Blog – Dentist Parker CO | Green Dental Care

Nov 20 0

Recovery Tips for a Tooth Extraction

There are a number of reasons that you may find yourself facing a tooth extraction. Perhaps you’re having your wisdom teeth extracted by your Parker CO dentist? Maybe you need a tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment? Is your tooth damaged beyond repair? No matter what the reasons may be the recovery time is typically the same. Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO put together 8 of his favorite recovery tips for a tooth extraction.

1. Plan Well in Advance

During your consultation with the best dentist in Parker, you’ll learn what to expect during the procedure and after the procedure. This can help you to plan for what you’ll need to have on hand at home. It is likely that you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure. So, ask a family member or friend.

It would be a good idea to schedule a day or two off from work after surgery, so that you have ample time to rest and recover.

2. Be Mindful of Your Diet

You may not feel hungry at all after your procedure. But if you do, try to stick to soups and broths for at least a full day after surgery. Definitely avoid spicy foods, crunchy or hard foods. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, but do be sure to avoid using straws.

3. Listen to Your Body and Rest

It’s tempting to return to your normal routine immediately, but it can prove to be better overall for your health to take it slowly. Keep your head elevated by several pillows and relax. Keep out of the gym for at least a full day. Just simply listen to your body and get plenty of good rest.

4. Try Salt Water Rinses

It may not sound appetizing at all, but it’s important to rinse your mouth out with a lukewarm rinse of salt and water. Use it several times a day, particularly after you eat. It will help to reduce a significant amount of the swelling and discomfort you are feeling.

5. Control the Bleeding

Some minor bleeding is expected after a tooth extraction. However, any excessive bleeding should be reported to your dentist right away, particularly if it is accompanied by severe pain. Your dentist will have you bite down on sterile gauze in order to stem the bleeding after the extraction. You can, however, switch to using soaked tea bags once you get home. Tea leaves are well known for helping to reduce discomfort and also encourage clotting.

6. Control the Swelling

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that swelling is a normal and expected side-effect of having a tooth extracted. Dr. Kacos recommends lots of ice packs, applied to your cheek, for 20-minute intervals, which can help to reduce the swelling and bruising. It can also help with the discomfort that you’re feeling. If your tooth was badly infected, you may find more comfort from warm compresses.

7. Pay Attention to Instructions You Are Given

You will be given detailed instructions before you leave your Parker Co’s dental office. Be sure that you pay attention to each of the instructions so that you can be assured of the best in results while you are healing. Be sure to always reach out to Dr. Chris Green if you have additional questions or concerns.

8. Think Ahead

If you find yourself feeling discouraged about the extractions, consider the way your smile will be transformed once your dental work has been completed. Those who are looking forward to Parker CO dental implants will soon have a brand new winning smile they can be proud of. The minor discomfort and frustration that you feel now will soon be a blip in the rearview mirror.

Are you ready to schedule that extraction with the dental professionals at Green Dental Care? Contact us to make your appointment, and let us restore your smile.

Nov 13 0

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask About

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Going to the dentist can be an overwhelming prospect for children. Being told that they need to work on their teeth can be enough to cause a significant amount of anxiety. Kids are sure to have plenty of questions to ask you about the treatment that they are facing. At Green Dental Care, we are always happy to help our patients in any way we can.

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask Prior

These questions will help you to best know what to expect during your consultation with your child’s dentist in Parker, CO. These questions are similar to the questions that you should ask about your own treatment, including the dental implants Parker dentists can offer.

What information about my child’s medical history do you need to know? If your child has a history of complications, it’s important for your dentist to have this information at hand.
Will the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications they are taking impact them during the procedure? Some medications can thin the blood and cause complications during procedures. Your child’s dentist will need to be aware of what your child might be taking, even prescribed antibiotics.
Does my child need to abstain from food and drink before the procedure? Some procedures will require your child to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours prior to undergoing a procedure that uses oral sedation or anesthesia.

Oral Sedation for Kids: What Should I Expect?

Asking these questions will help you and your child to know what should be expected during the procedure itself. Your Parker CO dentist and team members will provide you with all of the information that you need to know.

