Tag: gum disease

For those who have a highly diseased tooth, root canal treatment is an effective way to save it. The common dental procedure removes infected pulp from the inside of the root of the affected tooth. The canal is cleaned, filled, and sealed to prevent infection or damage. The tooth is often restored after the root canal treatment so that it can return to full function and normal appearance.  If Dr. Gibbs has recommended a root canal, you may have a few questions.

What is Dental Pulp?

Dental pulp is found in a tooth’s pulp chamber. Pulp is found just under the dentin layer beneath the enamel. The shape of a tooth’s pulp chamber determines the size of a tooth. Pulp is a soft substance composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends out into the root canal of the tooth.

Why does pulp need to be removed?

There can be several reasons why the pulp of a tooth needs to be removed during root canal treatment. When the pulp becomes damaged, it can begin to decay and deteriorate. Over time, this can cause infection and other complications. To restore the tooth’s health, your Glen Ellyn dentist will need to drill out and remove all the pulp in the tooth.

What Damages a Tooth’s Pulp in the First Place?

Pulp can become inflamed, irritated, or infected because of deep decay, large fillings, trauma to the face, cracked or chipped tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged, it can cause a lot of pain. If left untreated, it can worsen and affect the whole tooth or other surrounding teeth. Early root canal treatment can relieve pain, prevent further damage, and save the natural tooth.

What are the signs a root canal is needed?

Sometimes, the signs that indicate you need a root canal are obvious. You may suffer from a severe toothache, or notice a cavity. Other times, it takes the experienced eye of a Glen Ellyn, IL dentist to determine that root canal treatment is needed. Dr. Gibbs can often spot the sign of problems before it escalates. For most people, physical symptoms are not too bad until the problem becomes more advanced. Here are some of the signs you may need root canal therapy:

• Chipped or Cracked Tooth
• Persistent Toothache
• Long-term Sensitivity
• Dark or Discolored Tooth
• Swelling
• Bump on the Gum

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure can require more than one visit to the dental office. Dr.Gibbs will remove the affected tissue or pulp from the tooth. Then, the inside of the tooth is cleaned. Once it is cleaned it will be filled with a dental composite and then sealed. If the tooth has a lot of decay, Dr. Gibbs may recommend a crown to strengthen it and prevent it from breaking.

Will a Root Canal Include the Use of Anesthesia?

Each individual has their own level of pain tolerance. For most root canals, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the tooth being treated. The area should continue to be numb for several hours after the procedure. For patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, other types of sedation dentistry may be offered. Minimal sedation to “take the edge off” may help some patients relax even though they will still be awake for the procedure. In some instances, an oral sedative is given prior to the procedure. Dr. Gibbs will discuss your need for anesthetics.

Root Canal Recovery

The tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days after a root canal treatment, especially if it was infected before the dental procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to manage the discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities the day following the treatment. You may notice the tooth feeling a bit different from your other teeth for a few days. Contact Dr. Gibbs if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Noticeable swelling inside the mouth
• Hives or itching, or other signs of an allergic reaction to medication
• Acute or severe pain
• The return of symptoms that you had before the root canal

Root Canal Outlook

Root canals have a huge success record and with proper dental hygiene, they should provide results that last your lifetime. Dr. Gibbs places a crown on a tooth following the root canal treatment that will provide extra strength and durability for the tooth.

Root Canal Complications

Most of the time, there are no complications from root canal treatment. However, in rare cases, it is possible that they can occur. Here are four rare but possible root canal complications:

1. Infection. If bacteria enter the tooth during the procedure, an infection may occur. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection and in extremely rare cases, the tooth may need to be re-treated.
2. Broken Teeth. If the crown is not placed in a timely manner following a root canal, there is a chance that the tooth could break.
3. Fractured Root. In very rare cases, a root could have small pre-existing cracks that could cause a root to fracture during the procedure.
4. Numbness. If the material was to move outside the placement area, it could cause numbness and inflammation. It’s also possible that the nerve could get bumped, punctured, or bruised during the procedure, although this is not likely.

 Contact Us

If you have any tooth that is bothering you, it’s important to make an appointment right away. Don’t hesitate to contact our offices to schedule an exam. You can also use our online contact form. We will take care of you!

Gum recession is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding teeth begins to draw away from the teeth. This will reveal more of the affected teeth and can make them look longer than usual. Gum recession is a common problem and very treatable. Since it’s a gradual process, sometimes, people are not even aware of it. There are several potential reasons for gums to recede.

Causes of Gum Recession

The primary cause of gum recession is gum disease. About 30% of the population are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Other causes may include:

• Damaging gum tissue by brushing too aggressively
• Tobacco use
• Grinding teeth especially while asleep

Without treatment, the gums can become increasingly inflamed and sensitive. They also become more susceptible to bacteria. Over time, bone structure and supporting tissue degrade. Eventually, the teeth will begin to rot and die.

How will I know if I have receding gums?

