You don’t need to let the term “root canal” strike fear in your heart. Root canal treatment is required when the nerve inside the tooth has become severely damaged or infected. There are many misconceptions about root canals that can easily be dispelled with answers to a few important questions:

What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment describes the procedure of cleaning the infected pulp (nerve) of the tooth, refilling it so the tooth can remain strong, and sealing the root canals to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Are there alternatives to a root canal? The only alternatives are to either leave the tooth alone or have it extracted. Leaving the tooth is not a good idea because waiting will allow the infection to worsen and potentially spread to the gums and jawbone. Root canal treatment will save the tooth by treating and sealing the root canals.

Is root canal treatment painful? With modern technology and various anesthetic solutions, it is rare to have any pain during treatment. The procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. While you may have heard horror stories about root canal pain, root canal treatment actually relieves the pain caused by inflamed and infection tissues and nerves.

What can I expect from recovery? Your teeth may feel sensitive, but any discomfort should go away within 24-48 hours. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory should lesson any post-treatment discomfort you may experience. Depending on how damaged the tooth is, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to place a crown or other restoration to complete the treatment.

A root canal is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists and is a safe and effective alternative to extraction of an infected tooth.
If you need root canal treatment in Weymouth MA, contact our office today.

Cosmetic dentists have a wide range of skills, developed over time to address aesthetic issues, but not necessarily the function of a patient’s teeth, bite or gums. While the American Dental Association does not officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty niche of dentistry, there are a plethora of dentists who identify themselves as cosmetic dentists. Prosthodontics and orthodontics both focus on the appearance of your teeth, providing several popular services.

Cosmetic dentistry can refer to the addition of porcelain or resin composite to the teeth in order to maximize the effects of your smile. Examples of these treatments are resin bonding and porcelain veneers. Dental crowns and dental bridges are also choices.

Bonding or veneers are popular treatments that can be used to change the shape of a single tooth. Bonding can last for several years, but is more vulnerable to chipping and staining than a veneer. A cosmetic dentist can reshape and contour your teeth for a more attractive smile and to help correct minor problems with bite.

Sometimes severe gum disease can lead to the need for gum grafts in order to maintain the health of the surrounding teeth. A severely decayed tooth can be cause for extraction or removal of a significant portion of the tooth structure.

Teeth whitening is another example of a common cosmetic dentistry treatment. While many at-home products are available to whiten and brighten your teeth, the most effective whitening is done in the dentist’s office and is supervised by your cosmetic dentist.

Gums that are too dark can lead to self-consciousness. Gum depigmentation is a therapy you are able to discuss with your cosmetic dentist.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of whatever treatment you choose for your teeth, consult your cosmetic dentist today. He or she will be able to answer questions such as:

• What will I look like after treatment?
• What should I expect during my treatment?
• How long will my results last?
• How do I maintain my new smile?

Talk to your cosmetic dentist in Weymouth MA to see what positive changes can come from your treatment!

The term “root canal” can strike terror into the hearts of some people, but treatment can help relieve painful symptoms, and is little different from getting a filling. Root canal therapy is very straightforward, and can help save a badly infected tooth from being extracted.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
Root canal therapy is necessary if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. This is the central part of the tooth, and it is connected to the root canals that extend into the tooth roots. The pulp contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth which is why the infection can be so painful. Infection can occur if the tooth is decayed, or if it is cracked or has suffered some sort of trauma that has compromised the outer part of the tooth, enabling bacteria to get into the pulp.

Are There Any Common Signs of Tooth Infection?
If the nerves in the pulp have died, there may be few if any symptoms. Otherwise the most common sign of infection is toothache, or feeling pain when you bite down on the affected tooth. It may become more sensitive to hot or cold, and sometimes a small pimple will appear on the gum near the tooth.

What is the Procedure for a Root Canal?
Your dentist in Reno will numb the area before accessing the pulp through the crown of the tooth. Special files are used to clean out all the infected tissue in the pulp and root canals. The area is then thoroughly disinfected before being sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. Your dentist might take x-rays to make sure all the root canals have been treated, and if the infection was severe they can place antibiotics into the root canals before temporarily filling the tooth. Most teeth will need permanently restoring with a full crown.

Is It Possible To Avoid Root Canal Treatment?
If your dentist in Reno recommends this treatment then it will be your best option for saving the tooth. Otherwise your only choice may be extraction. It is always far better to try to prolong the life of your natural teeth for as long as you can.

Root canal dentist in Weymouth, MA

A team at University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working on developing a new test for oral cancer that would provide an accurate diagnosis in about 20 minutes. Dentist would use a small brush to collect cells from a patient’s mouth, place the cells on a chip, and feeding the chip into an analyzer for quick, precise results. Currently, dentists biopsy areas of concern and send the cells to off-site labs for analysis, which takes more time. Clinical trials for the new technology are beginning soon.

