Smiles of Memorial News

Nightguards: Definition & Advantages

April 14, 2022

Dental care is becoming increasingly popular around the world. People quickly realize the importance of maintaining good oral health as technology improves dental treatment. Many things can go wrong when it comes to teeth. People have more dental difficulties than only needing root canal therapy, braces, or aligners. People who wake up with discomfort and soreness in their jaws and teeth may find it difficult to sleep. Our dentists at Smiles Of Memorial have provided all the information on nightguards in this blog.

What Is A Nightguard?

Excessive grinding or clenching of the upper and lower teeth causes bruxism, a medical disease. The mouth muscles are therefore strained as a result of the clenching. Patients’ jaws become tense and painful as a result of this. A night guard by your dentist can help prevent lockjaw and alleviate its pain. A night guard is a dental appliance used to treat bruxism.

Oral Health Benefits Of A Nightguard

A night guard may appear to be an unappealing proposition for a first-time user. However, putting it on may have more benefits for your circumstance than you believe. Here are a few examples provided by your favorite dentist in Houston:

1. No Tension & Pain In The Jaw

Jaw strain can be caused by the contact between your upper and lower teeth. It could explain why you wake up with a sore jaw at night. Consider visiting your Houston dentist for a dental exam and cleaning if your jaws are often painful in the morning. A recommendation to wear a nightguard due to the visit can help minimize the stress and pain in the jaws.

2. Reduced Tooth Damage

Do you know how your teeth grind when you’re not looking? Teeth grinding can occur when your upper and lower teeth come into contact as you sleep. The majority of patients are completely unaware that they grind their teeth at sleep. Teeth grinding is a concern because it wears away at the enamel of the teeth. You will develop a lot of sensitivity in your teeth over time. If you grind your teeth too much, they may crack or chip. Furthermore, you do not want to live with the prospect of dental fillings being destroyed due to grinding. Your only option may be to use a nightguard.

3. Prevents Migraine

The tension in your jaws can make your life a lot more complicated. It’s not just the discomfort in your mouth’s bone structure and jawline. You’ll have muscle tiredness, neck pains, jaw aches, and even earaches if you don’t wear a nightguard. Excessive teeth grinding is the cause of this condition. It is not uncommon for such patients to get headaches over time. It’s natural to get headaches when areas of your face are tense or in discomfort.

4. Helps To Get Rid Of Snoring

People’s snoring might become rather loud. If this happens frequently enough for patients, they will develop sleep apnea, which is harmful to their sleep habits. A night guard enables airflow by creating a space between your upper and lower teeth. Your snoring will be much reduced as a result of this.

5. Healthy Sleep Patterns

The majority of people who require a night guard have difficulty sleeping. Sleep deprivation can significantly negatively impact the patient’s overall health. A night guard is recommended instead of staying up all night due to discomfort in your teeth and jaw. This way, you can get a good night’s sleep and have a pain-free morning. Furthermore, because sleep is supposed to enhance the body and mental calm, a nightguard encourages relaxation. This is accomplished by keeping the mouth muscles relaxed during the night.

6. Straightens Your Teeth

Even while a nightguard isn’t the best treatment for misaligned teeth, it can aid in their alignment. A nightguard should ideally be customized to your dental formula. With correct use, a nightguard can assist in gradually shifting your teeth.

We hope this blog has helped you to learn more about nightguards. Please book an appointment with us at Smiles Of Memorial for the best nightguard treatment in Houston, TX.

Tongue Scraping: Definition, Benefits & Dental Issues

March 22, 2022

Maintaining proper oral hygiene practice that regularly involves brushing and flossing is essential. Our tongues, on the other hand, are frequently ignored. Our tongues can serve as a breeding ground for various hazardous bacteria. Thus we must clean them regularly. In this blog, our dentists at Smiles Of Memorial will assist you in learning more about tongue cleaning.

What Is Tongue Scraping?

Tongue scraping is the technique of using a simple tool to remove bacteria, food particles, and other waste from the surface of your tongue.

