Getting to the Root of It: Understanding Root Canals

Especially among those who are fearful of dental procedures, the root canal is almost universally dreaded. However, the procedure is very common, and patients experience little to no discomfort during or afterward, thanks to modern medical techniques such as anesthesia. While preventive care can help patients avoid the need for a root canal, it's an indispensable treatment method for resolving infections, alleviating tooth pain, and even saving teeth.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a type of endodontic dental treatment, which means it's performed on the inside of the affected tooth. This area of the tooth, which is protected by hard, external enamel and underlying dentin, contains a soft tissue called pulp, which is full of nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected or is inflamed, it can lead to many other problems: severe pain, tooth loss, abscesses, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body. During a root canal, a dentist will remove the pulp, fill the empty space, and seal it to effectively resolve the issue and prevent further damage. If the tooth is cared for properly after a root canal, it often lasts the rest of the patient's life without any future concerns.

What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?

The inflammation or infection of tooth pulp can be attributed to a number of circumstances, including:

• Deep tooth decay
• An injury to the tooth, particularly one that causes cracks or chips
• Repeated dental work on the same tooth

In addition to the practical reasons for having a root canal performed, the benefits can be cosmetic, as well. By restoring the natural tooth, the patient may save their smile, continue eating and drinking normally without restrictions, and avoid extensive dental work.

If you think you may be in need of a root canal or are looking for a trusted dentist to provide you and your family with preventive dental care, the compassionate team at Storts Family Dentistry can help. Contact our Ardmore, OK office today at 580-223-6720 to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.

Four Signs You Should Visit the Dentist

Many adults stick to the recommended six-month interval for dental check-ups and cleanings. However, others don't visit the dentist until an issue arises. Although most dental issues aren't emergencies, individuals who experience these four symptoms should make an appointment right away to avoid serious oral health problems.

Tooth Pain 

A toothache can indicate a cavity or an abscess, which is an infected area near the tooth. Seek immediate care when the pain is severe or constant and/or accompanied by a fever, swollen gums or face, redness, or fluid drainage. This issue often requires antibiotics as well as treatment for the cavity.

Lost or Broken Tooth

When a tooth is knocked out while playing sports or because of a fall, seek immediate care, as the tooth can sometimes be reimplanted. Keep the tooth moist, placing it back into the open socket if possible or storing it in a glass of milk. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. 

When a tooth is broken, place the chip into a cold, moist cloth so the dentist can reattach it if possible. For a tooth that has been knocked out of place, gently push it back into position and visit the dentist for treatment.

Jaw Pain

An issue called temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) causes jaw pain that may be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound with chewing, talking, or yawning. TMJ is caused by joint inflammation or irritation and can often be treated with a mouth guard and/or medications that treat inflammation.

Dry Mouth

When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, the uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth is reason enough to see a dentist. Left untreated, this issue can lead to tooth decay and infection. A dentist can evaluate the cause of dry mouth and recommend a course of treatment.

Storts Family Dentistry provides emergency care for the above issues, as well as comprehensive dental care. We welcome new patients for both regular checkups and emergencies. Call 580-223-6720 or complete our online form for an appointment at one of our three convenient Ardmore-area locations.

Avoid These Cavity Consequences With Prompt Treatment

Even when cavities don't cause noticeable symptoms, it's important to have them filled by a dentist. Left untreated, cavities can cause a range of unpleasant consequences from pain and sensitivity to the need for a root canal or tooth extraction. Good dental hygiene, including regular dental visits and prompt treatment for cavities, can prevent these complications.

