’ office, ring the office. Check how friendly are the customer service staff when talking to you. Even if you think everyone at the front desk has great customer service, you might observe some small nuances over the phone. In your first visit, you could also observe how tidy is the waiting room and the manner with which the reception staff treats patients that can set the tone for your future appointments.
The Dentist
After long hours of research, you feel you have found a dentist you think will be good. However, even while sitting in the chair, you can still evaluate if you have made a good decision to ensure “continuity of care” instead of a short-term visit. Is your dentist running late for your appointment? Is the dentist taking the time to explain what they are doing, and in a way, you could understand? Did the dentist address your concerns? Did the dentist talk to you about preventive care, such as brushing and flossing?
Choosing a dentist should always be viewed as a long-term proposition. Seeing the same dentist over a long period of time provides you with a consistently high level of service, that cannot be matched by chopping-and-changing dentists.
A dental veneer is an ultra-thin tooth-colored shell that is fitted on the front side of your tooth to restore its look and improve your appearance. Chipped teeth, cracks, tooth discoloration, uneven spacing or alignment and worn enamel are among the numerous problems that can be solved by veneers.
So what is the veneer procedure like? What should I brace for?
Stage #1 – Enamel Removal
Enamel removal is done to create room for the veneer. The layer of enamel being stripped off your tooth is usually as thick as the shell replacing it.
Stage #2 – Mold Preparation
At the end of the first stage, your orthodontist will take images and impressions of your mouth and use them to make a mold for your mouth. Sometimes the impressions are taken and sent to a separate laboratory for veneer preparation. You may be forced to wait up to four weeks before the shells are sent back to your orthodontist.
Stage #3 – Veneer Placement
The final appointment involves fixing the veneer on your tooth.
Your orthodontist may have to make adjustments on the shell to ensure it fits your tooth correctly. This may mean repeatedly placing and removing it to examine its fit and hue, and trim it accordingly. Your tooth will also be roughened using special tools to prepare it for the veneer.
The special cement is applied to the inside face of the shell before it is attached to your tooth. Your orthodontist may concentrate a high-intensity light on the cement to harden it and strengthen its bonding with the tooth.
TMJ is the abbreviation for the joints on each side of the face where the lower jaw connects to the head. It is also sometimes used to describe problems with those joints. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, you may already know what it feels like. If not, you may be experiencing the symptoms now and you’re not sure what is wrong.
How is TMJ disorder treated? Can it be permanently cured? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this overview of TMJ.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, where the lower jaw connects to the skull at each side of the face. If you put your fingers in front of your ears and open and close your mouth a few times, you should be able to feel your TMJ working. It is a hinge type of joint as it primarily allows for up and down movement and some side to side movement.
What is TMJ Disorder?
When the joint becomes irritated, inflamed, or misaligned, it is considered to be TMJ disorder. TMJ symptoms include:
Pain in the jaw.
Pain in the temporomandibular joints.
Pain when chewing.
Tension in the facial muscles.
Ear pain.
Popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth.
Limited movement of your jaw.
Swelling of the face and jaw.
Headaches, especially in the temple region of the head.
Pain in the neck.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can occur due to a variety of causes:
Injury. An injury or blow to the face or show can cause misalignment of the TMJ.
Excessive chewing. Chewing a lot for long periods of time can put excess strain on the TMJ.
Chewing something hard. Chewing on something particularly hard or chewy can put strain on the TMJ and cause irritation of the joint.
Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition affecting the joints, which can include the TMJ.
Autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases can cause excess inflammation in the body, which may include the TMJ.
How is TMJ Disorder Treated?
There are a few different ways to treat TMJ disorder and flare-ups:
Apply ice. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation, which may relieve pain.
Rest the jaw. Try to avoid chewing, talking, singing, or other movements of the jaw.
Take anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Pain relievers like ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve TMJ symptoms.
If none of the above provide relief of your symptoms, your dentist may provide the following additional TMJ treatments:
Bite splints. A bite splint helps to stabilize your jaw so that it moves in proper alignment, allowing it to heal.
Mouth guards. If your TMJ occurs because you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your dentist can provide you with a custom mouth guard to wear at night that absorbs the force and takes the strain off your jaw.
Stretches. There are stretching exercises you can do to relieve pain and restore range of motion in your jaw.
Muscle relaxers. Prescription strength muscle relaxers may provide relief of TMJ symptoms.
Will I Ever Experience Permanent Relief of My TMJ Symptoms?
If you have TMJ symptoms that don’t subside with the above treatments, or if your symptoms keep coming back (flare-ups), surgical treatment may be in order. The joint may need to be rebuilt from the inside in order to work properly. Surgery may provide a permanent cure of your TMJ disorder.
Who Treats TMJ Disorder?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, the first person to call is your dentist. Dentists have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the jaw and the relationship between your jaw and your teeth. R. Renan Williams, DDS provides treatment for TMJ disorder that can provide lasting relief of your symptoms. We make it our goal to restore your range of motion and give you back the ability to eat the foods you love without pain.
Cavities are one of the most prevalent health conditions. In fact, they are only second to the common cold. Not only are they extremely common, but severe cavities are one common reason for tooth loss or the need for extraction. However, teeth don’t go from being fine to needing to be extracted overnight.
This raises the question of how long it takes a cavity to form and at what point it can pose the threat of tooth loss. Since there is no standard answer for how long it takes a cavity to form, we must look deeper at what cavities are and how they form in order to understand more about how quickly or slowly they can develop.
