Since childhood, we all have been repeatedly explained how sugary food can harm our teeth. That sugar might cause a hole in the tooth. Some of us have also experienced the excruciating pain from tooth decay and have been advised root canal treatment  by a professional for the same. The root canal is a standard dental procedure usually done to repair the damaged tooth in case of tooth decay or if the tooth is infected. Root canal procedure is also done before any orthodontic treatment for aligning the teeth using teeth aligners if any decay is present. A root canal is a reparative treatment, and almost 15 million teeth per year are being saved using this treatment worldwide. Any dental professional is eligible to do a root canal but an endodontist is a person who has a specialization in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease related to pulpal tissue or nerve of the tooth. Being a reparative procedure, the repair can only be assessed according to the damage that happened to the tooth. So the root canal treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of injury and infection. Let us know more about it in detail.      

Who needs a root canal procedure?

A tooth is a complex structure made up of different layers. An outer white enamel layer, a hard dentin layer beneath it. The innermost soft part is known as the pulp. Pulp is the part where all the nerves and vessels are present. When an infection reaches the pulp chamber, the tooth starts aching. This pulp becomes inflamed. This is when your endodontist suggests a root canal. Extreme tooth sensitivity that lingers with the intake of certain hot and cold beverages or a sharp pain while chewing can also indicate root canal treatment. Sometimes the tooth becomes so decayed that the infection reaches the bone. There is a purulent discharge evident from the gum line in these cases. This is a sign of severe infection. For the tooth to be saved, a root canal treatment is necessary. A root canal treatment can also be helpful in the cracked or chipped tooth or sometimes if there is swelling evident in the gums. All these can be assessed after a thorough clinical checkup. 

Steps involved in Root canal procedure 

It might take more than one visit to the dental office to repair the damaged pulp completely. A single sitting usually lasts up to 45 minutes. A root canal is the removal of the infection of the tooth by removing the infected pulp, followed by cleaning and shaping the root canal. After the cleaning is done, the canal is filled with a permanent restorative material, and the tooth is sealed. Here’s what you can expect at a dental clinic when you go for a root canal treatment. 

• Firstly, the endodontist will numb the affected area using a local anaesthetic agent. This will ensure that you feel no pain during the whole procedure.
•  Then using a dental driller, they try to make a hole in the tooth to reach the pulpal area and remove the damaged tooth part. Removing the damaged tooth portion will prevent secondary infection.
• After locating the canal, the dentist will clean the pulp chambers and put several medications in the tooth to ensure proper healing. 
• Repeated X-rays are taken after each major step to check the status of the treatment. 
• And lastly, the dentist will fill the pulp chamber with a permanent material and medications so that the tooth may continue to serve its purpose for a long time. 
• Sometimes, a crown is also indicated in some cases.  

The root canal treatment is corrective, but most of us are afraid of the pain. It’s a procedure developed to take away your pain before it gets worse. Consult a professional now and get hold of your oral condition at the earliest. Then, book your appointment and keep your teeth pain and infection-free.  

You know you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly, yet many of us neglect our dental hygiene. According to a 2018 poll published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, periodontitis, or gum disease, affects 42 percent of US individuals over 30. However, the consequences of dental problems aren't confined to your teeth and gums.

When someone has periodontal disease, their mouth’s surroundings become less healthy: Gum tissues that are inflamed, irritated, and swollen aren't as strong a barrier to bacteria and toxins as they would be if they were healthy. As a result, illnesses that begin in your mouth may be linked to disorders in other parts of your body.

Continue reading to learn how oral hygiene may help your body's overall health, as well as the indicators of disease that your teeth might indicate.

1. It may improve metabolic syndrome

 The term "metabolic syndrome" refers to a collection of risk factors that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar, high blood fats (cholesterol or triglycerides), abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure are examples of these conditions. 

Periodontal disease may be a component of metabolic syndrome, according to certain research. However, further research is needed to substantiate a link between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease, as the underlying molecular mechanisms that reveal a link have yet to be proven.

2. It can lower the risk of heart attack 

Oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream may be linked to heart issues. Disease-causing oral bacteria can move to other regions of the human body, including the heart, via the circulation, which is why there is a link between dental health and cardiovascular disorders.

Chronic inflammation becomes the "touchpoint" where oral and systemic health are linked, as the body generates an inflammatory response to try to heal. People with untreated periodontal disease are two to four times more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

3. It may reduce the risk of stroke 

The same processes that appear to reduce the risk of heart disease may also reduce the chance of stroke. Gum disease causes germs to enter the circulatory system These bacteria have been detected in the plaques found inside blood vessels, linking them to strokes and heart attacks.

Patients with periodontitis had a higher risk of ischemic stroke and a lower 10-year stroke survival rate than people without periodontitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in 2019. People who get treatment for periodontal disease can actually lower their stroke risk.

4. It may lower your chances of lung disease 

The link between lung disorders, such as pneumonia is clear. Bacteria can be inhaled directly from the lips into the lungs. Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, might occur as a result of this. Furthermore, when germs from the back of the mouth and upper throat move into the respiratory tract, oral disorders like periodontal disease can exacerbate respiratory infections in those who already have respiratory problems.

