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Recovery From Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a procedure that can help you keep a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted. Although the procedure has a bad reputation, it is not any more uncomfortable than having a filling or a crown placed, and the recovery is usually straightforward.
Taking Care of Yourself After a Root Canal
Recovery after root canal therapy is similar to that after any other dental work. You might experience some swelling and discomfort. Since a root canal is usually performed on a tooth already affected by infection or damage, these symptoms might linger after the procedure. Your endodontist might prescribe antibiotics or pain medications, or you might only need over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.
Recovery after root canal therapy is similar to that after any other dental work.
After a root canal treatment, your tooth will be fitted with a dental crown. If the crown is not placed immediately, you will have to be careful about chewing on the treated tooth. A temporary crown can help protect it, but if you eat sticky or chewy foods, the temporary crown can become dislodged. You should also be sure to brush and floss and return to your dentist or endodontist for followup or routine checkups.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
This procedure is generally reserved for a tooth that can be saved in no other way. The main reasons for a root canal procedure include:
- Severe tooth damage
- Severe tooth decay
- Infection inside the tooth
A tooth that has suffered this kind of damage or infection could be removed, but if a root canal is performed, the tooth can remain functional so you won’t have to worry about replacing it.
The procedure, which is performed by an endodontist, removes the pulp and nerve tissue that lie inside the tooth. For this reason, the tooth will lack sensation after it is treated, but it can still function for biting and chewing. Any sensitivity or other discomfort you’ve experienced before the treatment should disappear after the treatment, since the cause—the infection or damage to the tooth—has been removed.
Call our team at Bliss Dental at 972-307-7777 and set up an appointment today.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Teeth whitening is a popular and simple way to dramatically transform the look of your teeth. Whitening can eliminate surface staining and remove that brownish or yellowish look your teeth can develop over time. Whitening treatment typically lasts a few months, and can last even longer with occasional touch-up treatments.
Teeth Whitening and How It Works
Teeth whitening treatment works well for intrinsic staining, or discoloration that affects only the surfaces of the teeth. An in-office, professional strength whitening treatment uses a powerful bleaching agent to remove stains from the surfaces of your teeth. This staining is usually caused by exposure to foods like coffee, tea, or dark-colored foods or beverages. Nicotine is also a common culprit for stained teeth.
To administer a teeth whitening treatment, our dentist applies a whitening agent directly to the surfaces of the teeth. The softer tissues of your mouth, such as your gums, lips, and tongue, are protected with plastic guards and a protective gel our dentist applies. The whitener remains on your teeth for about twenty minutes, then is removed and reapplied. A typical treatment lasts about an hour, with three separate applications of whitener.
A typical treatment lasts about an hour, with three separate applications of whitener.
Your teeth will look whiter immediately after your treatment, but you’ll see the full effect after a few days. If you take care of your teeth and avoid additional staining, the results will last for several months.
Keeping Your Teeth White
After your whitening treatment, you’ll want to do your best to prevent additional staining. Avoid nicotine, coffee, tea, fruit juices, or other staining agents. This will keep your teeth white and help your whitening treatment last as long as possible. Also be sure to visit our dentist regularly for professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
If your teeth do become discolored again, you can return to the dentist for a touch-up treatment. If you avoid staining agents, brush and floss regularly, visit our dentist twice a year, and have an occasional touch-up whitening treatment, your teeth will stay looking their best and whitest.
Call Bliss Dental today at 972-307-7777 and set up an appointment with our skilled dentist.
A Gift of Smile
Dr. Sweta Sheth and Bliss Dental team will provide a day of free preventive and restorative dental care for uninsured and underprivileged children (ages 12 and under) as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month (CDHM) on February 6th, 2015. This is part of the American Dental Association (ADA) mission to bring attention to the number one childhood disease, tooth decay.
During the month of February dental teams volunteer their time and services to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States. Thanks to the efforts of more than 40,000 voluntary participating dental professions annually, approximately 450,000 children benefit from this cause.
Dr. Sheth and Bliss Dental team are proud to be participating in such a worthwhile program designed to provide crucial care to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to receive quality dental treatment.
A Day of FREE Preventive and Restorative Dental Care
Children who come to Dr. Sheth’s office on February 6th, 2015 will receive a comprehensive dental exam, radiographs (if necessary), a professional dental cleaning, oral health instruction, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Qualifying children will also receive FREE dental hygiene materials including toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. In addition, emergency dental care and restorative treatment will be provided.
To get more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, Please call us at 972-307-7777 or email info@blissdentalofdallas.com
Date – Friday, February 6th 2015
Time – 10am to 5pm
Location – 18217 Midway Rd, Ste 122, Dallas, TX 75287
Walk-in’s will be welcomed and seen on a first come basis, but appointments are preferred.