Oral Health Issues Caused Due To Irregular Tongue Cleaning

Do you realize that you risk developing certain complications if you don’t clean your tongue correctly? Let’s look at what you could be missing out on if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. For your convenience, the dentist in Smiles of Memorial has listed them below.

1. Papillae Infection

Another problem that can arise if you don’t clean your tongue is that the color of your tongue will begin to alter. Yes, it occurs. When there is a build-up of liquids or food particles on the tongue, such as coffee, the papillae might get discolored. They may affect your tongue’s appearance, making it appear dark and hairy if they are not brushed off or scraped away. It can be extremely frightening. However, it is very harmless, and once the tongue is cleaned, the problem is resolved.

2. Periodontal Infection

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria on your tongue spreading to your teeth (inflammation of the gums). Periodontal disease may develop if the irritation is not managed. Periodontal disease causes the gums to peel away from the teeth, and the ensuing space gets infected. At this time, your teeth may begin to come out. On the other hand, gum infection can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and even miscarriage.

3. Oral Thrush

You’re in danger of developing oral thrush. Oral thrush is a condition that develops when the tongue is not cleaned correctly. When a build-up of microorganisms on the tongue occurs due to a lack of cleansing, some yeasts that produce naturally may grow abnormally fast and spiral out of control. White patches on the tongue can result as a result of this. Antifungals can be used to treat it. However, it is necessary to clean the tongue to maintain the results. To learn how to properly clean your tongue, speak with your dentist who will guide you or suggest you some dental exam or cleaning treatment according to your needs.

What Are The Oral Health Benefits Of Tongue Scraping?

Tongue cleaning has many benefits. Some of these benefits have been listed below by the top Houston dentist.

Tongue cleaning will surely help remove harmful plaque and bacteria that can cause dental problems such as periodontal disease and other illnesses that can spread throughout the body due to bacterial infection. It has the potential to improve physical wellness.
Our taste buds may be affected by the plaque on the tongue. Clean your tongue regularly to guarantee that you obtain the full flavor of your favorite foods.
All of the bacteria that gather on the tongue might create bad breath. During the cleansing process, your dentist in Houston can eliminate this bacteria from the tongue.

We hope this blog has helped you to learn more about tongue scraping. Please book an appointment with us at Smiles Of Memorial to get the best dental care in Houston, TX.

What Is an Abscess?

February 14, 2022

Most individuals overlook a hurting tooth, see it as sensitivity and take medicines and hope for the best. A toothache, however, can involve more than simply tooth irritation. It might be a dental cavity, for example. If a major tooth disease is left untreated and unaddressed, it might lead to more serious problems. One abscessed tooth is an example of this.

What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a pus-filled pocket that develops as a result of a bacterial infection. When your pulp, where the pus pocket or abscess occurs, has an untreated cavity, your tooth gets infected. The illness spreads as the germs grow. A periodontal abscess occurs when an abscess arises in the gums next to the tooth’s root. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root.

A high sugar diet combined with poor dental care raises your chances of having a tooth abscess. Dry mouth, which can be caused by age or medicine, is another condition that might contribute to an abscessed tooth.

An abscessed tooth can cause serious consequences and must be treated right immediately. If you observe any of the following symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache that throbs
Sensitive teeth
Fever
Face or cheek swelling
Lymph nodes beneath your jaw are swollen.
Due to a burst abscess, you have foul-tasting fluid in your mouth.
Breathing difficulties

Seek emergency attention if you have a fever, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms might be the result of an infection spreading to other tissues or parts of the body.

Treatments for a Tooth Abscess

A dental cavity can be treated promptly by your dentist if it is found early, avoiding the need for a tooth extraction. However, if an abscess has already formed, the following are your therapeutic choices.

1. Taking Care of the Abscess

If the abscess hasn’t ruptured yet, your dentist will open it up and remove it first. Your dentist will perform this procedure by making a tiny cut into the pocket and allowing the fluid to drain. After that, the region will be cleansed with saline. A rubber drain may be inserted in the afflicted region to keep it open for drainage while the infection diminishes.