How long will my child be under oral sedation or anesthesia? Your Parker CO dentist will take a conservative approach, ensuring that your child receives only the amount of medication needed to complete the procedure pain-free.
What are the risks to this procedure and the sedation method being used? You’ll find that even the best dentist in Parker cannot guarantee that there’ll be zero potential for risks during the procedure. Your dentist will place the health and safety of your child above all else.
What are the steps you’ll take in the event of an emergency? Your dentist and assisting staff will know the right steps to take in the event of an emergency situation.
What type of sedation will be used on my child? Oral conscious sedation is commonly requested at Green Dental Care.

Oral Sedation for Kids: Post-Care Questions

Knowing what to expect when your child is home and resting can help you to best understand the type of care your child needs during the recovery phase. We asked our friend, Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about which post-care questions parents should ask. Dr. Smith recommends the following:

What are some potential sedation dentistry complications to be aware of? Knowing what to look for can help you to ensure your child is safe at all times.
What should I do if my child has a fever? Fever could be an indication of infection. Calling your dentist should be your first step so that infection can be ruled out.
When should I reach out for urgent treatment? Fever or other signs of infection, bleeding or pain that cannot be readily managed are all signs that you need to call the office for further guidance.
Should I call the dental office or go to the emergency room? If the concern is dental related, you should call an emergency dentist in Parker, CO to get further guidance from your dentist. If it is after hours or the fever is very high, you should seek out emergency treatment in the emergency room.

You and your child no longer have to be scared of going to the dentist thanks to oral-conscious sedation. Being reassuring and honest will help heir comfort levels. This can also help make every dental procedure less of an overwhelming process.

To learn more about the types of oral sedation and anesthesia that works well for children, call Green Dental Care and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that we offer solutions that work for adults, too.

Nov 06 0

Temporary Crown Falls Out

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Your local dentist in Parker, CO, will place a temporary crown over your teeth if you’ve undergone restorative treatment. The temporary crown is designed to protect your tooth after treatment like root canals. Your temporary crown can also preserve aesthetics until you are fitted with your permanent restoration.

Parker CO dentists emphasize that temporary crowns are not as durable as the permanent dental crowns that will replace it. If your temporary crown becomes damaged, cracked, or falls out entirely before your permanent dental crown is placed, you’ll need to fix this problem ASAP. It can be worrisome when this happens, but there’s no need to panic just yet. Keep reading to find out what steps you should take if your temporary crown does happen to fall out.

Understanding the Temporary Crown

The temporary crown is a tooth restoration solution that is custom-made to cover and protect a tooth that has been reshaped for placement of the permanent crown. It helps to protect the vulnerable tooth from damage. It could also protect you from feeling any sensitivity that may otherwise send you cringing when you eat or drink something cold.

The temporary crown can be made from a number of materials, including a type of acrylic-based material that is molded to the shape of your tooth and bite. The interim crown is set in place using a temporary adhesive that’ll make it easy to remove the temporary at your return visit to your dentist in Parker CO. If all goes smoothly, the temporary crown should stay in place until your next visit.

If Your Temporary Crown Falls Out

There is a possibility that your crown can falls out or breaks before your next scheduled appointment. This is often seen with molars and premolars as they incur much more force when you are chewing. Even if you do keep your meals to soft-to-chew food, it’s still possible for the crown to break free.

If you have some time to wait before your next appointment, take these steps to avoid pain and also keep your mouth and teeth safe:

Remove the crown or any broken pieces from your mouth
Rinse out your mouth with warm water so that you can remove any sharp pieces remaining in your mouth
Examine the now-exposed tooth and see if there are any jagged edges that you may inadvertently cut your tongue or inside of your cheek
Call the best dentist in Parker and explain the situation to us in full detail. We may offer some instructions to get you through to the next available appointment.
Return to the office when possible, to have another replacement crown placed, or have the temporary crown bonded back if it is not damaged.

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about his suggestions when your temporary crown falls out. Dr. Kacos says, “Be very careful with the new temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. Avoid directly chewing on the interim restoration, and do not floss between the crown and your other teeth. This could accidentally tug on the temporary crown and lead to it coming out all over again.”

It’s not a huge deal if the temporary does break loose before your permanent crown is ready. It can just expose you to the potential for some sensitivity and discomfort until the restored tooth has been covered once again. Follow these helpful tips and get in touch with our dental office in Parker, CO. We are here to keep you smiling. Whether you’re looking for dental implants in Parker, CO, or looking for other smile restoration solutions, we have options to help you meet your dental goals.