How to Avoid Bad Breath
Bad breath plagues almost everyone from time to time. It isn’t uncommon, and in most cases it’s not a serious issue. In fact, in most cases it goes away after a short time. However, sometimes bad breath can be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. If you have persistent, severe bad breath, you should talk to our dentist about possible treatments.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by the same bacteria that causes plaque, tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay. These bacteria live in the mouth and devour food particles and other detritus left behind after we eat. They are particularly fond of sugars, which is why sugary foods increase your likelihood of developing tooth decay. The waste products these bacteria leave behind are highly acidic and can also cause unpleasant odors. Therefore the buildup of bacterial waste products can eat through your teeth and can also cause bad breath.
In general, careful, regular oral hygiene will keep your bad breath under control. Brushing and flossing remove the food particles that feed the bacteria as well as a significant portion of the waste products. The sticky plaque is brushed away so it can’t build up to form tartar. It also can’t build up enough waste products to cause bad breath. If you have dentures, you should also be sure to clean them thoroughly to prevent bad breath.
In general, careful, regular oral hygiene will keep your bad breath under control.
Treatment for Bad Breath
Other treatments for bad breath can include:
- Antibacterial mouthwash
- Brushing the tongue
- Avoiding foods with strong odors
If these approaches do not help, you should see our dentist. It’s possible your bad breath is a side effect of another, possibly serious problem such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Sinus problems
- Diabetes
- Dry mouth
These are problems that should be treated, and when they are treated, they should reduce your bad breath symptoms.
Call our office at 972-307-7777 and set up an appointment today.
The ABC’s of Family Dentistry
Finding the right family dentist is every bit as important as finding the right family doctor. You want to be sure your children have the best possible care so they’ll grow up with strong, healthy teeth. You’ll also want to be sure your dentist monitors the growth of your child’s teeth to be sure they are properly aligned.
Choosing a Family Dentist
When you choose a family dentist, you want to find someone who has experience with both adult and childhood dental issues. You should be able to find a dentist who can serve your whole family out of the same dental office. The office should be family-friendly, and the dentist and her staff should all have experience with patients of all ages. For children in particular, it’s important that the dental office provide a non-threatening experience and have a waiting area where a child feels welcome.
You should be able to find a dentist who can serve your whole family out of the same dental office.
Ways to choose a family dentist include:
- Ask for referrals from friends
- If you’re moving to a new area, ask a Realtor who in town has a good reputation
- Look online for a practice that stresses family-friendliness
When you’re looking online for a dentist, you can check for experience in pediatric dentistry and see what kinds of certifications the dentist has. You might also be able to schedule a consultation so you can meet and talk to the dentist.
Taking Children to the Dentist
When you take your child to the family dentist, try to minimize his anxiety by talking to him before you go. You can watch recordings designed to teach children about the dentist and what will happen when he goes. You can also play games where you take turns pretending to be the dentist, which will help him feel more relaxed and comfortable when he’s in the dentist’s chair.
Making sure your child is anxiety-free when he sees the dentist will help him grow up accepting visits to the dentist as a normal, ordinary occurrence. Choosing the right family dentist can go a long way toward preventing dental anxiety as your child grows to adulthood.
Call Bliss Dental today and set up an appointment with our skilled and caring dentist.
Can Pregnant Women Have Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled?
During pregnancy, it is generally best to avoid any major dental work, including wisdom teeth removal. This is particularly true if you will need to have general anesthetic. However, if your dentist feels it’s very important to have the oral surgery done, he might recommend that you go ahead and have the procedure.
Dental Work During Pregnancy
While you’re pregnant, your first priority is to protect your growing baby. Some types of medical and dental procedures are best avoided while your baby is growing. This includes dental X-rays and most forms of anesthesia. Even local anesthesia is best avoided if at all possible. Wisdom teeth removal often requires X-rays and always requires some sort of anesthesia. If a tooth is impacted, general anesthesia might be required to remove it.
If you have any questions or concerns about any type of dental procedure, talk them over with your dentist and your OB/GYN. If the tooth removal is an emergency, you can work with your doctors to determine an approach that will keep both you and your baby safe. If the tooth has become infected, removal might be recommended to keep the infection from spreading, or you and your doctor might decide to treat the infection with antibiotics. If the tooth is extremely uncomfortable, you might also decide to go ahead and have the extraction performed. The best-case scenario is to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist before your pregnancy and have any major issues dealt with at that time.
Why is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
The majority of people have to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their adult life. This is because most people don’t have enough room in their mouths for the teeth to properly emerge. They often become impacted, wedged against adjacent teeth and unable to move completely into place. This can lead to severe infection. When wisdom teeth come in, they can also move other teeth out of alignment, leading to malocclusion, clenching and grinding, or temporomandibular joint disorder.
Set up an appointment with our dentist by calling 972-307-7777 to discuss wisdom teeth removal options.
How to Minimize Bite Stress
When we chew and bite, a great deal of stress is put on our teeth. Though the teeth and jawbone are built to stand up to this kind of pressure, excessive bite stress can lead to abnormal wear and tear as well as tooth damage and damage to the jaw joints. If you experience excessive bite stress, your dentist can help reduce it to prevent damage to your teeth and jaw.