2. Root Canal Treatment

Your dentist may advise you to have a root canal treatment. They will cure the infection and avoid the need to pull the afflicted tooth as a result. Drilling into your tooth to remove the diseased pulp and drain the abscess is the first step in this operation. Following that, it entails filling and sealing your tooth’s pulp chamber and root canal in the same way as a dental filling operation would. You might also request a crown to strengthen your teeth.

3. Extraction of Teeth

If the tooth cannot be saved, a tooth extraction will be performed to prevent the spread of infection. You might talk to your dentist about dentures or dental implants to replace the missing tooth and prevent gaps from forming between your teeth.

4. Medication

If the infection has spread to other parts of your mouth, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Likewise, if you already have a weak immune system, you will be encouraged to take drugs, as well.

Abscessed Tooth Treatment in Houston, TX

If you experience persistent tooth discomfort, consult a dentist right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of dental disorders can help to avoid more serious situations such as an abscessed tooth.

Get treatment for abscesses at Smiles of Memorial of Houston, TX, which has an experienced team for your dental needs. Make an appointment today!

A Detailed Comparison Between Dental Bonding & Veneers

February 11, 2022

We’re always looking for that picture-perfect smile. When it comes to altering our smiles, it appears that dental bonding and veneers are the top cosmetic dentistry options. Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice is ultimately determined by your dental needs and budget. Because bonding and veneers are so similar, it’s natural to wonder if you’re a better fit for one or the other. Regardless of your choice, you will enjoy and appreciate your new smile.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding has been utilized in dentistry for many years as a low-cost and straightforward technique to change the appearance of your smile. Its primary advantages are that it is non-invasive and that it may fix flaws ranging from tooth discoloration to gaps and spacing. Dental bonding is an excellent approach to repairing a minor chip in a tooth or to healing tooth decay in a cosmetic region. It also has the following advantages:

Costs less than dental veneers or crowns to repair a smile.
It can swiftly sculpt a tooth to change its tint and appearance.
The maintenance required is negligible.
Typically, only one dental visit is required for the treatment.

The disadvantages of bonding include that it is typically not a permanent solution and may need repairs and replacements if it stains chips or fractures. Nonetheless, many individuals will choose to bond and either replace it or utilize it as a stepping stone to a more permanent aesthetic option such as dental veneers or dental crowns.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a high-end, high-quality cosmetic dental treatment. Because of the porcelain veneer treatment, you will notice celebrities and social media influencers with flawless grins. Smiles of Memorial can help you achieve a more harmonious and brilliant aesthetic look by transforming a dull or uneven smile. The following are the benefits of obtaining porcelain veneers treatment:

Porcelain, unlike traditional bonded restorations, does not discolor.
Veneers are a more permanent treatment that may last up to ten years if properly cared for.
Dental veneers are extremely robust and resistant to abrasion.
They are created to match your neighboring teeth.

Veneers are without a doubt the most popular choice for restoring a smile, but they are also expensive. They are also somewhat more intrusive than bonding since some enamel must be permanently removed to create a way for the veneer shell. Finally, if you grind your teeth, veneers can shatter or fracture, making them more expensive and time-consuming in the future.

Conclusion

While bonding may fix minor concerns such as chipping and discoloration, as well as cure tooth decay, it has limits when compared to veneers. Both bonding and veneers can enhance the appearance of your teeth by changing the shade, shape, alignment, and spacing; however, because both procedures are so similar, it is advisable to discuss your needs and budget with your dentist to receive the best advice on which treatment is ideal for you. Also, keep in mind that several elements such as cost, durability, and materials all influence the sort of restoration you will obtain. Bonding may be useful for lesser forms of therapy, however, veneers or crowns may be more appropriate for bigger restorative instances.

