What is Root Canal Treatment

Root canals or root canals therapy is a procedure used to treat the causes of dental pain. It consists of cleaning out all diseased tissue from inside the root canal(s) to prevent further pain and infection. A small file is inserted into the opening in your gums, where each tooth enters the mouth (known as an apex). X-ray images are then taken to determine how much root surface area has decayed. While taking x-rays, if not enough tooth structure remains for adequate treatment, endodontic retreatment may be required.

Endodontic retreatment is a procedure in which the roots are treated again with another course of root canal therapy.

Root canals typically involve several visits to your dentist but may require more frequent appointments when treatment is especially complex. Your dentist, like Dr. Sten Ericson, will use an ultrasonic instrument to clean the diseased pulp from the inside of your tooth. When the diseased pulp is removed through your root canal(s), the space left is filled with gutta-percha and/or composite resin, which acts as filler material for strength and retention.

The last step requires obturation or filling all canals penetrated during cleaning. This final restoration helps keep bacteria out while allowing proper circulation within the tooth.

The opening of root canals can be filled with an inert material that is shaped to retain the original shape of your tooth. The double-pointed needle used to inject filler into root canal openings is about the size of a number 2 pencil lead. Each root canal needs only one point injected. The injection instruments can be used repeatedly for years if kept carefully clean and sterile. However, the needle (or trocar or cannula ) and syringe must be replaced regularly to ensure sterility.

Benefits of root canals

There are many benefits associated with root canal treatment; here, we look at several superior reasons why every patient should consider this lifesaving treatment:

1. Save your tooth

Root canal treatment is performed to save a tooth that cannot otherwise be salvaged. A root canal procedure can also prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth. If left untreated, the infection in the root of the tooth may cause inflammation which will spread throughout your jawbone resulting in severe pain and swelling.

2. Restore function
If you are experiencing regular discomfort, pain, or poor chewing ability due to an infected tooth, root canal therapy can help correct these symptoms. After completing this procedure successfully, most people experience relief from symptoms associated with their condition, including pain, pressure, and tenderness.

3. Save your gum tissue
Saving your healthy gum tissue at treatment is another advantage of getting a root canal procedure done. In some cases, the area around the diseased tooth may have to be shaved down to enable access. This can damage your gums or bone structure, so you should take this treatment option as soon as possible for a quick recovery.

4. Prevent further decay
Root canal treatment will prevent any infection from spreading and falling back into the tooth through the root tip, thus preventing future tooth decay. An infected tooth can lead to further complications such as swelling and pain in other parts of the mouth due to a lack of blood supply. It might even spread to other organs in extreme cases, making it a life-threatening condition if not treated on time.

5 . Retain natural tooth structure
The root canal procedure will not damage the natural tooth structure unless it is necessary for treatment purposes.

6. Save your face and jawbones
Root canal treatment also helps save vital structures like jawbones and facial structures if the infection spreads through them. Surgical removal of infected tissues at this point can be very risky due to their proximity to these critical structures.

7. Maintain healthy gums
You must maintain proper gum health post-treatment; otherwise, there may be a risk of recurrence of infection or further complications like swelling, inflammation, or pain at the affected site. You should practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using a mouthwash.

Who are root canals for?

Root canal therapy is usually performed on an emergency basis on a patient experiencing severe pain due to acute pulpitis. A dentist removes all traces of bacteria from within the affected tooth via a pulpotomy, followed by microsurgical reshaping of its interior surface and finally filling it with dental amalgam or other restorative material. In cases where this condition cannot be resolved naturally, root canal therapy may be necessary. This involves removing all traces of bacteria from within an affected tooth via a pulpotomy, followed by microsurgical reshaping of its interior surface and finally filling it with dental amalgam or other restorative material.

How Sleep Apnea effect your life

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing, called apneas, while you sleep. The pauses can last for up to a minute or more and may occur 30 times or more an hour. When you finally start breathing again, it’s usually a loud snort or choking sound.

Sleep apnea may also be a sign that you’re getting too little oxygen. When this happens, your heart beats faster, and your blood pressure may increase to unsafe levels. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, depression, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat.

People with sleep apnea stop repeatedly breathing during their sleep, leading to several short-term complications, such as disrupted sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep deprivation is common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea because of frequent arousals associated with respiratory effort. These arousals are brought on by the lack of oxygen reaching the brain and then triggering the brain to arouse the individual to breathe. In addition, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, depression, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat.

In severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, a person may be diagnosed as having “secondary” sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. In this case, the patient’s blood oxygen level can be severely low for a continuous length of time without arousing them from sleep. This condition is often found in patients with heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In some cases, a patient may have both types of apneas, and the severity of each can vary, even throughout the night.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The primary symptom is snoring (although not everyone has sleep apnea snores). Other common symptoms include:

  • Morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Chronic fatigue or drowsiness
  • Irritability or hyperactivity
  • Poor memory or concentration
  • Restless sleep
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Depression

Other, less common symptoms include:

  • Frequent trips to the bathroom at night (or bedwetting in children) due to increased urine production while sleeping. This is because your body’s tissues soak up extra fluids when you’re not getting enough oxygen.
  • High blood pressure
  • Repeated bladder infections in women.

Can you have sleep apnea and not know it?

Yes, especially in the early stages of the disorder. Many people with sleep apnea don’t even realize they snore and never feel sleepy during the day because their brain shuts down for such short periods that they don’t remember.

Are there benefits of sleep apnea?

Yes, the benefits of sleep apnea include:

1. Stronger immune system.
2. Less inflammation means a longer life expectancy.
3. Improved quality of life for people with congestive heart failure
4. Lower risk of death among all adults ages 65 and older, including those who develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
5. Reduced risk of death from any cause among adults with obstructive sleep apnea
6. Improved glucose tolerance and better blood sugar control
7. Reduced risk for colon polyps
8. Smaller waist circumference and more stable insulin levels in men with prediabetes
9. Better blood sugar control among people with type 2 diabetes
10. Lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)
11. Fewer gallstones among men with prediabetes
12. Better memory and brain function among older adults
13. Reduced risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke among men with diabetes
14. Better moods among women during menopause
15. More flexible arteries (as measured by increased ankle-brachial index)
16. Reduced plaque buildup in the carotid arteries among people with high blood pressure
17. Lower risk for atrial fibrillation (irregular and often rapid heart rate)
19. Less weight, body fat, and waist circumference
20. Improved sexual function for men with erectile dysfunction

Who is sleep apnea for?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone. However, the following people are at a higher risk:

  • Men who have more than 40 pounds of weight gain over five years, or 100 pounds or more in their lifetime.
  • Men and women age 50 and older with high blood pressure.
  • People with heart disease, such as congestive heart failure.
  • Those who snore loudly (although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea).
  • People with large neck sizes (over 16 inches for women or over 17 inches for men)
  • Adults with high blood pressure.
  • People with diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Menopausal women who have problems sleeping or restless legs.
  • Anyone who is overweight
  • Older adults, especially those over age 65
  • Middle-age and older adults who have a parent, grandparent, or another close relative with obstructive sleep apnea
  • People with narcolepsy (a chronic sleep disorder that causes daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep)
  • Anyone under 18 who snores and has large tonsils or an enlarged tongue (this may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea).

Conclusion:

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that has extreme effects on the body and mind. Although there are benefits to sleeping apnea, it is essential to think about what we put into our bodies and prevent diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

 

Oral Surgery Benefits

Oral Surgery is a specialty within dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and adjacent organs. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, as they are properly called, perform surgery to correct a wide range of problems such as those which affect the lips, cheeks, gums, or jaws as well as many others.

It involves surgery of the teeth, oral cavity, jaws, and facial structures. Treatments are aimed at restoring normal function to the mouth and also appearance where that is affected by disease or trauma. They must be able to recognize all conditions that can affect the area, to know what investigations are necessary prior to surgery and how best to carry out procedures.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is not one of the recognized specialties within dentistry, like endodontics or periodontology. Rather it is a specialty of general surgery. Though oral surgeons are trained in dentistry they must complete an additional four years of surgical residency to become fully qualified.

Benefits Of Oral Surgery Procedures

1. Improves Ability To Chew And Swallow
Some dental issues like missing teeth, receding gums, or worn enamel can make it difficult for patients to enjoy their usual diet. Oral surgery procedures, such as the installation of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and gum reshaping, help patients to eat comfortably by restoring their mouths to optimal health. This reduces the risk of developing problems like malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.

2. Restores A Youthful Appearance
Oral surgery procedures, such as facial rejuvenation or smile makeovers, can help patients to regain a more youthful appearance that they may have lost over time. By correcting irregularities in the mouth, these procedures reduce visible signs of aging for a more vibrant, healthy appearance. In some cases, they can even reduce the need for invasive plastic surgery.

3. Restores Confidence And Self-Esteem
Many oral conditions can have a debilitating effect on a patient’s self-esteem and sense of confidence. They may be unable to smile or speak comfortably, leading them to avoid social situations. Oral surgery procedures, such as facial reconstruction or dental implant placement, can help restore a more confident and self-assured appearance. This is particularly important for people living in job markets where meeting clients face-to-face is an integral part of their career.