With early detection, oral cancer has a 90 percent survival rate, but often the disease is not discovered until late, so survival is much less. In fact, oral cancer kills more people than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, and skin cancer. This new technology could help save lives by making detection easier.

Historically, oral cancer occurs more often in more men than women, people over 40, and those with certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco use. People with no risks factors at all, however, do develop oral cancer. Because oral cancer often presents with no major symptoms in the early stages, regular dental visits are an important part of prevention. Your dentist can examine your mouth and look for any unusual areas that may need further testing. If you develop any sores that don’t heal in two weeks, have problems swallowing, or notice any difficulties with your tongue, consult your dentist right away.

Dentist in Weymouth MA

A single missing tooth can make a big difference in your life. Failure in replacing a lost tooth causes loss of bone and the migration of the remaining teeth into the space created by the lost tooth. You may develop an improper bite that can lead to severe problems like TMJ pain. Some individuals develop difficulty in eating and speech.

Dental implants restore the dental health of patients so that they enjoy a fuller life. They are made out of titanium and simulate tooth roots. They are surgically inserted into the jaw and capped. The numerous advantages of dental implants are restoration of function, prevention of bone loss, and a great substitute of bridges or dentures.

Implants – Can I have them?
Your dentist will check your oral cavity thoroughly and then decide if you are fit for dental implants or not. Quality and quantity of jaw bone must be adequate.

How is an implant placed?
Firstly, a titanium screw will be surgically inserted into the bone of the missing tooth. A period of two to three months is allowed for the complete healing and the fusion of implant to the bone. Only after that a crown is placed.

Will my new teeth look natural?
Of course. Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in almost all aspects. The perfect fit of the implant ensures absolute comfort to the patient.

What are the directions for care of implants?
Take care of implants just like your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and go for routine dental checkups without fail. This way your gorgeous smile will stay gorgeous always!

Dental implants dentist in Weymouth, MA

Porcelain veneers can work wonders with your smile and you can flaunt it wherever you go! A thin covering of porcelain is fixed to the front part of your teeth. This way veneers conceal the imperfections like gaps, stains or pits and enhance the other attributes like color. Check out the answers to some frequently asked queries regarding veneers.

How do veneers work?
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural looks. Before the fabrication of veneers every detail like the shape of your face, nature of your skin, eyes, height, and even your character are taken into consideration. They are attached steadily to your teeth so that you can smile with poise.

How long does it take to get one?
It takes about four to six weeks for the installation of dental veneers. In the first sitting, your teeth are reduced to accommodate the veneer and the surfaces are roughened. Impressions are recorded to pour out casts of your mouth on which the veneers are custom-made for you. In the next sitting, you have to undergo cleaning and polishing of your teeth to ensure correct bonding of veneers to your teeth. A special high-intensity light is utilized to harden the cement.

How will my teeth appear while I wait for my veneers?
Once the teeth preparation is over, they are covered by special temporary or interim veneers. They protect your teeth and restore the esthetic aspect of your teeth until the original veneers are fixed.

How many years can veneers last for?
Porcelain veneers have a life of about ten to twenty years. The long-lasting effect is due to the physical attributes of porcelain like strength, durability, anti-stain property and wear-resistance.

What are the benefits of veneers?
Porcelain veneers are strongly cemented to your teeth so they act just like any other of your teeth. They mimic the tooth enamel to such an extent that it is difficult to distinguish between the natural and porcelain surface. Veneers act as a protective casing over your teeth so that no more harm is done to the already chipped off or abraded teeth. In a way, they make your smile all the more attractive.

Is your smile in need of a little work? Do you have crooked, gapped or misaligned teeth? Your smile might benefit from a visit to an orthodontist who can put you on a path to a total smile makeover.

An orthodontist can provide you with the means to achieve a straight and beautiful “new” smile. Braces can correct many dental problems, such as crooked teeth. When your teeth are misaligned, they often have bite issues. Teeth that aren’t straight are more difficult to clean thoroughly, resulting in a higher likelihood of food and debris remaining on the teeth and leading to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This buildup causes tooth decay and disease, and if left untreated, can lead to root canal treatments or tooth extractions. When your orthodontist straightens your teeth, your mouth is more likely to be in good health, and your oral hygiene habits will be easier to perform.

When your teeth are aligned properly, you chew your food more thoroughly, something that greatly improves digestion. Misaligned bites can muddle speech and make eating difficult. A poor bite can lead to headaches or pain in the face, jaw or neck. Making over your smile with braces can prevent or reverse these symptoms.

Straight teeth are also ultimately more durable than crooked teeth. Uneven tooth surfaces can result in an uneven bite, causing damage as the upper and lower teeth come together as you chew or talk. Chips and cracks in the tooth surface can lead to tooth decay and loss.

A smile makeover using braces can result in a beautiful, natural smile that boosts your self-esteem and allows you to put your best self forward in any situation. Talk to your orthodontist to see if a smile makeover using braces is right for you.