Oct 23 0

What You Need to Know About a Tooth Abscess

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A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in different sections of a tooth due to a bacterial infection. This condition often comes with moderate or severe pain that can radiate or spread to your neck or ears. Experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, share what you need to know about a tooth abscess and what they can do for you when you are diagnosed with an abscessed tooth.

Types of Dental Abscesses

Dr. Christopher Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, explains that tooth abscesses are distinguished from each other depending on where they are located. The first type is the periapical tooth abscess. This type of abscess is found at the tip of the root of one’s tooth.

The second type is referred to as a periodontal abscess. The professionals at Green Dental Care explain that this kind of tooth abscess is located on the gum near the root of your tooth. This abscess often spreads to the nearby bone and tissue.

The third type of dental abscess is a gingival abscess. This abscess is found in the gum, but not close to the root of the tooth.

Causes of an Abscessed Tooth

Dental abscesses can usually be traced to dead dental pulp resulting from trauma or tooth decay. That dead pulpal tissue gives bacteria a chance to thrive and spread right through to the root of the tooth. Parker, CO dentists, explain that once the infection reaches the root, a pocket of pus develops.

A dental abscess can also result from the growth of bacteria in the gingival pockets (the gaps between your teeth and the gums). This bacteria will trigger an infection that can spread and affect your jawbone. When this happens, you may feel some relief because the deterioration of the bone tissue creates room for the pus that was exerting pressure on the nearby tissue. The deterioration of the jawbone eventually causes your tooth to become loose, and you could lose that tooth if you don’t see an emergency dentist immediately.

The Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

It is important for you to recognize when you have a dental abscess so that you can see a professional. Here are some of the symptoms that could indicate that you have an abscessed tooth:

Intense tooth pain that persists.
Feeling that there is unexplained pressure in the vicinity of an affected tooth.
Swollen or red gums.
Swelling around your jaw or face.
Fever.
An unpleasant or salty taste in your mouth.
Generalized lethargy (you feel generally unwell).

Treatment Options for an Abscessed Tooth

Depending on the severity and type of your dental abscess, Dr. Christopher Green will pick one of the following treatment options:

Draining the Abscess. The emergency dentist in Parker, CO, may decide to make a small incision in the abscess and drain out the pus therein. Dr. Christopher Green will then clean the area thoroughly using a saline solution.
A Root Canal. If the abscess is inside the tooth, the Parker, CO dentist may drill a hole into the tooth and drain the abscess. He will then clean out the root canal by removing all the infected pulp. You may need to have your tooth capped, or a dental crown placed.
Tooth Extraction. As mentioned earlier, dental abscesses can be linked to tooth damage, such as trauma, which allows bacteria to enter the root and cause an infection. In such a situation, the expert at Green Dental Care could examine you and conclude that the tooth has suffered such extensive damage that it is beyond saving. In that case, Dr. Christopher Green may extract the tooth and then drain the pus from the abscess.
Use of Antibiotics. If the tooth infection hasn’t spread inside of the tooth, then it can be managed using antibiotics. Let your emergency dentist in Parker, CO know you’re experiencing a tooth abscess, and they can prescribe antibiotics.
Extraction of the Foreign Object. Some dental abscesses can be caused by the presence of a foreign object in the gum. This foreign object can get lodged in the gum during an accident or some other kind of trauma. For such situations, the Parker, CO dentist, will remove the foreign object, drain the abscess, and send you home to recover.

Abscessed Tooth Pain Relief

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that when draining the tooth abscess, you will often experience immediate relief. However, some pain may still remain, and over-the-counter pain medication may be prescribed to deal with that pain. You could also apply an ice pack to your cheek to relieve the pain and discomfort.

There is no reason for you to suffer with the pain resulting from an infected or abscessed tooth. Dr. Christopher Green and his team can help you to get relief from the infected or abscessed tooth. Call today and make an appointment if you live in or near Parker, Colorado.

Oct 16 0

Post Root Canal Instructions

Posted by edvalsonmktg

41,000 root canals are being performed daily in the U.S, which sums up to around 15 million procedures per year. For those patients whose teeth cannot be saved by a simple filling, a root canal is a perfect option for them. So, what exactly is a root canal? A root canal is a dental procedure that focuses on removing damage to the interior pulp so that the natural tooth is reinforced and protected from any possible future damages to the teeth.