5. Lowered effects of high blood glucose  

Dental issues may exacerbate type 2 diabetes, while type 2 diabetes may exacerbate dental issues. According to the National Institutes of Health, uncontrolled diabetes causes high glucose (sugar) levels in saliva, which can foster the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Diabetes patients may also have dry mouth, which increases their risk of cavities, and high glucose encourages the growth of thrush, a fungal infection. A diabetic's blood sugar regulation is improved by having a healthy mouth.

Dentist Houston TX Dr. Bohluli , announces that he is now offering a full range of emergency dental care at his office, Nu Dentistry Houston Dentist. Emergency dentistry encompasses many treatments for emergencies affecting the teeth and gums. When patients experience dental emergencies, they are at risk for serious complications and often experience severe pain. Not only does prompt treatment offer the best prognosis in these situations, it also immediately resolves the discomfort involved. The availability of this care at Nu Dentistry Houston Dentist gives Houston patients a dependable source for relief in case they suffer a dental emergency.

A dental emergency can result from oral health problems or from physical trauma. When a cavity is left untreated, it can eventually reach the inner pulp of the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and create an infection and cause toothache. Infection and discomfort can also occur when a tooth is breached by being cracked or broken. Some cases of physical trauma cause a tooth to be knocked out of its socket completely. Other emergencies include infections of oral soft tissues and the lodging of items between teeth.

In an emergency, treatment recommendations at Nu Dentistry Houston Dentist may include root canal treatment, oral surgery, or other procedures. Several restorations are provided at the office, including tooth-colored fillings, inlays, onlays, and porcelain crowns. Cosmetic treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. Patients can also receive orthodontics, such as Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. For treating gum disease, the office performs a full range of periodontal care, including deep cleaning, gum flap surgery, and tissue grafting.

Dr. Bohluli has been treating Houston patients at his office for more than eighteen years. Dr. Bohluli has received a Masters degree and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. In 2005, Dr. Bohluli received an Excellence in Biomedical Engineering Award. After receiving his certificate in endodontics from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2007, Dr. Bohluli joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch as an assistant professor. He has completed more than 1,800 hours of postgraduate training in several dental specialties, allowing him to offer a wide range of the latest dental techniques and technologies at one convenient location.
Please visit https://www.nudentistry.com/ for all your Dental Emergencies in Houston Texas.

The Most Common Dental Problems

You may have sensitive teeth if you experience sharp and temporary pain when brushing, flossing, or drinking hot or cold beverages. Sensitive teeth problem is usually a result of exposed tooth roots and worn teeth enamel. It may be chronic or temporary, which can affect one or more teeth. Sensitive teeth can be treated either by changing your oral routine or other treatments.

 Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of sensitive teeth.

What Are the Causes of Sensitive Teeth?

Possible causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Exposed tooth root
• Tooth decay
• Worn tooth enamel
• Fractured teeth
• Gum disease
• Worn fillings
• Using a hard toothbrush or brushing your teeth too hard
• Long-term use of mouthwash
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Acidic foods and beverages
  
  

What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?

Certain triggers can make people with sensitive teeth experience discomfort or pain in the affected teeth. These triggers include:
 

• Hot or cold foods and beverages
• Brushing or flossing 
• Cold air or water
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Alcohol-based mouth rinses
  
  

How Are Sensitive Teeth Diagnosed?

Visit your dentist as soon as you experience pain or discomfort due to the triggers mentioned above. They will examine your teeth for dental problems such as loose fillings, cavities, or recessed gums that cause sensitive teeth. They may recommend an X-ray to find out the root cause of your problem.
 

How Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?

The treatment for sensitive teeth varies depending on its cause, and your dentist may recommend cosmetic dentistry or any of the following:

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste - It contains compounds that can block the discomfort and pain associated with sensitive teeth. However, several applications are required until the sensitivity is reduced. Various desensitizing toothpaste are available. Your dentist will prescribe the one that is best suited for you.

 2. Fluoride Gel - During a dental visit, your dentist will apply a fluoride gel to the sensitive teeth to reduce pain and strengthen enamel. They may recommend a fluoride gel that can be used at home and applied via a custom tray.

 3. A Crown, Bonding, or Inlay - Your dentist will use any of these to correct a flaw or decay that resulted in sensitive teeth. Most of the dentists in Des Moines use sedation dentistry during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable and do not feel the pain.

4. Surgical Gum Graft - If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and surgically attached to the affected area. This will prevent exposed tooth roots and reduce sensitivity.

5. Root Canal - This treatment is considered an effective technique to reduce sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend a root canal if the above treatment options or procedures cannot treat your sensitivity. The root canal is required to treat problems in the dental pulp that cause sensitivity.
 

You can prevent sensitivity by practicing good oral habits such as brushing and flossing twice a day, limiting the intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and scheduling an appointment with your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Bad tooth decay can harm your jaws too, so some of the dentists can also recommend dental implants or dentures.