Do I Need A New Crown After a Root Canal?

If a tooth with a crown on it needs a root canal, it doesn't always need a new crown put on it. There are several reasons to replace a crown, but needing a root canal on a tooth is not one of them. If a tooth that has a functional crown (margins are good, no recurrent decay, good occlusion) needs are root canal, many times it can be done by going right through the existing crown. There is always the danger of the crown fracturing, depending on the material it is made of, so the dentist will usually caution you that a fracture can occur that will lead to the need for a new crown.

Original post by Dr. C on 1/28/08

Are Digital X-Rays Safer?

More and more dental centers are moving to the digital x-ray system in their office. In fact, more times than not a dental center that we visit has moved to this technology. There are major advantages to the dental office to make the switch, but what about the patient?
Are the digital x-rays safer? Is there less exposure to radiation?

The answers to these questions are YES and YES. Unlike the older film based x-rays, the digital x-rays have a better range of coverage. Which means that it takes less x-rays to get get the what the dental center needs. Also, the x-ray is completed faster. Unlike the film x-rays, the amount of time needed to obtain the picture is reduced.


"Re-shots" can be corrected faster as well. With the film x-ray, if the x-ray tech was a little off or if something with wrong in development, then they had to come back a re-take the x-ray. Knowing that they needed to do that could take 15-20 minutes. With the digital x-rays, the actual x-ray appears instantly and the tech is able to see if everything came out okay and adjust if it didn't.

Lastly, with the advancement in digital x-ray technology, you are exposed to 90% less radiation than with a film x-ray. Which makes them safer for you.

3D Flosser?

Technology is great RIGHT?

Dental floss has been around for more than 100 years and it really hasn't changed its look but thanks to technology and a company called Blizzident, they have invented a 3D flosser!

How does the 3D Flosser work? It takes a 3D scan of the customers mouth, which will create a customized flossing wireframe, which holds four rolls of dental floss. When the customer wants to floss all they need to do is closes their mouth over the device and chew a little. This provides the perfect floss and takes only 5 seconds!

If you are interested in the 3D flosser all you need to do is get a 3D scan of your mouth, then send the information to Blizzidnet (based in Europe). They will manufacture and mail out your device for $232 plus postage!

Blizzident says the 3D flosser lasts many years and the only thing you will  have to replace is the floss!

Chemotherapy Can Affect Your Teeth and Gums

Chemotherapy can cause a multitude of problematic symptoms in the mouth. Every person is different and consequently, symptoms vary widely and some can be affected more severely than others. Some may suffer no symptoms at all. The following is a list of common problems caused by chemotherapy that are related to the mouth.

• Mouth Sores, also known as Mucositis (varies in severity from mild to acute and can be very debilitating, making it hard to chew or swallow without pain)
• Dry Mouth. referred to by dentists as root resorption (this can soften the enamel on your teeth making them more suceptble to decay)
• Inflammation/irritation of the gums which can cause soreness and bleeding and can lead to infection
• Bone Loss and receding gums

The best time to discuss these possible effects with your doctor is before you have treatment!
The optimum goal, of course, is to always be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to dental health. But when one is undergoing treatment for cancer, it is extremely important to seek preventive care prior to beginning chemotherapy treatment, whenever possible. This can help to ward off some of the side effects of chemo, which can range in severity (it differs with each person) if your mouth isn't healthy beforehand. That said, virtually all symptoms may be manageable. Sometimes symptoms can be alleviated by simply changing the course of treatment. This is not an option for everyone however, only your doctor can make that decision. Some symptoms may be long term, so be sure to see your doctor and/or your dentist if you are beginning or are involved in treatment and you experience any of these problems.

Speak with your doctor prior to starting your treatment and ask whether preventive dental care should be considered.

Good luck and Keep Smiling!

Brush Your Teeth With... What???

Dirt.  That's right, dirt.  A refined, flavor added, clay type of mineral toothpaste known as Dirty Mouth toothpaste.  The very idea makes no sense, but then it really does, if one considers the minerals found in dirt and clay. And,  you can get it in peppermint, orange, spearmint and cinnamon flavors!

It is said to cleanse, polish, detoxify and re-mineralize your teeth. 
I am all about trying new things. Well, once anyway.... What do you think? 

Link here

Keep Smiling!

Mouthgaurds That Detect Concussions?

That's right! A company named Kirkland has developed a high-tech mouthgaurd that is being tested by more than 10,000 and they have been able to put it at one high school where its being used at football games.

These high-tech mouthgaurds are supposed to detect a hard hit then it is mapped and measured. The information is then sent to a smart phone, allowing medical staff and coaches to instantly know when an injury happens.

President and CEO Jesse Harper said they know where the mouthgaurd is and that they are able to project back in 3-D rendering of the head and tell exactly where the impact happened in real time.

Jesse also adds that "the data collected can help coaches better exam patterns of behaviors, drills that might be leading to more injuries and players who might be operating outside the norm".

These mouthgaurds cost $99 per athlete but if it save a life is it worth it? What are your thoughts?


News article here!

