This three-part article series takes an in-depth look at root canal therapy: what it is, why it’s necessary and what patients can expect from the procedure.

Welcome to the third and final installment of this three-part article series on root canal or endodontic therapy. So far, our qualified and experienced dentist in Silver Spring Maryland has addressed the following questions…

• What is root canal therapy?
• Why is it necessary?
• What can cause someone to need a root canal?
• What are the signs and symptoms of an inner tooth infection?

In this article, Silver Spring dentists will walk us through a standard root canal procedure, explaining what is involved and whether patients can anticipate any pain and discomfort!

The Root Canal Procedure: Say “Aahhhh”

Root canal therapy is generally performed in-office over the course of one or two appointments. First and foremost, the extent of the infection will be determined using X-ray. The Silver Spring dentist will then anesthetize the gum surrounding the tooth so that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. He or she will then place a small sheet of rubber around the tooth to prevent saliva from moistening the area.

Once the preparation work has been done, the procedure will commence with the drilling of a hole into the top of the tooth. The dentist will use a very fine tool or file to extract all the infected pulp, the decayed nerve tissue, bacteria and associated debris from the tooth chamber and down the entire length of its root/s. The insides of the tooth are thoroughly filed and scrubbed to completely eliminate bacteria and minimize the chance of re-infection. Sodium hypochlorite or even just water will be periodically flushed into the empty tooth to help remove debris and infected tissue.

Once the Silver Spring dentist is satisfied that the tooth is completely clean, he or she will fill it with an inert cement, or “gutta percha”. This rubbery compound flows into the interior of the tooth, filling the roots as well as the pulp chamber and leaving it impervious to external contaminants. The access hole at the top of the tooth crown is then capped with a durable ceramic restoration, such as a dental crown or filling. You may be required to return to the dentist for further restoration, but this will be discussed with you during your appointment.

Does Root Canal Therapy Really Hurt?

If root canal therapy were performed without the aid of anesthesia, it would most definitely hurt, because it is by its very nature an invasive procedure. But, you will be hard pressed to find a dentist in Silver Spring Maryland who would recommend performing such a treatment without anesthesia! By numbing the area around the tooth, the patient won’t need to worry about experiencing any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

So… Is My Tooth Dead or Alive?

Many people think that a root canal leaves them with a “dead” tooth. This simply isn’t the case. The nerves and tissues inside the tooth play an important role during your dentition and jawbone’s formative years. But by adulthood, the tooth can do quite well without them. It is always better to treat a natural tooth than it is to extract it and replace it with a dental bridge or implant. No amount of sophisticated teeth replacement hardware can rival your own biological technology, which is why dentists always recommend root canal therapy prior to extraction.

Moving Forward…

Avoiding the need for root canal therapy means looking after your teeth, although this is not always enough – accidents do happen! Maintain a rigorous home oral hygiene, wear a mouth guard if you play sports and keep regular scheduled appointments with your Silver Spring dentist and you should keep your teeth in excellent lifelong condition!

This two-part article series examines a fairly common condition, dry mouth or “xerostomia” that can cause a higher risk of oral infection and tooth decay.

We’ve all at one time experienced “dry mouth”, perhaps associated with a specific medication we took or after a heavy night out! But what few people understand about this uncomfortable condition is that it can actually have a deleterious effect upon the health of your teeth and gums.

In this two-part article series, we shall be speaking to a dentist in Silver Spring about what causes dry mouth or “xerostomia”, how it can be dangerous to our oral health and what can be done to treat the condition.

The Importance of Saliva

You don’t pay any attention to saliva when it’s there, but when it’s not you’re guaranteed to notice! “Saliva plays an essential role in digestion and in protecting your teeth and gums against bacteria,” explain Silver Spring dentists. “It is your body’s inherent defense against the plethora of micro-organisms and pathogens that naturally swarm your mouth.”

Saliva:

• Contains enzymes that break down food,
• Has an anti-bacterial action, helping to control the bacteria in the mouth,
• Washes away food debris, cleansing our mouths after a meal,
• Keeps our mouth nice and moist and comfortable.

When your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, you get a condition called “xerostomia” or “dry mouth”, which may present with one or more of the following symptoms.