4. Eliminates The Need For Dentures Or Partial Dentures
Many patients find themselves reliant on removable dental appliances, such as dentures or partial dentures. These devices can make it difficult to speak and eat comfortably. Patients may also feel self-conscious about their appearance without them in place. Oral surgery procedures like full or partial denture reline services eliminate the need for these appliances by restoring both function and form to the mouth. Patients can enjoy their favorite foods and smile with greater ease, all without feeling self-conscious about their appearance.

5. Improves The Ability To Chew And Swallow
Oral surgery procedures like corrective jaw surgery can improve a person’s ability to chew and swallow food comfortably. Without these conditions, patients may develop problems like malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.

6. Improves The Look Of The Face
Oral surgery procedures, such as chin augmentation or cheek augmentation can help improve the look of a person’s face for a more vibrant, healthy appearance. In addition to enhancing facial symmetry and proportion, these procedures can even reduce the need for other invasive cosmetic procedures.

7. Aids In The Prevention Of Oral And Dental Disease
The structures of the mouth can be greatly compromised by oral and dental disease, leading to discomfort, infection, and poor overall health. Oral surgery procedures like gum disease treatment help prevent this deterioration so patients can enjoy firm, healthy gums that are strong enough to fight off infection.

Who Is It For?
Oral surgery procedures, such as facial reconstruction and dental implant placement, are for anyone who’s looking to enhance the overall health and appearance of their smile. Whether a person is feeling self-conscious about their smile or simply wants to improve their oral hygiene routine, oral surgery can help put them on the path towards a healthier mouth.

Oral surgery procedures have many benefits, including restoring a more youthful appearance, improving the ability to chew and swallow, reducing the need for removable dental appliances, strengthening gum health, fighting off infection, and reviving self-esteem in the process. People who are looking to enhance their smile should contact their dentist or cosmetic surgeon for an evaluation of their oral health and a custom plan for improving it.

Importance of Teeth Whitening

While the idea of teeth whitening might be daunting, there are many reasons why you may wish to pursue it. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to achieve a brighter smile without resorting to invasive procedures. For some people, though, actually having their teeth professionally whitened is not an option due to time or financial restrictions. In this case, at-home methods can be employed to give similar results in a shorter amount of time and for a far lower cost.

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what you can and cannot do when attempting teeth whitening at home. One popular misconception is that mouthwashes will make your teeth whiter faster. At the same time, another one suggests that products such as whitening toothpaste and whitening strips will provide the same effects.

The truth of the matter is that there is no way to make your teeth whiter faster except by eating (but not brushing) edible dark chocolate. There is also no evidence to suggest that mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide will do anything at all for your teeth other than clean them.

However, some studies have shown that certain mouth rinses containing fluoride may slow down the discoloration of your teeth over time and reduce further stains from forming on them in the future. Whitening kinds of toothpaste generally don’t contain any bleaching agents but instead help remove surface stains by using abrasive ingredients such as calcium carbonate or silica which clean teeth by mechanically scrubbing away stains.

Whitening strips are more effective than brushing alone but not nearly as effective as professional treatment done in a dentist’s office. However, better results can be achieved with whitening strips if you combine them with some form of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, which is why many people opt for this combination when trying to achieve whiter teeth on their own.

Many products contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, while others may include an amount that varies between 0.1%-3%. When using any product, you should bear in mind that it will take time before any visible results are achieved. The only way to achieve the full maximum effect is by repeating applications regularly for an extended period – roughly around one month.

1. Benefits of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common and least invasive (and irreversible) procedures any person can undergo to achieve a whiter, brighter smile that helps them look younger and more attractive.

The use of at-home methods to brighten your teeth can be effective if carried out correctly. Still, results will not necessarily be achieved as quickly (or even attainable) as when having such treatments done in a dentist’s office. However, the cost of undergoing this procedure with your Palos Verdes dentist is often much higher than doing it yourself and can sometimes be compared with having veneers fitted, for example. Many people cannot afford to go under the knife to improve their smile, and in these cases, at-home treatments are the only realistic option.

Many products out there aim to help you improve your smile in just one rather than several weeks, but most of them only contain the same amount of active ingredients as most standard over-the-counter products and, in some cases, even less.

Other reasons why people decide to carry out teeth whitening at home is because they don’t want to undergo any treatment that may potentially damage their gums or leave them in pain for days on end, or because they know that their time is limited and that they would prefer to spend it doing other things rather than sitting at a dentist’s office for hours on end.

Whatever your reason, maybe, if you’re prepared to spare some of your time to achieve its effects, then you can probably do so yourself without having an ongoing professional relationship with a dentist.