Mouthwash Is An Accent To Brushing, Not A Replacement

I am sure we have all been there, myself included. In a hurry, running late, don’t have time to brush, so you swish away some mouthwash and go on your merry little way. Well, we may be able to get away with it every once in a while, but making a habit of it can do more harm than good. Fluoride is good for your teeth, gums and mouth, but too much can have a counter-effect and make things worse.  Which is why using it correctly is important. If you would like the “do’s and don’ts” for using mouthwash, then refer to my blog from July 29, 2013 "Mouthwash.. Are You Using It Correctly?”

Mouthwash is beneficial for killing germs, giving your teeth and gum that fluoride rinse, freshening your breath and breaking loose some particles between your teeth. However, brushing and flossing is more important.

Brushing removes the plaque and tartar and flossing cleans out between your teeth and gum line. Places you can’t get by swishing around mouthwash. There is no definitive answer of whether or not using mouthwash is more effective before or after you brush. So that may be something that you should consult with your dentist about and see what they recommend for you!

Can Your Teeth Affect Your Posture?

Do you have gaps between your teeth, crowded teeth, over/under bites, tooth wear or missing teeth? If yes, the misalignment of your teeth could be affecting your posture and/or balance.

Our teeth are part of the skeletal system. If one tooth begins to move or becomes crooked, it affects the rest of our teeth and when our teeth become misaligned, it can cause problems to our neck, back, pelvis, legs and feet. So, what you think is foot pain can actually be causes by your teeth's alignment.

Not only is it important to see an Orthodontist to correct your smile but will help correct your posture/balance!

Sample image below:

Are Your Kids Missing Permanent Teeth?

This may not be as uncommon as you think!  This malady affects between 1.5 and 10 percent of the population. For clarification, a single missing adult tooth is called agenesis.  Multiple missing teeth - ogliodontia, and when a child is missing his complete set of adult teeth it is called anodontia.  Sometimes this is hereditary, sometimes it is spontaneous.

Baby teeth can begin to fall out as early as age 4, or as late as age 9.  Typically, a child loses his first tooth around age 6.  Permanent teeth begin to appear within a few months.  In some cases, however, a permanent tooth doesn't appear in it's place.  This is why it is so important to take a child for a dental visit and x-rays by age 3 or 4.  X-rays will tell a dentist whether permanent teeth are forming in the jaw normally.  Most kids will  have all of their permanent teeth by age 15.

There are options for kids with missing adult teeth such as orthodontics, implants or even space maintainers if a tooth is forming but not fully erupted. If your child is missing any of his adult teeth,  check with your pediatric dentist to find out the best treatment option.

As always, Keep Smiling!

Good Dental Care Habits At Home

The Benefits Of Good Dental Care Habits At Home

Taking care of your teeth at home can help you maintain your oral health gum disease from developing.

According to dental experts regular home care is as simple as daily brushing and flossing. They advise us to brush thoroughly, at least twice a day, once in the morning and just before going to bed.  They prefer that you floss after every meal but at least once a day.

Proper dental care at home, seeing your dentist regularly, not only leads to  good dental health it also saves you money.

Dental Health at Home

Use products quality dentist recommended products — toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc. — These products are safe to use and will keep your mouth healthy — no gum disease, no cavities.  

Spend at least two to three minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have to or, as some dentists suggest, sing "Happy Birthday" 5 times in your mind as you brush.

Use floss at least once a day everyday to clean between your teeth.

Basically, take the time brush and floss and do it right!

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Regular home care helps fight the buildup of plaque in and around your teeth and gums, reduces bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease and other infections in the tissue around your teeth.

Plenty of dental health products are available in stores. These range from regular toothbrushes to electric toothbrushes, plastic toothpicks, waxed and unwaxed floss, water picks, and mouth rinses. If you are not sure what you should be using, ask your dentist which of these would work better for you.

Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene may lead to plaque accumulating around the base of your teeth and gum line, causing your gums to become red and swollen.  Plaque is a bacteria filled film that if not remove with daily brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you don't take care of your teeth, don't go to the dentist regularly, the buildup of plaque could potentially lead to the destruction of bone and other tissues supporting your teeth. Basically, you could lose your teeth.

On the other hand, proper home dental habits and regular dental checkups can prevent plaque from forming and, with proper treatment, even reverse early gum disease. 

A clean mouth is a plaque-free mouth and a healthy mouth. With good dental care habits at home, you can have a clean mouth and a beautiful smile! 

How To Pull A Loose Baby Tooth

We all know children are eager to pull out there loose baby teeth because they know the tooth fairy will come and leave money!

Parents and older siblings come up with all sorts of fun ways to pull baby teeth but the best way to pull a child's tooth is simple and painless.

Take some gauze and wiggle the tooth back and forth to determine if its ready to come out. A tooth that is ready will be able to move freely. If it is resistant, leave it and try again in a few days.

If the tooth is ready, start by rubbing some orajel on the region surrounding the tooth and give it a few minutes to numb the area. Next take a new piece of gauze and gently pull the tooth. 

Once the tooth is pulled there maybe some blood. Apply pressure with a clean piece of gauze to help stop the bleeding. After the bleeding has stopped check the gums for any tooth fragments. If you notice tooth fragments that are left behind, DO NOT remove those on your own. Make am appointment with the dentist because those fragments could get embedded into the gum which can lead to pain and other dental problems.