October 7, 2011
If a tooth has a dental abscess, the options are to do root canal treatment or to extract the tooth. If untreated the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth has an infected pulp a new filling or crown will not treat the serious underlying problem. During root canal treatment the infected pulp is removed, the canal area is carefully cleaned and shaped, then a filling material seals the space. Afterwards a crown or other restoration is placed to protect and restore it to full function. The tooth will then continue to function like any other tooth.
Extraction
The cost of an extraction might seem attractive compared to the cost of root canal treatment. But extracting the tooth is unlikely to be the most desirable or even the cheapest choice in the long run. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can be expected to shift, sometimes significantly. Even losing a single tooth can alter one’s chewing ability and effect their jaw joint. Teeth that shift can also be difficult to clean and therefore be at greater risk for tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Replacing an Extracted Tooth
It will usually be recommended by your dentist for an extracted tooth to be replaced with an artificial one. Options for replacement include bridges, implants, or partials. While these options can provide a long lasting end result, they can usually cost as much or more than saving the tooth.
Conclusion
If a tooth can be saved by performing root canal treatment, that is the treatment of choice. It’s always best to keep your natural teeth. Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and many root canal treated teeth last a lifetime.
At Foust Family Dental Care we use the latest technology called Rotary Endodontics. This makes root canal treatment much less time consuming, often being completed in one appointment instead of two with traditional treatment. Rotary Endodontics also gives the root canal treated tooth a better, more predictable outcome.
There is no need to suffer with a toothache, if you have a tooth that is bothering you call our West Des Moines office. We see people with discomfort promptly.
October 20, 2011
The Anxious Patient
Our mission at Foust Family Dental Care is to provide comfortable treatments in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere so that all patients feel relaxed and welcome in our office. It’s normal for those who have had a negative past experience at a dental office is more likely to feel anxious about future apptointments. Unfortunately, avoiding regular check ups and cleanings can lead to serious tooth decay, gum disease and other avoidable dental problems.
We give every patient personalized care. Besides having a compassionate dentist, we believe having a kind staff is just as necessary to easing patient’s anxiety. Our staff listens to patients concerns and gives every patient gentle, attentive care. We offer soothing nitrous oxide sedation to help ease tension. We also use Digital X-rays that greatly reduces exposure to radiation.
At Foust Family Dental Care we provide a positive and relaxing dental experience. Come visit us at our West Des Moines office and see the difference for yourself!
November 3rd, 2011
What is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and Scaling and Root Planing?
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease starts with the formation of plaque around the teeth. Plaque is the film on your teeth caused by food and bacteria in your mouth. Plaque left on your teeth for long periods of time becomes hard and turns into tartar. The bacteria causes inflammation of the gum that become red, swollen and bleed easily. Periodontal disease can lead to damage of the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning is done by a dentist or dental hygienist in a couple of visits. Scaling is the scraping off of the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and help remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
The deep cleaning is done manually or with an ultra-sonic instrument called a cavitron, or many times with a combination of both. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate the infection by removing the bacteria containing plaque and tarter that has attached to the teeth and their roots under the gum.
Can I have a regular cleaning if I have periodontal disease?
A regular cleaning only removes the plaque and tartar above the gum. Scaling and Root Planing is what is needed to get below the gum to remove plaque and tartar build up from the tooth’s root where the bone is affected by the infection.
January 3rd, 2012
Advantages to Digital X-rays
An important advantage to digital radiography is that is uses 90% less radiation than film x-rays. Digital x-rays also produce a higher quality image that can be enlarged or magnified for a better visual of an area. With screens in front of every patient chair, patients are able to view their own x-rays and be able to better understand any areas of concern. If a hard copy is needed digital x-rays can simply be printed. At Foust Family Dental Care we want to provide are patients with the safest and highest quality of dental radiography possible.
