Root Canal Treatment is a Tooth Saver

According to popular culture, a root canal treatment is one of life's most painful experiences. But popular culture is wrong - this common treatment doesn't cause pain, it relieves it. Knowing the facts will help alleviate any anxiety you may feel if you're scheduled to undergo the procedure.

A root canal treatment addresses a serious problem involving the pulp of a tooth that has become infected. The pulp is a system of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues inside the tooth that helps the tooth maintain its vitality. It also contains a series of minute passageways known as root canals that interconnect with the body's nervous system.

The pulp may become infected for a number of reasons: tooth decay, gum disease, repetitive dental procedures, or traumatic tooth damage. Once the pulp becomes irreversibly damaged it must be completely removed from the tooth and the root canals filled and sealed in order to save the tooth.

We begin the procedure by numbing the affected tooth and surrounding tissues with local anesthesia and placing a dental dam (a thin sheet of rubber or vinyl) over the area to isolate the tooth and prevent the spread of infection to other oral tissues. We then drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using special instruments, we then remove the infected or dead pulp tissue through the access hole and then wash and cleanse the root canals and pulp chamber with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions.

After additional preparation, we fill the root canals and pulp chamber with a filling especially designed for this kind of treatment, usually a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha that easily molds and compresses when heated. We then seal the access hole with a temporary filling (until a permanent crown can be fashioned) to prevent infection from reentering the pulp space. After the procedure, you may experience some minor discomfort easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You'll find the root canal treatment alleviates the symptoms prompted by the pulp infection, particularly acute pain. What's more, a successful root canal will have achieved something even more crucial to your health - it will give your tooth a second chance at survival.

If you would like more information on root canal treatment, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation us, or schedule an appointment online. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "A step-By-Step Guide to Root Canal Treatment."

Frequently Asked Questions About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Q: What is sleep apnea, and how common is it?
A: Obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) in which the airflow to the lungs is restricted - or even cut off completely - during sleep. This condition is usually caused by the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat, and is potentially deadly. Sleep disorders, including SRBD, are thought to affect tens of millions of people in the United States. They have been blamed for several catastrophic accidents, including the 2014 Metro-North train crash in New York, and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.

Q: How can I tell if I might have sleep apnea?
A: Everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes. But if you constantly snore, wake up feeling irritable, and experience sleepiness and diminished performance during the day, it may mean you suffer from this condition. After a while, SRBDs can trigger depression, confusion, memory loss, and other personality changes. Medical professionals note that a person with SRBD tends to be obese; to show enlargement of the tongue, tonsils, or uvula; to have nasal polyps or congestion; and possibly, to exhibit other signs.

Q: How is sleep apnea treated?
A: There are various treatments for sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the problem and its likely cause. These include oral appliance therapy (wearing a retainer-like device in the mouth at night); orthodontic treatment and/or oral surgery; and using a CPAP (constant positive airway pressure) machine to help facilitate breathing at night. Each has advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with a healthcare provider who has experience in the area of sleep disorders.

Q: What does all this have to do with dentistry?
A: Dentists are, of course, extremely familiar with the anatomy of the mouth. We sometimes notice signs of potential sleep problems before they become life-threatening. What's more, we may be able to successfully treat the problem with oral appliance therapy. We can properly fabricate, fit and adjust an oral device that helps keep your airway open at night. Because it is inexpensive, removable, and relatively comfortable, an oral appliance may be a good remedy to try before moving on to more complex treatments, such as a CPAP machine or surgery. So if you think you might have SRBD, maybe it's time to make an appointment and talk to us about it.

If you would like more information on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation us, or schedule an appointment online.

Kicking the Tobacco Chewing Habit a Must for Long-Term Health

Chewing tobacco, especially among young athletes, is considered fashionable - the "cool" thing to do. Many erroneously think it's a safe alternative to smoke tobacco - it is, in fact, the source of numerous health problems that could ultimately lead to disfigurement or even death.

Chewing or dipping tobacco is especially linked with the sport of baseball. Its traditions in baseball go back to the late Nineteenth Century when players chewed to keep their mouths moist on dusty fields. The habit hit its greatest stride after the surgeon general's warning on cigarettes in the late 1950s. Now, players wishing to emulate their major league heroes are prone to take up chewing tobacco at an early age.

But the habit comes with a price tag. Individuals who chew tobacco are more susceptible to oral problems like bad breath, mouth dryness, or tooth decay and gum disease. Users also increase their risk for sexual dysfunction, cardiopulmonary disease (including heart attack and stroke) and, most notably, oral cancer.