The Symptoms of Dry Mouth:

The most obvious symptom of this condition is the absence of saliva in the mouth, which is an uncomfortable sensation that causes:

• A dry and/or sore throat
• A sticky, dry sensation in the mouth
• Your tongue to stick to the roof of your mouth
• A tingling or burning feeling in the mouth and tongue
• Dry nasal passages
• Terrible thirst
• Halitosis, or bad breath
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing, tasting and swallowing your food
• Difficulty speaking

Chronic dry mouth sufferers may even experience the development of sores in the mouth, cracked lips and split skin at the corners of the mouth in addition to a red, inflamed and parched tongue.

“It’s quite incredible just how far saliva goes to keep us comfortable and our mouths healthy,” remarks the dentist in Silver Spring. “It’s only when we suffer from a condition such as xerostomia do we become fully aware of the role it plays.”

But why exactly is “dry mouth” considered to be such a problem? What are the ramifications for our oral health in the long term?

The Long Term Repercussions of Dry Mouth

The biggest problem associated with xerostomia is infection. Saliva protects the teeth and gums against bacteria, while helping to wash away the food debris and sugary residues that these microorganisms feed upon. “Without saliva, your mouth is so much more vulnerable to bacteria and all the health concerns they cause,” explain Silver Spring dentists. These include:

• Gingivitis, or infection of the gums
• Thrush fungal infection
• Increased plaque formation
• Cavities and tooth decay
• Chronic bad breath

In fact, in the long term, xerostomia can even lead to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss if measures aren’t taken to protect one’s oral health.

This leaves us with two remaining pertinent questions… (1) What causes dry mouth? (2) What can be done to prevent it and/or mitigate the damage?

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for our next article installment in which a qualified and experienced dentist in Silver Spring will provide the answers to these pressing questions!

This two-part article series discusses the predominant causes of halitosis, helping people understand what they need to do (or NOT do) to prevent bad breath!

No matter how blessed you are in the “looks” department, there is no greater damper on attraction than bad breath. You could have a smile worthy of a celebrity and a body that would give the Baywatch crew a run for their money (before they all went off the rails), but if you breath halitosis all over the object of your affection, chances are they’ll run a mile… with your less attractive best friend in tow! Thankfully, the dentist in Silver Spring MD has provided us with the inside scoop so that, armed with this information; you can do what it takes to prevent beastly breath!

1. Bad Breath is Caused by Bacteria

According to Silver Spring dentists, most of the time, the cause behind stinky breath is bacteria. That’s right… a ponging mouth is evidence that it is home to unhealthy levels of oral bacteria. But it’s not actually the bacteria you smell when that awful boss of yours comes and breathes all over your cubicle: it’s the wastes they produce! Just like any other animal on the planet, bacteria produce wastes and these are high in sulfurous compounds.

As charming as that thought ISN’T, it does mean that preventing bad breath is pretty easy. A rigorous home oral hygiene should be sufficient to keep your breath fresh and smelling perfectly acceptable! What does this involve?

• Brush at least two to three times a day, for two minutes at a time.
• Floss your teeth before you go to bed at night.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Gargle with an ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouthwash.
• Go for regularly scheduled appointments with the oral hygienist.
  

Minimizing bacterial activity in your mouth also means avoiding foods that are high in sugar and starch, as well as certain bad habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking.

2. You Are What You Eat

And if what you eat is stinky, then your breath will likely smell bad. Blue cheese may smell delectable perched on a cracker, but coming from your mouth…? Not so much. There are a variety of foods that are known to sour breath. In most cases, a decent brush and floss can eliminate the smell of, for example, stinky cheese, anchovies, coffee and banana (surprisingly enough).

But, the pungent juices of other foods, such as onions and garlic actually get absorbed by the bloodstream and are expelled via your lungs. So, no matter how vigorously you brush, you won’t fully be able to get rid of the smell of last night’s Thai stir-fry! If you have a hot date and don’t want to risk putting him or her off, your very best bet is to lay off the garlic the night before.