Those patients who follow their dentist’s instructions on how to take care of their teeth after the root canal are the ones most likely to not face problems later on.

Post Root Canal Instructions

If you are going to undergo a root canal, it is in your best interest to follow these aftercare instructions.

Following these instructions will help speed up the recovery time after the procedure.

DO’s DON’Ts

Keep up with hygiene	Brush overly aggressively
Take non-prescription pain relievers as needed	Avoid signs of complications; call your dentist
Avoid stress on the tooth	Chew hard/crunchy foods
Get the crown placed as soon as possible	Avoid or skip follow -up appointments

Reduce Stress on the Tooth

The tooth is unprotected until the crown is placed so, it is best to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth so that the amount of stress placed on that tooth is minimized.

Brush Teeth Gently

After the procedure, the tooth needs proper care. Hence, you have to be careful while brushing and flossing in the treated area. When trying to floss this particular area, you may face some difficulty so, take your time and be patient. You can also consult your dentist when you are having difficulty in dealing with your tooth that was operated on.

Choose Soft Foods

We asked our friends Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about post root canal instructions. Dr. Smith says eating soft foods is a must. After having a root canal, you may be curious about what to eat. Patients can eat normal foods whenever they think they’re ready but, it is advised to stick to soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy foods.

Get the Crown Placed

The structure of your tooth is weakened by the root canal because during the procedure the interior portion of your tooth is removed.

Treat Discomfort as Needed

Due to advancements in techniques and pain management, the patients in today’s day should not be worried before undergoing the root canal therapy. At Green Dental Care, we help patients preserve their natural teeth with our modern restorative procedures after the treatment is complete. The most advanced pain relief techniques, such as sedation, are used by our team of specialists, Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Andrei Ionescu, to ensure that the whole process is pain-free for the patient as patient satisfaction is our top priority.

To take care of any discomfort you may take pain relievers. Non-prescription, anti-inflammatory medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen will help in removing the pain you’ll feel the first few days after the procedure

Why Root Canal Aftercare is Important

Root canal procedures, in general, are rather routine procedures that offer promising outcomes. The fact that it affects the structure of the root, is the reason why it’s aftercare should not be overlooked. There are certain rules that the patient needs to follow to guarantee a successful recovery.

Sadly, some patients lose teeth after a root canal because the tooth splits or gets fractured. If a tooth gets fractured, there is no way to save it and it will need extraction. In most cases, the teeth require a protective dental crown. Patients who do not visit the dentist for dental crown placement over time, risk fracturing their teeth.

What to Expect After a Root Canal?

As mentioned above, there is little to no pain during the root canal procedure. The mild discomfort that the patients feel is mostly related to bruised tissue around the operated tooth. This pain usually goes away in about two to three days after the procedure, but if this is not true in your case and the pain is increasing, then it can be a sign of a problem and you should contact Green Dental Care about this issue immediately.

After the root canal is complete, the purpose of your next visit will be just to make sure things are running smoothly and there aren’t any complications. Skipping these visits can lead to possible tooth infection.

Oct 10 0

Temporary Vs Permanent Dental Crown

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Ever since cosmetic dentistry and smile solutions have started to gain popularity, a large number of people have started spending more time at the dentist’s office. In this article, Dr. Christopher Green explains the differences between a temporary vs permanent dental crown.

Why Is There a Need for A Crown?

Whether you require a temporary crown or a permanent crown there are numerous reasons why this procedure is performed.

A crown may be used to prevent the breakage or cracking of an older tooth. Furthermore, it can also help protect a previously installed dental implant or simply just make your smile look better. The crown can be placed as it is but, if needed, a root canal can also be performed to prepare your tooth.

What Is a Temporary Crown?

Temporary crowns are made of only two materials, metal or plastic, which do not hold significant economic value but are rather cheap materials. This is mainly because they are intended to last only a few weeks.

As the name states, these crowns are only a temporary solution, which is why in most cases, they are installed when the patients are scheduled to have them replaced by permanent crowns.