Derived from the same plant, chewing and smoke tobacco share a common trait - they both contain the highly addictive drug nicotine. Either type of user becomes addictive to the nicotine in the tobacco; and like smoking, a chewing habit can be very difficult to stop.

Fortunately, many of the same treatments and techniques for quitting smoking can also be useful to break a chewing habit. Nicotine replacement treatments like Zyban or Chantix have been shown effective with tobacco chewing habits. Substituting the activity with gum chewing (non-nicotine, and with the sweetener Xylitol), or even an herbal dip can also be helpful.

Like other difficult processes, it's best not to try to quit on your own. You should begin your efforts to quit with a consultation with your doctor or dentist - they will be able to prescribe cessation medications and provide other suggestions for quitting. You may also find it helpful to visit a behavioral health counselor or attend a tobacco cessation support group.

Rather than just one approach, successful quitting usually works best with a combination of techniques or treatments, and perhaps a little trial and error. The important thing is not to give up: the improvements to your dental health - and life - are worth it.

If you would like more information on quitting chewing tobacco, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation, and find out whether dental implants might be right for you.

Five Ways to Preserve Your Teeth for Life

You may have heard the expression: "If you just ignore your teeth, they will go away." That may be true - but by practicing good oral hygiene, more and more people are now able to keep their natural teeth in good condition for their entire life. So we prefer to put a more positive spin on that old saw: "Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you - always." What's the best way to do that? Here are our top five tips:

1. Brush and floss every day. You knew this was going to be number one, right? Simply put, tooth decay and gum disease are your teeth's number one enemies. Effective brushing and flossing can help control both of these diseases. Using a soft-bristle brush with fluoride toothpaste and getting the floss into the spaces between teeth (and a little under the gum line) are the keys to successful at-home tooth cleaning and plaque removal.
2. Don't smoke, or use any form of tobacco. Statistically speaking, smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. And "smokeless" tobacco causes tooth discoloration, gum irritation, an increased risk for cavities, and a higher incidence of oral cancers. Of course, smoking also shortens your life expectancy - so do yourself a favor, and quit (or better yet, don't start).
3. Eat smart for better oral (and general) health. This means avoiding sugary between-meal snacks, staying away from sodas (and so-called "energy" or "sports" drinks), and limiting sweet, sticky candies and other smile-spoiling treats. It also means enjoying a balanced diet that's rich in foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This type of diet incorporates what's best for your whole body - including your teeth.
4. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. An active lifestyle has many well-recognized health benefits. But if you enjoy playing basketball, bicycling, skiing or surfing - or any other sport where the possibility of a blow to the face exists - then you should consider a custom-fitted mouthguard an essential part of your gear. Research shows that athletes wearing mouthguards are 60 times less likely to suffer tooth damage in an accident than those who aren't protected - so why take chances with your teeth?
5. See your dentist regularly. When it comes to keeping your smile sparkling and your mouth healthy, we're your plaque-fighting partners. We'll check you for early signs of gum disease or tooth decay - plus many other potential issues - and treat any problems we find before they become serious. We'll also help you develop healthy habits that will give you the best chance of keeping your teeth in good shape for your whole life.

If you would like to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy for life, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation, and find out whether dental implants might be right for you. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles "Tooth Decay - The World's Oldest & Most Widespread Disease" and "Dentistry & Oral Health For Children."

How Dental Implants Saved Taylor Hicks' Smile

If (heaven forbid) you were to lose your two front teeth in an accident, and you needed to choose a tooth replacement method, which one would you pick? Once upon a time, that question faced Taylor Hicks, the former American Idol winner who now plays a regular gig in Las Vegas. Back then, when he was a high-school basketball star, Hicks happened to receive a blow to the mouth at a playoff game. As fate would have it, he also happened to be the son of... wait for it... a dentist. So what did he do?

The down-to-earth song stylist recently told Dear Doctor magazine how, immediately after the accident, his father administered first aid, getting him back into the game before it ended. Then, a short while afterward, Hicks had the gaps in his smile fixed with dental implants.

We think he made a good choice. While there are other tooth replacement systems, none offer the benefits provided by dental implants. In case you need a reminder, here are some facts about dental implants:

• They have the highest success rate of any tooth replacement procedure - above 95%
• They are the most durable type of replacement tooth - with proper care, they can last for the rest of your life
• They look and "feel" completely natural, and require no special maintenance
• They are the only tooth replacement system that essentially stops bone loss in the jaw (a natural consequence of tooth loss), helping to maintain good oral health
• Over the long term, they can offer the best value for your investment in dental care

What makes dental implants work so well? Unlike bridgework or other methods, lifelike implant crowns are supported by a screw-like titanium metal insert, which actually becomes fused with the bone of the jaw. This not only provides the prosthetic teeth with a rock-solid anchorage, but it also helps provide the physical stimulation that bone needs to keep itself healthy. Lacking this stimulation, the jaw bone begins to atrophy and erode (melt away) - and if left untreated long enough, it can result in the appearance of premature aging and other oral health problems.