Alcohol is also absorbed by the bloodstream, which is why your breath smells like petrol the morning after a heavy night on the town. Unfortunately, no amount of brushing will eliminate that smell either, only time and plenty of water, which should help for that particularly nasty headache too.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about the causes of bad breath and Silver Spring dentists’ recommendations, stay tuned for the second installment of our two-part article series.

This article provides a brief look at some of the more pertinent facts about dental implants as a tooth replacement technology.

At some point in time it happens… due to a number of reasons, whether it is tooth decay, periodontal disease, genetic heritage, bad dental habits or chronic illnesses such as diabetes, at some point you may need to replace a missing tooth or get a new set of teeth. Thankfully, Silver Spring dentists offer dental implants, which are a comprehensive and lasting tooth replacement solution. No matter what your age or state of oral health, dental implants can work for you. At this point you might be asking: “what exactly are Dental Implants?” Well, that’s what we’re here to answer!

Dental Implants Are…

Freestanding artificial ‘tooth roots’ made from medical grade titanium. The choice to use this particular metal was made by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who, in the 1950’s, discovered that bone tissue would readily bond to its surface. This was an incredibly unique observation and one that was consistent with no other metal or material. Titanium just so happens to also be very strong, non-toxic and does not invoke a significant inflammatory response from our bodies. To the joy of dentists around the world, titanium emerged as the perfect candidate to assume the place of a missing tooth root, bringing with it an answer to outdated and often extremely painful teeth replacement methods.

What Does the Procedure of Placing Dental Implants Entail?

Once the extent of the damage or decay has been determined, the dentist will prepare the site/s of the jawbone into which the implants will be inserted. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. Afterwards, it takes a few months for the titanium implants to “osseointegrate” or biologically bond with the underlying bone. Don’t worry: you will be fitted with a temporary crown (single tooth replacement) or bridge (full arch replacement) while your mouth is healing to allow you to still eat and smile!

Once the implant has successfully healed, a prosthodontist or the same dentist (depending upon his or her qualifications) will attach the permanent (non-removable) tooth crown or final bridge onto the dental implants. Your new set of teeth will be able to function normally and healthily while you enjoy the compliments strewn your way as a result of your new and aesthetically pleasing oral attributes!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you keep your oral habits and hygiene care respectable, dental implants can last a lifetime! Dentists in Silver Spring utilize incredibly sophisticated technology, dental restorations, implant hardware and advanced techniques, which enable them to provide patients with replacement teeth that are made to last. This is, of course, provided you look after them with care!

Now you can feel optimistic and confident as a result of your new beautifully beaming and healthy smile. Dental implants allow you the freedom to return to a life without looking for the teeth you’ve lost, but to enjoy the ones you now have. Your artificial crowns are made to be virtually identical in color and shape to the old, damaged or missing teeth they are replacing, enabling you to eat, speak and laugh with confidence. You really need not look any further for a worthwhile and lasting solution to missing teeth!

This article addresses questions including: What is the“All-on-4” Procedure? How does it work? And why might I need to consider it?

Millions of Americans have lost all their teeth, while tens of millions have lost up to 15 of their original teeth. Can you hear the all-knowing voice of reason stoked by the paranoia of a guilty conscience whispering in your ear? “Perhaps it’s time for a little oral TLC?” Tooth loss and ‘edentulism’ (not having any of your original adult teeth left, usually related to periodontal disease), is a reality that a significant percentage of the population faces as they enter into the celebrations and tribulations of late adulthood.

Disappointingly, many patients in need of new teeth are told by their dentists that they are not candidates for dental implants and this is typically as a result of bone loss in the jaw. But fear not for all hope is NOT lost! Dentists in Silver Spring offer a solution in the form of the revolutionary “All-On-4” dental implant technique.

In 1993, Dr. Paulo Malo developed the “All-on-4”, a procedure that is today considered one of the most significant breakthroughs to have been made in the field of fixed oral rehabilitation. Since its conception, this surgical protocol has quite literally altered the lives of tens of thousands of people suffering from a failing dentition and edentulism.

Why Should I Consider the ‘All-on-4’ Option?