Causes of Excessive Bite Stress
Excessive bite stress occurs when force is exerted on the teeth beyond that normally used for biting and chewing. This force is exerted when the jaw muscles contract repeatedly or are held in a contracted position for a period of time, for example when you grind or clench your teeth. Some causes of bite stress include:
- Stress and tension that lead to clenching and grinding
- Biting non-food objects, like pencils or pens
- Chewing sticky or hard foods on a regular basis
- Jaw misalignment that causes stress to be unevenly distributed
This type of bite stress can lead to long-term, serious side effects that can cause tooth damage or even tooth loss. Your dentist can determine if you are experiencing bite stress during your regular visits to the dental office for checkups.
If your dentist notices signs of excessive bite stress, she will recommend treatment based on its apparent causes.
Treatment for Excessive Bite Stress
If your dentist notices signs of excessive bite stress, she will recommend treatment based on its apparent causes. If you are clenching and grinding your teeth due to stress or tension, he might recommend relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes. Changing your habits, if those habits contribute to the stress on your teeth, can also help, so if you habitually chew on ice or excessively hard foods, eliminate this habit to protect your teeth.
Bite stress caused by misalignment should be treated by your dentist or orthodontist. You might require braces or other orthodontic procedures to return your teeth to proper alignment. This type of treatment can also help reduce stress on the jaw joints to prevent or treat temporomandibular joint disorder.
For more tips on managing bite stress, contact our team at Bliss Dental today.
Cosmetic Dentistry can Fix Unsightly Dental Work
It can be very disappointing to have dental work and have it turn out differently than you expected. If you’ve had dental work that has left your teeth looking uneven, discolored, or just not the way you want them to look, a cosmetic dentist can help correct the issues so you can be proud of your smile again.
Problems with Your Dental Work
In most cases, dental work helps successfully restore or repair damaged or decayed teeth. Usually, the results do not detract from the look of your smile. Fillings or dental crowns in the back teeth are not readily visible, and work done on front teeth is placed in such a way that it is invisible, or is performed with tooth-colored materials.
Sometimes, however, dental work can result in problems like cracked teeth, discoloration, misalignment, or dark-colored fillings that are easily visible. In these cases, you can work with a cosmetic dentist to determine the best approach to restoring your smile to normal.
Options for Restoring Your Smile
The first step for repairing your teeth is to consult with a cosmetic dentist. You’ll discuss what it is about your teeth you don’t like and what the best options are to repair them. For example, if past dental work has led your teeth to crack or chip, your teeth can be restored with tooth-colored dental crowns or with veneers, depending upon the type of damage.
Some cosmetic dentistry options that can help fix dental work you’re not pleased with include:
- Replacing metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings
- Tooth-colored dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign
- Inlays and onlays
These procedures, or a combination of procedures, can correct the problems that exist with your smile. You and your dentist will decide together on what the right approach is to give you the results you want.
To find out more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you achieve a smile you can be proud of, please contact the office of Dr. Sweta Sheth at 972-307-7777 to schedule a consultation.
What to Avoid for Better Teeth & Breath
It takes more than simply brushing and flossing to keep your teeth white and bright with fresh breath. You need to consider which foods and drinks you’re consuming each day! Here is a great article listing seven things to avoid if you want to keep your mouth minty fresh!
Can I Whiten My Teeth While Pregnant Or Nursing?
Teeth whitening is popular and safe, and can make a dramatic difference in the look of your smile. However, most dentists recommend avoiding whitening treatment while you are pregnant or nursing.
Whitening While Pregnant or Nursing
Teeth whitening uses strong concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to bleach the surfaces of your teeth. The amount of whitening agent is required to be below a certain level, making whitening very safe under normal conditions. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s recommended that you should avoid whitening treatment.
Whitening has not been proven to be dangerous to pregnant or nursing mothers or to their babies. There has not been enough study yet to determine if it’s safe, though, so it’s best to avoid exposure just in case. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look and are planning to have a child, have them whitened before you get pregnant. It’s a good idea anyway to have dental work taken care of prior to pregnancy, since pregnancy itself can have a detrimental effect on the health of your teeth and gums.
There has not been enough study yet to determine if it’s safe, though, so it’s best to avoid exposure just in case.
Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Pregnancy creates a variety of changes in your body. This includes your oral tissues. While you’re pregnant, the hormone changes can lead to a variety of symptoms and potential issues, including:
- Teeth that feel slightly loose
- Bleeding or sensitive gums
- Increased likelihood of tooth decay
- Increased likelihood of gum disease
Before you get pregnant, it’s a good idea to see your dentist for a thorough checkup and cleaning. During pregnancy, be sure to see the dentist regularly for cleanings and to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If you develop cavities, you can have them treated, but you should avoid X-rays during your pregnancy and also avoid general anesthesia. If you have any questions about whether you should have specific treatments during pregnancy, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist at Bliss Dental as well as your obstetrician.