It can be difficult to identify gum recession just by looking at your gums. This is why regular dental appointments with your Glen Ellyn dentist is important. However, there are some signs you can look for in between appointments with Dr. Gibbs. Here are some signs of gum recession:

• Longer Looking Teeth – After you brush your teeth, look at them to see if they look any longer than before. This is often the first sign of receding gums. If you notice your teeth looking longer than normal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gibbs as soon as you can.
• Sensitive Teeth – Sudden increased sensitivity in your teeth is a sign of gum recession and other possible dental conditions. It should not be taken lightly.
• Gum Line Notch – If you feel a notch at the gum line where the gum and tooth meet, you may have receding gums.

Can I help prevent gum recession?

There are several treatment options for gum recession. Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist can treat the condition with antibiotics, deep cleaning, regeneration, soft tissue grafts, or pocket depth reduction. But the best treatment is prevention. Here are a few ways you can help prevent gums from receding.

Gentle Teeth Brushing

Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t get them cleaner, and it can cause damage. Aggressive brushing can wear away enamel and contribute to receding gums.

Avoid Tobacco Use

No form of tobacco use is good for your gums or your oral health. Tobacco leaves a sticky residue on teeth and it’s very difficult to remove. When it remains on teeth, it can lead to gum recession. Stopping tobacco use can help eliminate one risk. It can also help reduce your chances of developing oral cancer.

Get Help from Dr. Gibbs for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching is often done in your sleep without you knowing you are even doing it. It usually occurs subconsciously when you are under a lot of stress. It can lead to a lot of dental problems, including gum recession. Dr. Gibbs can help correct teeth grinding.

Ask About Aligners

If your teeth are misaligned, it can put more force on the gums and jawbone. This can make it more likely for your gums to recede. Talk to Dr. Gibbs about clear aligners that can help correct your bite and straighten your teeth. This can help reduce your risk of gum recession.

Avoid Piercings in or Near the Mouth

Piercing your tongue or lip or wearing jewelry near your mouth can cause your gums to become irritated. Over time, irritated gum tissue can begin to wear away and lead to gum recession.

Learn More from Your Glen Ellyn Dentist

Call us today to schedule your exam and to learn more about effective treatment options for gum recession. Dr. Gibbs will be happy to answer any questions you have, and you can schedule an exam anytime to address any concerns. Call us today to make an appointment.

 

 You may be experiencing receding gums if you noticed your teeth look longer. You may also have noticed a receding gum line as gums appear to be pulling back away from your teeth.  If your gums recede, gaps may start to form between the tooth and gum. This creates a pocket that allows bacteria to build up. If a receding gum line is left untreated, gums, teeth, and tissue can become damaged. It’s possible to even lose a tooth. Gum recession is a common dental condition but since it occurs gradually, many people don’t realize it’s happening.

 Symptoms of Receding Gums

Over time, as the gums recede, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Long Teeth – When the gums pull back, the teeth can look longer than normal.
• Exposed Root – When the roots of teeth are exposed, they can become uncomfortable and overly sensitive. Sometimes they are a sign of gum disease, or it can simply be that you’ve been brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush that has hard bristles.
• Loose Teeth – Receding gums can lead to a buildup of bacteria and eventually gum disease. If they are not treated, these pockets can become deeper because they are no longer attached to a solid structure. In severe cases, it’s possible for a tooth to become loose.

What Causes Receding Gums?

There can be many factors that contribute to gum recession. It can also be a combination of factors including one or more of these common symptoms:

• Periodontal Disease – An infection and inflammation of the gums are caused by bacteria that destroy the tissue and bone that are holding teeth in place. Gum disease is the most common reason for gum recession. In its earliest stages, gum disease is often not noticed. It is often first discovered during a routine exam with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist.
• Improper Brushing Technique – Brushing your teeth too hard or too aggressively can wear away enamel. This can cause gums to recede.
• Genetics – Some people are more susceptible to receding gums even if they have good oral care habits. This is because of their genetics.
• Using Tobacco Products – Using tobacco often causes sticky plaque buildup on the teeth. This can cause gums to recede.
• Hormone Imbalances – As the body matures through puberty, and through pregnancy and menopause for women, estrogen levels change. This can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to recede.
• Misaligned Bite or Crooked Teeth – Gums often recede when the teeth can’t come together evenly or there is too much force on the gums.
• Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) – If you grind or clench your teeth, it can put too much force on the gums and cause gum recession.

What Are Some Options for Treatment?

The best treatment option for receding gums will depend on how severe it has become and the cause. Dr. Gibbs offers numerous gum recession solutions and individualized treatment plans. Fluoride treatment and professional cleaning can often be beneficial. In some cases, a gum lift may be an appropriate treatment plan.

When should I see Dr. Gibbs About Gum Recession?

The best care is preventative care. Routine exams help find problems like receding gums before they become too problematic. When dental conditions are discovered early, they are more easily and successfully treated. If you notice your teeth look different or longer; or if your gums seem to be pulling back from your teeth, make an appointment for an exam right away.