Our friend Dr. Fradi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that the reason why they are installed in the first place is to protect your tooth until the permanent crowns are placed instead of them. The permanent crowns will be placed after the mold between your teeth has been completed. This will also help those who have cracked, chipped or damaged teeth in feeling less insecure. The temporary crowns are bonded together using temporary cement so that they can be removed without any hassle.

What Is a Permanent Crown?

Unlike temporary crowns, permanent crowns come in a range of comparatively better materials, like gold, ceramic, stainless steel and even porcelain.

As the name states, these are designed to be a permanent solution so that they do not need to be replaced for a time period of 5 to 15 years after installation. Most major dental issues regarding your teeth will require a permanent crown. These will be used to treat all of the problems mentioned above.

In order to make room for the crown, it’s most likely that the dentist will have to file down your tooth and shape it accordingly. In addition to that, a strong bonding cement will be applied to ensure that the crowns stay intact. But the dentist will make sure to match the color of the crown with the rest of the teeth to give it a natural look.

Where Can You Get a Crown Placed?

Finding the best dental clinic in your area can be tough sometimes, but if you live anywhere near Parker, CO, you are in luck as you can find Green Dental Care nearby. Our doctors, including Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Ionescu, combine years of professional experience with a diverse set of skills and a serious commitment to patient satisfaction.

Whether you’re thinking of getting a crown put in or having your teeth straightened, make an appointment with Dr. Christopher Green to have all your dental problems taken care of.

Sep 18 0

About Temporary Crowns

Posted by edvalsonmktg

A dental crown can be described as a cap, that is used to cover, and customized according to, a patient’s tooth. The crown is placed on the tooth for its protection, and its advantages include strengthening the tooth and getting it back into its original shape.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns

There are many different types of dental crowns available at Green Dental Care, but all of them can be divided into two categories – temporary and permanent. The different types of crowns available are:

Temporary Dental Crowns

These are made in the dental clinic, unlike the permanent crowns. Most often, the materials used to make temporary crowns are stainless steel or acrylic material.

Stainless Steel Dental Crowns

These are a temporary fix, put into place till the time the permanent crown is made. They are often used to prevent the decay of deciduous teeth of children and come out automatically when the permanent tooth appears.

Base Metal Alloys Dental Crowns

These crowns are incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant. One of their advantages is that they are gentle against the neighboring teeth. Another reason to opt for this crown is that out of all other types of crowns, this type enables you to remove the least amount of your healthy tooth to fit this crown.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

These crowns can blend in with the natural teeth as the color of these crowns can be matched with the teeth beside them. A drawback is that a moderate amount of tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place this type of crown.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

Typically used to restore the front teeth due to their ability to provide the best natural teeth color match, these are arguably the best choice in dental crowns when it comes to aesthetics. These crowns are not suitable for molars as the ceramic material is not as strong as metal, and can become brittle when exposed to heavy biting forces.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

These are the cheapest option of the lot, but they do have a tendency to wear down over time, and if compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal, the all-resin crown is the one more likely to break.

When Should You Get a Dental Crown?

You should think about contacting Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, to discuss the right time for getting a dental crown. The following are some common reasons to get a dental crown:

You require a root canal: If the decay or infection in your affected tooth has become irreparable, it is time for you to get a root canal. And the logical step after a root canal is to use a crown in order to restore the strength of your tooth.
Improve your dental aesthetics: A dental crown can cover all your dental aesthetic problems – an ugly filling, a discolored tooth, or a damaged tooth.
Prevent a tooth from breaking: If you have a cracked tooth, it is high time to get a crown in order to protect the structure of the tooth, increase its strength, and most importantly give you relief from pain.
After you get dental implants: The crown aids you in chewing your food properly after a dental implant.

What is the Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is placed in two appointments with your Parker dentist.

Initial Appointment

Most of the work is completed in the initial appointment. Your Parker dentist assesses what needs to be done, the tooth structure is trimmed to get it in the proper shape for crown placement, bite impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed, and a color match is made.

Follow-up Appointment

This appointment has the primary purpose of removing the temporary crown, placing the permanent crown, and add the finishing touches.

How to Care for Your Dental Crown?

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental crown care. Dr. Kacos says the best way to care for your dental crown is to take care of it just as you should ideally take care of your natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing. The extra precaution you need to take is to avoid hard foods like ice. In case you grind and clench your teeth at night, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard to provide protection to your crown and teeth in general.