If you’re ready to find out if bonding or veneers are suitable for you, or if you have any concerns about either procedure, please contact Smiles of Memorial to set up an appointment so we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

All About Tooth Whitening Choices

January 4, 2022

Do you want a brighter smile? You have only two choices when it comes to tooth whitening: at-home or in-office bleaching.

Both tooth-whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. Systems at home contain 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide and hydrogen peroxides). Systems in the office contain between 15% and 43% peroxide.

The longer you leave a stronger solution on your tooth, the whiter it will become. The whitening solution should be applied less frequently if it contains a higher percentage of peroxide. The gel should not be left on for too long as it can dry out the tooth and cause tooth sensitivity.

Each option has its pros and cons. However, before you attempt at-home tooth whitening treatment, make sure to consult your dentist. Some people may not see the same results. Bleaching won’t whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored bondings.

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Your dental surgeon can help you whiten your teeth faster. The bleaching solution used by dentists is typically stronger than those found in at-home kits. Heat, light, or a combination thereof, may be used to speed up and intensify the process.

The best results can be found in a few 30- to 60-minute visits to the dentist. Some techniques can be completed in one 2-hour appointment by some dentists. In-office teeth whitening costs vary, but they can be as low as $500 to $1,000.

There are many options for bleaching your teeth at home.

The Most Popular Methods Include:

1. Tooth-whitening strips and gels

These peroxide-based bleaching products can be used once or twice daily for up to 14 days. These results can definitely last up to four months and cost anywhere from $10 to $55.

2. Tray-based Teeth Bleaching Systems

A mouthguard-like tray with peroxide-based bleaching paste or gel is placed over the teeth and left on for up to four consecutive weeks. It can cost anywhere from $150 to $600.

3. Tooth-whitening Toothpaste

All toothpaste helps remove stains from your teeth. However, whitening toothpaste also contains chemicals and polishing agents to remove stains. Tooth whitening kinds of toothpaste can be found for as little as one dollar and will brighten your teeth up to one shade. Although some toothpaste may contain peroxides, they don’t last long enough to provide a noticeable whitening effect.

4. Tooth Whitening Procedure

You can maintain your results, regardless of whether you have your teeth whitened at home or visit a dentist. Avoid acidic and tannin-rich food and drinks such as:

Coffee and black teas
Red and white wine
Sports drinks
Carbonated beverages (dark or light carbonated sodas)
Berries and other strong-colored foods
Sauces (soy, tomato, curries)

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening can be done in a few easy steps. Two types of tooth bleach are used in whitening products: carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These bleaches reduce stains to smaller pieces, making your teeth appear brighter.

Is whitening effective for all teeth?

It is possible to correct discoloration with whiteners, but not all. Yellow teeth may bleach easily, while brown teeth may not react as well. Teeth with gray tones might not bleach at all. Caps, veneers, and crowns, as well as fillings, will not be whitened. If your tooth color is due to medication, or an injury, it won’t work.

Teeth whitening: Why You Should Choose Us

Tooth bleaching can temporarily make your teeth sensitive or uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth. Home kits can cause gum damage, even temporary bleaching if used incorrectly.

Teeth whitening is most effective for those with yellow teeth but less so for those with brown teeth. Tooth bleaching won’t work if your teeth are purple or gray.

Consult your dentist before you decide to use an over-the-counter tooth whitening product.

Teeth whitening is a great option if you want an esthetically appealing smile. Are you looking for the best Houston teeth whitening treatments? Contact Smiles Of Memorial today.

Benefits Of Dental Veneers and Its Procedure

December 21, 2021

Dental veneers are shallow, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials. They can cover the front of teeth and improve their appearance. These shells can be bonded to the teeth’ front, changing their color, size, or length.

Different Types of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can either be made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Resin veneers are more resistant to stains than porcelain veneers. They are also more like natural teeth in light reflection. Your dentist will discuss the best veneer material with you.

