Your teeth are so sensitive!

root canals.
(Endodontic therapy)

noun: 

a specific treatment for disease of the dental pulp involving removal of the nerve and other tissues from the pulp cavity and the replacement with filling material. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/root+canal+therapy]

I know what you're thinking after reading that definition, "I'm sorry; what?" So I'm going to break down what exactly a root canal is. 

the tooth.

All of your teeth are "alive." They all contain nerves and blood vessels within the pulp chamber. 

A tooth is no longer considered vital when the pulp is damaged due to...

• Untreated tooth decay (that cavity your dentist told you he wanted to fill 11 months ago.)
• Trauma (getting hit in the mouth with a baseball.)

Once either of these conditions happen, a root canal is no longer an option; it is necessary in order to save the tooth. 

the symptoms.

When a tooth has been compromised by tooth decay or trauma, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Pain when biting down and/or chewing.
• Throbbing pain 
• Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and beverages.
• Noticeable facial or cheek swelling.

the diagnosis.

After coming in and describing your symptoms to your dentist, he or she will do one or all of the following things: 

• Take a radiograph (x-ray) to see how damaged the tooth is above and below the gum line. 
• Perform a percussion test. Your dentist will tap on your tooth with the handle of his or her mouth mirror. If you feel pain when he or she taps that's a sign your tooth may need a root canal.  

Once the need for a root canal is determined the process of clearing the infection and damaged nerve tissues can begin! 

Take note! A tooth requiring a root canal should not be ignored! Sometimes there are no symptoms and if you're not seeing your dentist regularly, a serious infection could go unnoticed for years! By that time abscesses can form and the infection can migrate into the jaw bone which will require major oral surgery.  

If you feel that you may need a root canal please call our office to make an appointment! 

215.567.4949

For information on this and other dental issues check out our website: 

2020-dentistry.com

[sources: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/root+canal+therapy]

[photo sources: http://www.lifescript.com/health/a-z/treatments_a-z/procedures/r/root_canal_treatment.aspx

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/h/broken-tooth-pain-relief.html

Dental X-rays Revolutionized

Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

Scenario...

Occasionally during one of your routine dental visits the dentist or hygienist will come in and say that you are due for some dental radiographs. 

-- Or -- 

You come in complaining of some tooth pain and one of the first things the dentist says is that he or she wants to take an x-ray of the site. 

So why are they needed? 

Dental radiographs allow the dentist to see any issues or concerns that can not be seen clinically (i.e., when he or she looks in your mouth.) This includes tooth decay, bone destruction, root infections, etc. For example: A tooth may look completely fine on the surface but could have a severe tooth abscess at the root tip causing you pain. 

Types of Radiographs  

The two types of dental x-rays that a dental office can have are Traditional film and Digital. 

What are the differences?

Traditional dental radiographs are images produced on photosensitive film by exposing the film to radiation and then processing it. 

Digital radiographs are similar but instead of using photosensitive film, images are produced by exposing a digital sensor to radiation. 

Benefits of digital radiographs

• Significantly less radiation exposure. 
• No wait time for developing. Images are instantly available on a computer screen.
• Environmentally friendly. No need for harsh development chemicals and no foil and wrapper waste. 

Our office has been equipped with digital x-rays and photographs since 2009. This allows us to diagnose and treat your areas of concern quickly and without using high levels of radiation. 

If you are having a dental issue or would just like a dental check-up please call our office to make an appointment! 

215.567.4949

For more information on digital radiographs or other services we provide click on the link below for our website!

pjmouradiandmd.com