Sep 11 0

Tooth Sensitivity

Posted by edvalsonmktg

If you intentionally avoid hot or cold foods and drinks because of your tooth sensitivity, you may want to contact your local dentist in Parker, Colorado. If you have sensitive teeth, sometimes even simple things like brushing your teeth, eating and drinking, and even breathing cold air can cause sharp temporary pain in your teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be especially annoying as it can rob you of the simple pleasure in life, like sipping a hot cup of coffee. If you are dealing with tooth sensitivity, contact Green Dental Care and Dr. Christopher Green will help treat your tooth sensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Some people are naturally prone to tooth sensitivity due to thinner enamel (the outer protective layer of the tooth). For other people, the enamel can get weaker due to reasons that include:

Brushing your teeth too hardly/using a hard toothbrush
Grinding/clenching your teeth at night
Consuming acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis
Gum diseases
Cracked tooth

To sum it up, tooth sensitivity is caused by the weakening of the tooth enamel which, as a result, exposes the inner layers of the tooth. It is very important to let your Parker dentist know about your tooth sensitivity in order for them to assess it and determine what the problem is and advice you on the appropriate treatment for it. If you leave your tooth sensitivity unchecked, it can cause brushing your teeth to become painful, which can result in improper care of your teeth. Ultimately, it can lead to bigger problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

The best treatment is usually prevention. And unless you are naturally prone to tooth sensitivity, you can prevent it by:

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and prevent gum loss.
Using special toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth.
Avoid consuming excessively acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis.
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily.

What Should You Avoid If You Have Sensitive Teeth?

In case hot, cold, or acidic drinks and foods trigger sensitivity in your teeth, you should avoid their consumption. Similarly, if other things are causing sensitivity in your teeth, you should avoid them e.g. if brushing your teeth with cold water triggers sensitivity in your teeth, you should start brushing your teeth with warm water instead.

What Are The Treatments for Sensitive Teeth?

If you were not able to prevent sensitivity in your teeth, do not worry as your Parker dentist can cure it with different types of treatments available, some of which are:

Desensitizing Toothpaste: These types of toothpaste are made of components that prevent the transmission of sensation from the outer layer to the more sensitive nerve area of the teeth.

Fluoride Treatment: This is a treatment your Parker dentist can give you in their office. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel in the sensitive areas of the tooth to reduce the pain.

A Dental Crown/Bonding: Through the application of local anesthetic, the exposed roots are covered by resin or a dental crown.

Root Canal Therapy: If the pain in your teeth is severe and other treatments seem to be ineffective, your Parker dentist may recommend a root canal. Root canals are arguably the most effective treatment for tooth sensitivity.

Sep 04 0

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Does a root canal hurt? This is one of the most common questions Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker CO, is asked by his patients. To answer this question, we first need to understand what a root canal is, when is it needed, and how is it performed.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is a dental treatment that is done in order to treat infection in the pulp (inner center) of the tooth. Root canal treatment is performed to save a tooth that otherwise might be removed completely. The correct dental term to describe this procedure is “endodontic therapy.” It removes the contents in the tooth and its roots, which are infection-prone. It enables a tooth to perform its function in the mouth despite having lost the ability to feel pain, pressure, or temperature.

When and Why is it Needed?

A root canal is performed in order to treat infection in the pulp of a tooth, which otherwise might have to be removed. This infection is usually caused after deep tooth decay, leaky fillings, or damage to the tooth due to other forms of trauma, like a fall. It involves a deep cleaning inside the inner chamber of the root of the infected tooth, which can be the cause of the irritation of the surrounding nerves and gum. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist who performs root canals in Georgetown, KY, about the risks associated with opting out of root canals. Dr. Neda explains that if you don’t get a root canal done, the infection can spread to your jaw and other surrounding tissue.

How is it Performed?

The treatment begins with the application of general anesthesia in the affected area. An access hole is then drilled into the tooth which enables the dentist to access the pulp chamber and the root canals. After clearing the pulp contents, a thorough cleansing is carried out throughout the tooth. When the cleansing is finished, the tooth is properly sealed with appropriate filling materials. At last, a crown is placed on the tooth.

Is it Painful?