So if you have missing teeth - whether from an accident, disease, or another cause - please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation, and find out whether dental implants might be right for you. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles "Dental Implant Surgery" and "Dental Implants."

Five Symptoms of Gum Disease

Do you have gum disease? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about half of the adults in America have a mild, moderate or severe form of this disease. But if you're 65 or older, your chance of having it goes up to 70 percent! Periodontal (gum) disease is sometimes called a "silent malady" because major symptoms may not appear until it has reached an advanced stage. How can you recognize the early warning signs? Here are some clues to look for:

1. Redness and irritation of gums. Having red, swollen or sore gums can be a sign of gum disease; however, it could also result from brushing your teeth too vigorously, or using a brush with hard bristles. That's why we recommend using a soft-bristled brush and a gentle cleaning stroke. If you're doing this but you still have irritated gums, it could be an early signal of gum disease.
2. Bleeding when you brush. Despite what you may think, this is never a normal occurrence. If your gums regularly bleed after brushing, it's usually an indication that gum disease is present. You should come in for an examination as soon as possible.
3. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Bad breath or unpleasant tastes could be caused by what you ate last night - or they could result from gum disease. If the odor or taste is persistent - that is, if it doesn't seem to go away over time - it could indicate a problem with your gums.
4. Gum recession. When you have gum recession, the healthy, pink tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull back, or recede. This exposes more of the tooth's structure - even its roots - and makes teeth look longer. While gum recession is a common condition that is primarily caused by periodontal disease, many people don't realize they have it because it occurs so gradually. They also may not realize that by the time it is noticed, some underlying bone tissue has already been lost. Gum recession is a condition you shouldn't ignore: If left untreated, it can result in the destruction of more gum and bone tissue, and even tooth loss.
5. Tooth Sensitivity or pain when chewing. Many things can cause tooth pain or sensitivity: an old filling, tooth decay, even a cracked tooth or a root canal problem. Gum disease can also cause this unpleasant sensation. Receding gums may expose the tooth's roots, which aren't as well protected from the mouth's harsh environment as the chewing surfaces; this may cause a sensation of pain when chewing or brushing. If this sensation persists, it's time for an examination to find out what's causing it.

Gum disease is a widespread problem - but it's also very treatable. If you would like more information on gum disease, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles "Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease" and "Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease."

Gold or Porcelain Crowns? The Factors to Consider

Gold is more than a financial commodity or a symbol of wealth - it's one of the best materials for restoring damaged tooth crowns, the visible portion above the gum line. It's extremely durable and can last for several decades if properly maintained. It also causes minimal wear to adjacent teeth.

But as new, more life-like materials have come into prominence, gold restorations have diminished in popularity. Dental porcelain in particular, a type of fired ceramic glass that mimics the look and color of teeth, has increased in popularity for use in highly visible areas.

But unlike gold, all porcelain crowns lack strength, tend to be more brittle and can abrade other teeth during biting and chewing. If they break, they can shatter beyond repair. All porcelain crowns are improving dramatically as newer space age materials become available. Historically, though, they are thought of as less unpredictable when used for back teeth; the greater biting forces make them more susceptible to failure than with front teeth.

A Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) crown is a hybrid of these two materials that seeks to impart the strengths of both - the aesthetic appeal of porcelain and the durability of gold or platinum. But a PFM crown also has drawbacks: the porcelain surface may still abrade opposing teeth; they can lose their aesthetic appeal if the metal collar becomes visible if gum tissues recede; and they can fail if the porcelain fractures or separates from the metal.

To address some of porcelain's weaknesses, some PFM variations reduce the amount of porcelain by placing it only on the visible side of a cast gold crown. In addition, other porcelain materials are now coming into use that may be more durable yet just as life-like.

Choosing which material to use for a crown depends on many factors: cost, the location of the crown, and, of course, the patient's desires for the resulting smile appearance. It all begins with a comprehensive exam: from there, we can advise you on your options and help you make a choice - gold, porcelain or something in between - that's durable and pleasing to the eye.

If you would like more information about dental implants, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Gold or Porcelain Crowns?."