What is the Average Cost of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers can be as low as $400 or as expensive as $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers cost from $400 to $1500 per tooth. On the other hand, Porcelain veneers can be as expensive as $925 to $2,500.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can be durable for 10 to 30 years if you take reasonable precautions. Dental veneers can be eaten almost any way you want, but they are not indestructible. Porcelain can crack under extreme pressure.

Why Should You Use Dental Veneers?

Veneers have the most significant benefit of improving your smile. These cosmetic conditions are common uses for dental veneers:

Broken or chipped teeth
It is impossible to fix severe discoloration and uneven coloring with whitening.
Teeth gaps
Teeth that are smaller than average
Pointed or unusually shaped Teeth

Veneers usually last up to ten years, depending on which type you choose. This makes them semipermanent investments that can help you feel more confident with your million-dollar smile.

Why are Dental Veneers So Beneficial?

Veneers have the most significant benefit of improving your smile. These cosmetic conditions are common uses for dental veneers:

Broken or chipped teeth
It is impossible to fix severe discoloration and uneven coloring with whitening.
Teeth gaps
Teeth that are smaller than average
Pointed or unusually shaped Teeth

Veneers usually last up to ten years, depending on which type you choose. This makes them semipermanent investments that can help you feel more confident with your smile.

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Treat?

Veneers are used routinely to fix:

Teeth discolored by:
- Root canal treatment
- Staining from Tetracycline and other drugs
- Fluoride excess
- large resin fillings
- Other causes
Teeth that have become worn down
Chipped or broken teeth
Teeth that are not appropriately aligned, unevenly, or otherwise irregularly shaped (for instance, teeth with craters or bulges)
Gaps between the teeth

Dental Veneer Procedure

A dental veneer is usually completed in three visits to the dentist—one for consultation and two for the fabrication and application of the surfaces. The veneering process can be performed on one tooth or several teeth at once.

Preparation

Your dentist will prepare the tooth’s surface for veneers by reshaping it. This procedure takes approximately the same amount of time as the veneer thickness. You and your dentist can decide if they numb the area or trim off the enamel. Your dentist can then make a model or impression of your tooth. The model is then sent to a dental lab, which will be made into a veneer. The lab usually returns this within 2-4 weeks. In the interim, temporary veneers are available.

Dental Veneer Lifespan

Veneers last for between 7 and 15 years.
We hope you found this blog helpful in understanding the importance of using veneer. Are you looking for the best Houston dentist near you? Call us today to receive top-notch dental care services.

Know The Prominent Benefits Of Using Mouth Guards

December 11, 2021

Mouthguards are protective coverings worn over the teeth that are frequently used to prevent teeth from harm caused by teeth grinding and when participating in sports.

What Are The Types Of Mouthguards Available?

Preformed and ready to wear, stock mouth protectors are available. They are reasonably priced and are available at most sporting goods and retail stores. However, little can be done to improve their fit; they are cumbersome, obstruct respiration and communication, and offer little or no protection. Boil and bite mouth protectors are also available at various sports goods retailers and may provide a more secure fit than standard mouth protectors. The thermoplastic material used to make the “boil and bite” mouthguard is abrasion-resistant. It is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth, where it is molded around the teeth with finger and tongue pressure.

Custom-fitted mouthguards are created and manufactured individually in a dental office or a professional laboratory, following your dentist’s instructions.

Who Requires the Use of a Mouth Guard?

Mouthguards should be worn by everyone, children or adults, who participate in contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, or field hockey. Even people who participate in noncontact sports (such as gymnastics) or recreational activities (such as skateboarding or mountain biking) that offer a risk of mouth injury might benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard.

A nocturnal bite plate or bite splint should be developed to avoid tooth damage in adults and children who grind their teeth at night.

Why Should You Wear a Mouthguard While Participating in Sports?

Because accidents can occur during any physical activity, the benefit of wearing a mouthguard while participating in sports is that it can help reduce the chance of mouth-related injuries to the lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Additionally, mouth guards prevent chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, and even tooth loss.

Is it permissible for me to use a mouthguard if I wear braces?