2. Who is it for teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is something that can be done by anyone of any age, assuming they’re in good health and don’t have any conditions or allergies that may prevent them from having it done.

Anyone who prefers to avoid undergoing professional treatment at their local dentist will likely find that instead of relying on products such as whitening toothpaste alone, a combination of both may work better for some people.

It’s not uncommon for many dentists to desensitize the gums and teeth before performing more intensive procedures such as teeth whitening. Whitening your teeth is often part of an overall smile makeover, including dental veneers, implants, and crowns – all of these methods probably cost less than you imagine if carried out correctly.

For this reason, it’s essential for anyone who has recently undergone any form of dental treatment (or is about to do so) to discuss what effects whitening may have on your gums, lips, or soft tissues before deciding if you wish to do it yourself or not.

It may also be advisable for you to carry out teeth whitening only after some time following some procedures such as gum surgery or perhaps even laser treatment performed by your dentist. If in doubt, the best advice would always be to check with your dentist first before trying any products at all.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign braces are clear plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. The trays are made in several standard sizes, which can be selected by orthodontists to match the size and shape of the teeth they will treat. While wearing them at night or when not speaking, the teeth gradually shift into place over time.

Your dentist or orthodontist creates a series of custom trays, each of which is worn for about two weeks. The length of time you will need to wear the trays varies based on your treatment plan. At first, just wearing the trays during normal daily activities with breaks for eating and brushing is enough to gradually move teeth into the correct position.

It is possible to remove the trays to eat and brush, but they will need to be worn for many hours each day in order for teeth straightening to occur. Because of this, treatment with Invisalign typically lasts about a year or more depending on dental health and age.

Benefits Of Invisalign

1. Better Oral Hygiene.
With braces, people have to spend more time brushing and flossing their teeth. This helps keep them cleaner but also takes away from the time they could be spending with family or enjoying themselves in other ways. With clear trays not covering the teeth like metal brackets, people will save time on dental care each day. The trays can be removed to brush and floss teeth, so it will not be necessary to brush after eating or remove them for other oral hygiene activities.

2. Variety Of Styles And Trays Will Be Available.

It is possible that different orthodontists will use slightly different clear aligner trays in order to fine-tune the straightening process over time. There are only a few metal brackets available, but any dentist has access to thousands of different plastic tray styles when using Invisalign. This gives people more options in terms of style and appearance, which may make it easier for them to feel confident when they are wearing their trays.

3. Treatment Is Usually Faster Than Traditional Braces.
Orthodontists can complete treatment with traditional braces in just over two years, but the same results can be achieved with Invisalign in less than one year. With clear aligner trays, it is possible to straighten teeth more quickly and achieve better oral health for people of any age. The shorter length of time spent with trays on teeth means that there will be fewer limitations on daily activities.

4. Better Self-Esteem And Comfort During Treatment.
Because clear plastic aligner trays are not as noticeable as metal brackets, people will feel more confident about their appearance when they wear them. They do not have to worry about hiding their braces or waiting until they no longer need them before enjoying social events like dates or parties at school. For teens and pre-teens, this may mean better self-esteem and less stress during the treatment process.

5. Flexibility In Treatment Schedules.
Treatment with traditional braces requires a commitment to wearing them for many hours every day in order to straighten teeth as effectively as possible. With Invisalign trays, people can wear them only when they need to – such as while eating or sleeping – which means that they do not have to take away from their daily activities in order to achieve desired results. It is even possible for parents of young children who are struggling with their first set of aligner trays to remove them for school or playtime.

6. Elimination Of Damaging Foods And Drinks.
During the first phase of treatment, it will be necessary for people to avoid chewing on one side of their mouth at a time. This is because it takes time and practice to train the brain and muscle memory not to chew with an imbalance. As teeth move into place and become straighter, chewing on both sides should become more comfortable.

However, those who wear braces must restrict themselves from eating or drinking some foods that can damage brackets and wires such as ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and whole apples among others. Clear aligner trays do not require such restrictions as they are unlikely to cause damage during normal wear even if there is pressure against them from biting down too hard…

Who Is It For?

Invisalign is a cosmetic orthodontic treatment that is available for adults and teens who want to improve the look of their smile or fix a number of issues with straightening teeth. The trays are clear, which makes them less noticeable than traditional braces, but they may need to be worn for many hours each day in order to produce results.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligner trays to straighten teeth over time. People spend less time with the trays on their teeth than they would if they wore traditional braces, which makes them easier to use and more comfortable to wear. Orthodontists can also fine-tune treatment plans in order to create a smile that is just right, which means that people can enjoy straighter teeth in less time.