Periodontal disease is the foremost cause of tooth loss and edentulism in the United States. This condition is marked by an advanced oral bacterial infection that collect in deep pockets of decay around the tooth roots. This eventually leads to tooth loss and then bone loss if timely intervention is not made. Traditional dental implant procedures typically require bone-grafting surgery before implants can be placed. This is because dental implants, just like natural teeth, require adequate bone volume in order to be supported.

Bone grafting is unfortunately very invasive and therefore painful and costly for the patient. On top of that, it also comes with a lengthy healing period. This is where the ‘All-on-4’ protocol is unique: it almost always bypasses the need for bone grafting.

How Does the ‘All-on-4’ Procedure Work?

In as little as a single dental appointment, the ‘All-on-4’ can give patients a brand new set of fixed and permanent teeth. As opposed to traditional dental implant procedures, which can often take up to eight appointments, multiple surgeries and many months, the ‘All-on-4’ is a superior solution to both these older procedures and archaic teeth replacement technologies, such as removable dentures. Consisting of four dental implants and a custom dental prosthesis (see image below); the ‘All-on-4’ is a tooth replacement solution that offers comprehensive benefits.

Silver Spring dentists use sophisticated computer imaging software and 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT scans) in order to design a highly specific, safe and minimally invasive surgical treatment plan for the patient. This drastically reduces post-operative pain and discomfort while shortening the recovery period. On the very same day, once the implants are inserted, a prosthodontist or your own dentist can fit you with the ‘All-on-4’ prosthetic dental bridge: in other words, a brand new set of fully functional and beautiful teeth! The ‘All-on-4’ can give patients instant smile results in as little as a single dental appointment!

This two-part article series discusses the signs and symptoms of gum disease in both the beginning stages (gingivitis) and advanced stages (periodontitis).

Welcome to the second installment of this article series. In our previous post, we began by explaining just how serious gum disease it, not only because it can lead to tooth loss, but also because few people know they have it! In the absence of pain and discomfort, this terrible oral ailment can go ignored and undiagnosed for many years. This is why a staggering 80% of the American population suffers from some form or stage of it. Also, we tend to be a little lazy about brushing and flossing as frequently as we should. It is essential that you go to see one of the dentists in Maryland to pinpoint this condition as early as possible.

We then began discussing some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, including gums that bleed when brushed or flossed and gums that appear to be red and swollen or spongy. In this article, we continue to speak to Silver Spring dentists about the symptoms we should be concerned about and seek prompt treatment for!

Your Breath is Bad… All the Time

This is a tricky one; after all, it’s nearly impossible to smell your own breath. However, the expression on people’s faces when you breathe on them should provide an apt indicator for the quality of your exhalations. It’s normal to have smelly breath at least some of the time, like in the morning, but as soon as half an hour after you’ve brushed or flossed is a little suspicious.

“Bad breath is caused by the noxious fumes produced by bacterial waste,” explain dentists in Maryland. “The more numerous the bacteria is in your mouth, the more likely your breath is to smell. Problems such as gum infection and tooth decay contribute enormously to the problem.”

Your best bet is to clean up your act and start brushing and flossing more often. Go to the dentist for a check-up to make sure there’s no infection or decay that needs treating and pop in at the hygienist for a professional cleaning.

Your Teeth Feel Loose and You've Already Lost a Few

Loose and missing teeth are about as blatant as your mouth is going to get in its efforts to tell you that you have a serious problem. Teeth that feel loose are indicative of a loss of support from the gums and underlying jawbone. This is most probably because the gums have receded from the crowns as a result of infection and the formation of deep pockets of bacteria around the roots of the teeth have caused the jawbone to deteriorate. At this juncture it would be very unwise to just ignore your oral problems, unless you have aspirations of being the youngest toothless person in America.

“You must book an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of trouble or at the very least at the first sign you’re losing a tooth,” say Silver Spring dentists. “There’s nothing pleasant about wearing removable dentures and not even dental implants can rival the benefits of your own biological technology. Looking after your natural teeth is easy. Having them replaced is difficult and costly.”

A Final Note

If you’ve noticed any of the problems mentioned in this two-part article series, it is imperative that you get the “all clear” from Silver Spring dentists. While we urge you to follow the advice provided here, your problems could require professional intervention and not just an increase in your home oral hygiene efforts.