Yes. Because a facial injury may damage braces or other fixed appliances, a correctly fitted mouthguard may be essential for individuals who wear braces or have fixed bridgework. Your dentist or orthodontist can recommend the mouth guard that best protects your individual dental work. A critical reminder: avoid wearing orthodontic retainers or any other removable appliance when participating in contact sports or leisure activities that place your mouth at risk of harm. Invisalign trays are an exception, as they can frequently be worn during sports, sometimes in conjunction with mouth protection. If you are wearing Invisalign trays and participating in sports, consult your dentist to determine if you should wear them or not and how you should wear them.

Here Are A Few Benefits of Mouthguards

Protect Teeth from Damage

Teeth grinding at night might result in severe dental problems. Additionally, teeth begin to deteriorate. The risk of root canal infection increases when enamel erodes. Further, this results in cavities, pain, and sensitive teeth. A sports guard saves teeth from injury by avoiding teeth clenching during sleeping. It quickly restores worn-down and chipped teeth. Assist in the prevention of tooth and jaw pain

Bruxism can also result in additional jaw pain, migraines, dental pain, and tooth wear and tear. Mouthguards are designed to be worn while sleeping to alleviate any discomfort.

Customized Guards

The dentist allows you to bite down on clay to create a facsimile of your teeth when making bespoke guards. They then submit the mold to a laboratory for analysis.

Additionally, the dentist can alter the thickness of the guard based on the severity of the bruxism. Additionally, doctors ensure that the procedure is comfortable.

Eliminate Headache

Clenching places a great deal of strain on the jaw. Users report varying degrees of jaw pain. This leads to migraines and headaches, making it difficult to continue with their daily routines. However, the use of night guards can help avoid it.

Encourage Sound Sleep

Wearing a guard enables you to sleep peacefully. It eliminates the clenching tension that occurs during sleep. While sleeping, this causes muscles to relax.

We hope that reading this blog has given you an idea about mouthguards. Call us today if you want the Mouth Guard Treatment in Houston, Texas.

Does Water Intake Really Affect Your Oral Health?

November 25, 2021

Most people often fail to realize that drinking an adequate amount of water on a regular basis is important for having a healthy smile. Now having a clear idea about this topic can not just invite dental problems but can also create a prominent barrier between you and an attractive smile. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with a blog that will discuss how water intake can be really good for your gums and teeth.

We recognize how vital hydration is for a healthy mouth at Smiles Of Memorial. Water is always beneficial to your teeth and gums. Drinking water, along with brushing and flossing, is one of the most effective strategies to avoid cavities and gum disease. Simply by drinking water throughout the day, you may prevent plaque formation and protect your tooth enamel. Go through the sections below to know more about it in detail.

Water helps to keep your mouth clean

Drinking water helps to prevent cavities and gum disease by washing away dangerous germs and food debris. Water is beneficial to your teeth because it keeps your mouth clean. Plaque cannot form in a mouth that is clean and moisturized. Plaque, food, and beverages contain acids that can erode your tooth enamel, but drinking water dilutes acids and helps to protect your teeth. A simple glass of water can remove stain-causing residue, eliminate bacteria that cause foul breath, and protect your teeth’ enamel. You’ll have a brighter smile if you drink more water.

Drinking-Water Can Help You Avoid Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which plaque builds up due to a lack of saliva production in the mouth. Saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth and gums. Saliva, like water, sweeps away food particles and kills bacteria that cause cavities. Plaque acid harms teeth and produces lesions that can lead to cavities, yet saliva protects teeth from plaque acid attacks. Minerals in your saliva also help to strengthen and regenerate tooth enamel; your teeth are more vulnerable to damage if you don’t have enough saliva. Keeping your mouth hydrated and stimulating saliva production are two benefits of drinking water.