Due to advances in modern technology and the use of anesthetics, the process of root canal treatment is generally safe, quick, and pain-free. In fact, the pain that you might feel is actually caused by the infection in the tooth, and this treatment is performed in order to get rid of that pain. Your Parker, CO dentists are experts in pain management and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably. After the anesthesia wears off, there might be mild discomfort which resolves in a few days and can be managed by over the counter medications.

Aug 28 0

6 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Do you suspect that you could be having an infection deep inside your tooth? The best way to be certain about your need for a root canal is by visiting Green Dental Care in Parker CO. Dr. Chris Green will examine you and put together a treatment plan if needed. In the meantime, there are some of those warning signs that a root canal is in order.

Darkened or Discolored Enamel

Teeth normally darken at approximately the same rate. However, one tooth may darken at a faster rate than the teeth near it. This scenario could be an indicator that tooth decay is occurring at a high rate or the internal structures of that particular tooth are degrading very fast. Regardless of the cause, visit Green Dental Care so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly.

Dr. Chris Green explains that tooth discoloration often sounds the alarm for infected or decayed teeth that aren’t causing other easily noticeable signs, such as sensitivity and pain.

Pain

Do you feel pain when you bite crunchy food or when you apply pressure on a particular tooth? Do your teeth hurt if you jump or lay down? This pain may be alerting you that you have an infection inside the affected tooth or teeth. See a Parker dentist immediately so that the root cause of the pain can be addressed before it costs you your tooth. If a root canal is deemed to be necessary, then it will be done so that further damage to your tooth is avoided.

Lingering Sensitivity

It is common and normal to experience some tooth sensitivity when you sip a hot drink or bite into ice cream. This sensitivity normally ends a few seconds after the incident that has triggered it. However, we asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about root canals. Dr. Kacos cautions that you should be concerned if the sensitivity you feel lingers even when you haven’t eaten or bitten into anything to trigger it. The prolonged tooth sensitivity can indicate that some nerve damage may have occurred and a root canal can prevent the damage from spreading.

Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation often shows that a patient is suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. However, gum inflammation could also point to an infection inside the root of your tooth. See a dentist in Parker CO promptly if you notice swelling, a raised bump close to the affected site and pain accompanying the inflammation. A root canal could fix the problem and put an end to your suffering.

Headaches and Jaw Pain

You may need to visit Green Dental Care for a root canal if the pain you feel in your tooth is spreading to your jaw and even causing you a headache. If you feel some pain in your ear, then the tooth problem is originating from one of the molars on that side of your mouth. A root canal is in order if you are experiencing these symptoms since the problem is more than just a cavity.

Chipped and Cracked Teeth

You may also be a candidate for a root canal in Parker CO if one or more of your teeth are chipped or cracked. Such damage can expose the nerves inside your tooth to infection. Dr. Chris Green cautions patients against immediately thinking of undergoing a root canal once they chip or crack their tooth because not all situations of this nature warrant a root canal. The Parker CO dentist will therefore examine you and only recommend a root canal if that is the best option in the circumstances.

Steps to Take When You Suspect You Need a Root Canal

If you are experiencing any of the warning signs described above, it is imperative that you make contact with Green Dental Care immediately so that an appointment can be scheduled for you. If your symptoms, such as pain, are severe, seek emergency dental care from Dr. Chris Green.

The second thing that you should remember if you suspect that you may need a root canal is to avoid doing anything that could potentially worsen the condition of the affected tooth. For example, avoid using that side of your mouth to chew hard food substances since they can make a crack or chip worse.

Thirdly, take an over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms. Talk to a Parker dentist about the right OTC medication to take and how to use it. For example, Dr. Chris Green warns patients not to place an aspirin on a painful tooth since this mode of administration isn’t helpful in this situation. Aspirin is systemic, meaning that it can only work after being ingested orally and absorbed into the bloodstream. Worse still, aspirin will trigger a chemical burn on any gum tissue that it comes in contact with. Talking to a dentist before you use any medication to ease your symptoms is therefore warranted.

Don’t make any assumptions about your condition. For example, don’t put off going to the dentist because an online search you have done has shown you that the treatment you need could be expensive or invasive. Instead, visit Green Dental Care sooner rather than later so that a correct professional assessment can be done. You will receive the appropriate treatment in a timely manner so that avoidable complications can be averted.

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