Complications Caused by Cavities 

Cavities are caused by a sticky substance called plaque, created when the acids in our mouths combine with food particles and bacteria. When it isn't removed by brushing or flossing, plaque slowly erodes the enamel of the teeth and leaves them susceptible to decay. When cavities are left untreated, complications can include:

• Chronic tooth pain
• Heat and cold sensitivity
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Difficulty biting and chewing certain foods
• Missing, shifted, or misaligned teeth
• Malnutrition caused by difficulty eating
• The development of an infected abscess, which can become life-threatening if the infection enters the bloodstream

Prevent Decay With Dental Hygiene

A good dental hygiene regimen protects the teeth from the effects of cavities and decay. Visiting the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months is the best way to detect and treat signs of tooth decay before they lead to more serious problems. Minor cavities can be treated with a simple filling, while more serious issues may require a root canal. A root canal allows you to avoid an extraction by removing the infected nerve root while preserving the tooth.
In addition to regular dental visits, prevention steps to take include:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association
• Avoiding between-meal snacks
• Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting dental sealants, a protective coating that shields the teeth from plaque

Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive dental care, including preventive care and treatment for cavities and other oral health issues. Contact us by calling 580-223-6720 to make an appointment for your checkup at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.

Understanding Single Tooth Dental Implants

For people with a single tooth missing or in need of replacement, a dental implant can be an excellent option. Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root, providing a long-term, permanent fix for a lost tooth. A dentist will evaluate a patient to see if they are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant before moving forward with surgery.

How Dental Implants Work 

A dental implant uses a small piece of metal, most commonly titanium, to provide an anchor for the new tooth. After the root replacement has been installed and allowed to settle, the replacement tooth is affixed to the anchor. Because the root implant is set in the jaw bone, a dentist will evaluate a patient to make sure their gums are healthy enough to support the implant and ensure there is enough bone to hold the implant in place. For implants in the upper row of teeth, the dentist will also make sure the sinuses won't be affected by the implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a number of advantages over other methods of tooth replacement. It is commonly used as an alternative to a bridge. Unlike a bridge, which is affixed to the neighboring teeth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of the other teeth. Bridges can cause the bone around the old tooth root to deteriorate around the empty space, but an implant fully replaces the tooth root, better preserving the overall bone health. Implants are also easier to care for than other tooth replacement options, keeping gums supported and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

In most cases, a dentist with a general practice will only evaluate and assess whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants before referring them to a specialist. At Storts Family Dentistry, however, the same experts who help patients with routine prevention and care can undertake the implant surgery, making it convenient for patients and their dental care providers. Our dentists and staff will help you at every step on the way to your new smile. To get started, contact us today.

Yes, They're Safe: Why Your Child's Dentist Recommends X-Rays

While the majority of parents would likely agree with the experts that dental care is a necessity, the issue of dental x-rays is sometimes more debated. Parents want to know: Are they safe? Are they necessary? These concerns are valid, and a dentist requesting to perform x-rays on a child should be prepared to explain the process, including the potential risks and benefits as relevant to the patient.

Understanding Radiation Exposure 

Generally speaking, the primary concern is exposure to radiation. While it is not possible to avoid all exposure, parents can rest assured that the level of exposure today is extremely small. As with so many other procedures in medical and dental care, the safety of x-rays has increased dramatically with the advancement of technology, especially digital imaging. According to a team of healthcare professionals at Columbia University, a person is exposed to about 360 units of radiation per year. A plane ride averages 5 units of exposure. A dental x-ray averages 2 to 3 units.

Still, no one wants his or her child to be exposed to more radiation than necessary. Dentists understand this and don't always recommend x-rays at every visit. Instead, there are two specific reasons they may be requested.

Diagnosing Problems

If a dentist notices recurring or frequent abnormalities at a child's dental care appointments, he or she may recommend an x-ray. In these cases, it may help diagnose and treat an issue that isn't visible to the naked eye. Some of the reasons an x-ray may be recommended include the following:

• Tooth decay
• Frequent cavities
• Swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity
• Unusual characteristics

Monitoring Development

For a child with a healthy mouth, dental x-rays may only be recommended once every year. The purpose of these x-rays is to monitor development and make sure everything is occurring under the gums as it should be, including the following:

• Proper tooth eruption and development
• Appropriate loosening of baby teeth
• Wisdom tooth development

As a whole, dental x-rays are extremely safe, even for children. X-rays are performed sparingly, and thanks to thyroid shields, aprons, and technology, the exposure to radiation is minimal. They are quick, easy, and indispensable to proper dental care.