Water Aids in the Restoration of Tooth Enamel

Another reason that drinking water is helpful for your teeth is that it remineralizes them. The mineral concentration of your tooth enamel is significantly higher than that of your bones. Water enriched with trace minerals and fluoride aids in the restoration and strengthening of your enamel. Minerals and fluoride, on the other hand, are usually exclusively found in tap and mineral water. Filtered and bottled water are frequently deficient in important minerals, whereas distilled and reverse osmosis water are devoid of minerals and fluoride. Ask about scheduling a series of fluoride treatments at your next appointment with Smiles Of Memorial if you prefer filtered or distilled water for its purity.

We hope that you have now understood why drinking an adequate amount of water is necessary for your oral health along with brushing your teeth and executing other steps related to oral hygiene.

In case you are looking for the best dentist in Houston, TX, book an appointment with Smiles Of Memorial. We are here to provide you with handcrafted treatment plans that will specifically suit your needs.

Oral Health and Root Canal Treatment

November 15, 2021

The root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is used to treat and save teeth that have become diseased or decaying. Your dentist will remove the pulp and nerve from your tooth during the root canal operation. After that, the interior component will be cleaned and sealed. If the therapy is not completed, the surrounding tissue around your tooth will become infected, which can lead to the creation of an abscess.

Why is it necessary to remove tooth pulp?

When your tooth’s pulp, or nerve tissue, is destroyed, it rots, allowing germs to develop inside the pulp hollow. Abscessed teeth or infections can be caused by these germs, as well as other decaying fragments. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that generally appears on the skin. It occurs when an infection spreads beyond the base of a tooth.

Aside from abscess, a tooth’s root infection can cause swelling in other areas of the face, head, and neck. It can also induce bone loss at the root’s tip, which might harm your oral health. Furthermore, the infection may cause drainage problems when it ultimately reaches the surface from the root.

What Damages the Nerve and Pulp of a Tooth?

Acute decay, big fillings, numerous dental procedures on a particular tooth, significant physical discomfort to the face, to name a few causes, can infect, inflame, or irritate the tooth’s nerve and pulp.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

The root canal can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases or injuries related to the dental pulp and tooth pulp. The degree of difficulty faced in performing the procedure will determine the type of dentist who will perform it. Your dentist will go over everything with you in detail before the onset of the root canal treatment process.

The first step of the root canal is an examination of your mouth. An X-ray will be obtained to adequately assess the root canal’s morphology. If there is an infection in the jawbone, the analysis will reveal it. Because the nerve is already dead, a local anesthetic may be given to deaden the area to be treated, although it is not required. However, many dentists still employ anesthetics to put their patients at ease throughout the procedure. After that, a rubber dam will be placed entirely around the tooth to keep it dry during the surgery.

The Procedure

After that, your dentist will drill a hole in the tooth to function as an access point. Your tooth’s pulp, which contains bacteria and decaying debris, will subsequently be removed. The sides of the canals will subsequently be scraped with root canal files. The fragments are washed away with sodium hypochlorite or water regularly.

Your dentist will seal the tooth as soon as it has been thoroughly cleaned. In some circumstances, especially when there is an infection, the sealing may not be completed right away. If your root canal is not finished the same day, a temporary filling may be given to the external hole to prevent infection until your next appointment.

The interior section of the tooth will be filled during your next appointment. The filler will consist of gutta-percha, a rubber compound, and a sealer paste. A dental filling will subsequently be used to fill the exterior hole. The placing of restoration is the final stage. This can take the form of a crown or a post to appropriately safeguard the tooth. It will also prevent the tooth from fracturing and restore its full function. If you need additional dental procedures, your dentist will talk to you about them.

Does Root Canal Cause Pain?

The Root Canal procedures don’t make people do through immense pain or discomfort. . Anesthesia is used to make the site of treatment numb so that you do not feel pain.

What To Expect After Root Canal?

Once the surgery is done, you may have some sensitivity for a few days. This is due to the possibility of natural tissue redness, especially if there was illness or pain before your therapy. Your dentist will prescribe drugs to alleviate the pain and sensitivity. If the operation isn’t finished yet, avoid chewing with the restored teeth to avoid recontamination and injury to the delicate tooth.

