Fact or Fiction: If your teeth don't hurt there's nothing wrong.

FICTION!

Many times people don't think that they have to see a dentist because their "teeth don't hurt" or are "not bothering them". This is a common misconception about teeth.

Here's the truth:

If your teeth are hurting you, that usually means that instead of needing a filling (cheaper) a tooth now needs a root canal (more $$$$!)

 

Tooth decay is a slow and silent assailant. It doesn't make it's presence known until it ironically becomes very costly to fix the tooth.

 

In picture 1 you can see plaque sitting on the tooth's enamel surface. This plaque, if not removed, is fed on the bacteria found in your mouth.

 

In picture 2 the decay has started to damage the tooth. The acid by-product of the bacteria has eroded the enamel. At this point you will not feel any pain or discomfort because the damage has not reached the nerve of the tooth.

 

If you are seeing a dentist regularly he or she would be able to detect this decay and fix it with filling material before it gets any worse.  

 

In picture 3 the decay has progressed to the dentin. This layer of your tooth is not as strong as the enamel and therefore, decay proceeds at a rapid rate. At this point you may begin to feel sensitivity to cold or sweets.

 

In picture 4 the tooth's damage has reached the pulp chamber where the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth are located. The nerve becomes infected and inflamed thus causing you great pain. You will experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks and if left untreated, a serious abscess can form.

 

At this point the tooth's vitality is compromised and a root canal has to be performed in order to save the tooth. This can be very uncomfortable for both your mouth and your wallet!

 

Preventative dentistry is very important. If you get regular dental visits every 6 months you can eliminate extra expense and pain in the future!

 

Don't assume that your mouth is healthy just because it doesn't feel like anything is wrong!

 

 Give us a call if you'd like to schedule a preventative dental appointment.

215 567 4949

 

Also, take a look at our website for a complete list of services we offer.

2020-dentistry.com

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