Oral health maintenance that begins in childhood can help prevent a lifetime of future problems. Dental x-rays are no exception. Contact Storts Family Dentistry today in Ardmore to schedule your child's appointment.

What Can I Do About Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the term for the slow-moving process where the gum line gradually wears away or pulls back. As this happens, more of the tooth root is exposed, and pockets can form between the tooth and the gum. These pockets are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can cause irreparable damage to the supporting tissue and bone structures around the teeth. Ultimately, if left untreated, gum recession can cause tooth loss, which may necessitate dental implants. Regular dental care is essential to avoid these outcomes.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a very common problem in the United States and can be caused by a number of different factors. Periodontal disease is the main cause, as bacterial infections in the gums destroy the surrounding tissue, making the gum line more susceptible to further infection. In fact, almost half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, according to the CDC.
Genetics also play a role, as roughly a third of all Americans may be predisposed to gum disease, no matter what level of dental care they take. In fact, people who are overly aggressive in their dental care may increase the risk of gum recession as hard brushing can wear away the gum line.

What Can Be Done to Treat Gum Recession?

While regular dental care can help avoid gum recession, some people may still find themselves showing symptoms. For mild gum recession, a dentist can deep-clean the affected area, removing plaque and tartar. During the deep cleaning, the dentist may also smooth out any exposed root surface, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach.
A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to combat any bacteria that remain after the deep cleaning. In cases where these measures prove ineffective, it may be necessary to perform gum surgery. Surgical options include open gum scaling, where excess gum tissue is snugly folded back over the root, eliminating or minimizing the open pockets where bacteria can attach.

Reach out to Storts Family Dentistry to Keep Gums Healthy

If you begin noticing signs of gum recession, then you should seek proper dental care to help avoid the worst effects. The highly experienced dental professionals at Storts Family Dentistry have experience helping people practice good dental hygiene to offset gum recession and can assist you if you're already dealing with the problem. If you live in the Ardmore area, call 580-223-6720 or fill out our contact form to combat gum recession today.

Why Are My Teeth Suddenly More Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity (also called dentin hypersensitivity) can occur without warning, and it affects a surprising number of Americans. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity is the most common complaint that dentists receive. A sudden onset of sensitive teeth can have a number of causes. Some of these causes can be treated at home, while others will require more in-depth dental care.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur Suddenly? 

Teeth are made of an outer layer of enamel and an inner layer of dentin. The enamel is a coating that protects the inside of the tooth. Dentin is a porous material, and if it is exposed, the hollow tubes can allow hot and cold food and beverages to come into contact with the nerve endings beneath the teeth. In severe cases, even breathing through the mouth will cause pain. Since enamel wears away slowly, it may take years for it to become thin enough to create sensitivity, even if it seems like the problem started overnight.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

There are a few different reasons why enamel may wear away. Patients who brush their teeth too vigorously can brush away the enamel. Acidic foods and beverages, like coffee and candy, can also erode tooth enamel, especially when a person eats or drinks them excessively. Repeated exposure to stomach acid, such as with chronic acid reflux or in cases of bulimia, is also extremely damaging to enamel.

Other causes of tooth sensitivity include nerve exposure through tooth decay or damage. Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the nerve endings in the roots of the teeth, as well. The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is with regular dental care, including brushing and flossing twice per day.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The most common treatment for tooth sensitivity is a desensitizing toothpaste used twice daily at home. A dentist will also usually recommend that the patient cut down on consuming acidic food and drinks—including every Southerner's favorite, sweet tea. Fluoride treatments may also help relieve pain from sensitivity. If the root of the problem is extensive tooth damage, however, patients will usually require in-office dental care. For instance, if the cause of tooth sensitivity is a cavity, a dentist will remove the decayed portion and may repair the tooth with a procedure such as dental bonding. Cracked or abscessed teeth may require a root canal.

For more information about dental care for tooth sensitivity, contact Storts Family Dentistry by calling (580) 223-6720 or filling out their contact form.