Are Root Canals Successful?

According to the research, root canal procedures are exceedingly successful with a 90 percent success rate. Teeth that have been repaired with this technique can last a lifetime. To add on, because a repair like a filling or crown will be applied, it will not be visible to bystanders.

Are There Any Root Canal Complications?

A root canal is no exception to the rule that most medical treatments include some level of risk. After your tooth has been cleaned and cemented, there is a chance that new infections will develop. Many things can cause this, including an undiagnosed crack in the tooth’s root, a poor restoration, or the disintegration of the inner sealing substance, to name a few.

What Are The Complications With Root Canal?

Most dental treatment procedures involve some complications, the root canal is no exception. After your tooth has been cleaned and cemented, there is a probability of new infections getting developed. Some of the major causes of this problem include an undiagnosed crack in the tooth’s root, a poor restoration, or the disintegration of the inner sealing substance, etc.

Alternatives of Root Canal

The best alternative is to take proper care of your God-given teeth (if this is possible). Your natural teeth will allow you to eat without restriction, letting you consume the proper nutrition. Another important option is to replace your missing teeth with implants, partial dentures, or bridges to restore chewing function.

Root Canal Prevention

The nerve of your tooth or the pulp can get infected due to various reasons, severe tooth decay is the most prominent one. To keep them protected, you must maintain adequate oral hygiene. Regular dental appointments are also critical since they can help avoid a variety of problems. If you suffer from damage as a result of a sports-related injury, you can also use a mouthguard.

Final Thoughts

We hope that giving this blog a thorough read has helped to get a better understanding of root canal treatment. Call us if you are looking for the best root canal treatment in Houston, TX, and nearby, book an appointment at Smiles Of Memorial. Always remember that our dentist and a team of other dental professionals are here to help you in every possible way. Give us a call today.

6 Tips For A Healthy Smile

October 18, 2021

A healthy smile is the first thing that people notice about others. Hence it is essential to follow a good oral care routine to keep your teeth in good condition. Our dentists at Smiles Of Memorial have provided a checklist that can help you to maintain good dental health. Follow these tips if you want to enjoy a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

A Good Oral Care Routine

It is important to maintain a good dental routine on a regular basis. To begin, brush your teeth twice a day. Brush your teeth gently, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Remember to floss once every day. You can also switch it up with antibacterial mouthwashes. You can consult your Houston dentist if you have more questions about brushing or flossing.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is important for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Drink a lot of water to get rid of harmful toxins from your body. Water also cleans your teeth, lowering your risk of tooth decay. Drink plenty of water if you want to enjoy good oral health.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking is harmful to both your mouth and your body. It weakens your immune system and increases the chances of falling sick. Smoking can also stain your teeth. A quick teeth whitening procedure by your dentist in Houston can get rid of the stains. But if they get permanently bonded to your teeth, then getting rid of them might be difficult. Smoking can also increase your chances of suffering from periodontal disease.

Avoid Beverages That Can Stain

Tea and coffee, which are high in caffeine, can cause tooth discoloration. Similarly, red wine can also stain your teeth. Reduce their consumption if you want to enjoy a sparkling and shiny smile. You can discuss with your Houston dentist about other alternatives.

Balanced Diet

Want a healthy smile? You must maintain a healthy diet. Consume protein and calcium-rich foods. This is one of the simplest methods for improving your smile. Fruits with high acidities, such as oranges and pineapples, should be avoided because they can weaken your teeth’ enamel. Consume fish, yogurt, green vegetables, and other dairy products to keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. You can also consult your dentist in Houston for more information regarding a healthy diet.

Regular Dental Checkups

It is important to visit our dental office regularly to make sure your teeth are in good condition. These routine checkups help to detect early signs of several dental issues and act as a good preventive measure. This will also ensure that your disorder is treated on time and help protect you from further oral health complications.

We hope this blog has helped you to understand how to achieve a healthy smile. Get in touch with us at Smiles Of Memorial and enjoy the best dental care services in Houston, TX.