For starters, we need to have a firm understanding of what cavities are and what causes them. Cavities are holes in the teeth formed from acids that are released from bacteria found in dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that sits on the surface of your teeth. Not only does plaque house thousands of bacteria, but it also catches food particles when you eat. This allows the bacteria to feed on the sugars and starches, converting them into an acidic waste product that is deposited onto the tooth surface. Over time as more and more acidic is deposited in one spot, the enamel eventually wears down and a cavity begins to form.
Cavities can form anywhere on the tooth surface and are named based on where they appear. For example, one common type of cavity is known as a pit and fissure cavity. These cavities are found in the pits and fissures that make up the chewing surface of the molars and premolars. This type of cavity is especially common since it is so easy for plaque to develop and remain undisturbed. Other locations cavities can form include the roots and on smooth surfaces. Generally speaking, root cavities only form when gum recession has exposed the tooth roots, which have a very thin layer of protective enamel. Smooth-surface cavities are less common since it is harder for plaque to accumulate on smooth surfaces.
Even though cavities can affect different parts of the tooth, the way that they develop is the same no matter where they form. There are five stages of tooth decay, including:
Stage 1: Demineralization
Demineralization occurs when the acids from bacteria cause the enamel to lose minerals. Since the mineral composition of enamel is the primary reason for its strength, losing minerals weakens the enamel. Since demineralization can be seen as white spots of the teeth, it may be able to be caught early and reversed with fluoride treatments.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
After the enamel has been weakened, then the acids will start to erode through it. This forms a small to medium cavity that only affects the enamel. Cavities that only affect the enamel layer can usually be treated by placing a composite filling.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
Directly below the enamel lies the dentin layer. If the acid continues to erode through the enamel, it will eventually reach the dentin. At this point, the cavity tends to grow in size. Therefore, cavities that affect the dentin layer usually need to be treated with larger fillings like inlays or onlays.
Stage 4: Pulp Decay
Below the dentin lies the innermost layer of the tooth known as the dental pulp. If the bacteria reaches the pulp layer, it will infect the inside of the tooth. Since the pulp is composed of blood vessels and nerves, a pulp infection will cause significant discomfort and pain. At this point, the only way to save the tooth is to perform a root canal to remove the infection.
Stage 5: Abscess
In some cases, a pulp infection can continue to spread deeper into the tooth, moving from the pulp chamber into the tooth roots through the root canals. This usually results in an abscess that forms at the base of the tooth roots. Not only is this extremely painful, but it usually results in the tooth being extracted.
How fast or slow a cavity goes from stage 1 to stage 5 depends on a number of factors. For starters, it is important to mention that not all cavities reach stage 5, and it is recommended to seek treatment early on to prevent the cavity from progressing. Since most cavities take years to form, seeing your dentist twice a year for regular dental checkups can save you from a stage 5 cavity. In fact, dentists can detect cavities in their earliest stages and provide the necessary treatment to prevent them from progressing.
Some factors that determine how fast or slow a cavity develops include:
Location: cavities located in areas with more plaque accumulation tend to grow faster, while cavities located with less plaque tend to grow slower
Diet: regularly consuming large amounts of sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for cavities, making them grow faster
Oral hygiene: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental cleanings helps to reduce the amount of plaque, which slows the growth of cavities.
Have you ever been excited about your favourite meal only to experience pain when taking your first bite? Pain, regardless of where it’s felt, is a pretty good indicator that something isn’t quite right, and you may require some form of medical intervention. Tooth pain is no exception, and seeing your family dentist sooner than later is the best way to prevent any serious oral issues that require a visit to your emergency dentist.
Here are 5 of the most common reasons you may be experiencing pain when biting down or touching your teeth, including
1. Cavities
As children, our parents drilled into us the notion of avoiding foods with high sugar content, and for good reason. When sugar in your mouth is broken down by plaque bacteria, it becomes acid and this acid causes tooth decay by softening the enamel layer of your teeth. As this bacteria eats away at the enamel, small holes form in your teeth known as cavities. Cavities are sneaky, and often form before you feel or see any noticeable symptoms. The first sign of a cavity may be the tenderness you feel when biting down or touching the affected tooth.
2. Alignment
The alignment of your teeth is so important, there’s an entire arm of dentistry that deals with nothing but issues directly related to alignment known as Orthodontics. When your teeth are incorrectly aligned, and the top and bottom teeth don’t meet just right, early or excessive wear to your teeth can occur, causing not only jaw pain but also pain when biting.
3. Sinus congestion
Not all dental pain is caused by a dental issue! The roots from your top teeth sit very close to your sinuses, meaning that pressure, congestion or infection from your sinuses may be the source of tooth pain. This phenomenon is known as a “sinus toothache” and is usually felt in the upper posterior teeth nearest to the sinuses. This is typically the cause of tooth pain when the pain isn’t limited to a single tooth but rather a group of teeth.
4. Periodontitis
Periodontitis, the result of untreated gingivitis, can cause severe oral pain. Overall dental health involves maintaining not only your pearly whites but also the pink stuff that keeps them stable in your mouth. Caused by poor oral hygiene, gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque around and between your teeth. When this plaque isn’t removed before it’s able to harden into tartar, it can trigger an immune response, leading to the destruction of gum tissue. Without treatment, this destruction of gum tissue leads to red, bleeding, tender gums, dental pain, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.
5. Detached fillings or crowns
With the average lifespan of fillings and crowns falling between 10-15 years, those fillings/crowns you got as a teenager may be the cause of the pain you’re feeling. When a filling or crown becomes loose, it allows bacteria to become trapped beneath it, causing irritation to the tooth and, in some cases, the nerves below your teeth. Biting down on a loose filling or crown can antagonize the already irritated tooth, causing sharp pain.
