All About Root Canal Therapy

MYTH #1: Root Canal Treatments Are Painful

Typically, it isn’t that the actual root canal treatment is painful—rather, the irreversible condition that is requiring the treatment is far from comfortable in the first place! Most people who have root canal therapy admit that the pain they experienced was prior to the procedure, not during it…  And, they felt so much better after.

MYTH #2: Root Canals Always Require Several Appointments

Some cases require a tooth to be restored after the root canal is completed, but these appointments are not part of the actual root canal process.

If you are already scheduled for root canal therapy with one of our doctors, and if you’re experiencing discomfort, here are a few ideas from our friends at eHow:

MYTH #3: Root Canal Therapy Leads to Illnesses

This myth stems from some research that is 100 years old—and, has NEVER been duplicated or confirmed through modern research. That is, the bacteria that may be present from doing the root canal procedure can somehow make you sick after your root canal therapy. The fact is that all kinds of bacteria can be found in your mouth at any time, even if you don’t have decaying teeth, gum disease, or an upcoming root canal treatment. This myth truly is just that—a myth you don’t need to worry about.

MYTH #4: Root Canal Therapy Isn’t Necessary Until Your Tooth Hurts

Teeth in need of root canal therapy don’t always hurt. In fact, some dead teeth may just require a root canal to prevent infection. You may have a tooth in need of a root canal and not even know it.MYTH #5: The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Don’t Last Long

This fifth myth probably starts with people who have had a tooth crack at some point after having had a root canal treatment. While it’s true that when a nerve is removed from a tooth, the blood supply is eliminated and the tooth can become brittle—making it more fragile and susceptible to cracking. Technically, this means that although the complete restoration solution may need to be examined, it doesn’t mean that root canal therapy doesn’t “last”.

Original Source: http://martinandshengdentalblog.com/2011/05/general-information-root-canal-therapy/

Your Heart & Oral Health Care

What do Cupid and gum disease have in common? Both get hearts pounding – but in very different ways! The mythical winged matchmaker is known to link lovers, while recent research shows a link between gum disease and heart disease.  In fact, having gum disease roughly doubles the risk that a person will also suffer coronary artery disease. Gum disease can also make existing heart conditions worse.

Because of this, people at risk for heart problems should be especially careful to practice proper oral hygiene and seek treatment for gum disease. Likewise, people with heart conditions should pay extra attention to their oral health, because many heart medications can cause dry mouth, increased plaque or enlarged gum tissue – all of which may lead to gum infection.

Researchers are sure of cause and effect, but one theory is that bacteria in the mouth may migrate into the blood stream, where it can attach to fatty plaques and form clots. Another theory is that the inflammation caused by gum disease promotes the formation of plaque in the blood. What is known is that oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Talk to your dentist or periodontist about the best way to keep your gums – and your whole body – healthy for years to come.