When people ask how long a root canal procedure lasts, they can mean one of two things: First, how long does the root canal procedure itself take, and second, how long until they might need to have the procedure redone? The Root Canal Procedure A root canal procedure is necessary when the pulp at the...
Anyone who has had an involved dental procedure has probably had a local anaesthetic. The most common of these is novocaine. Because dentists use novocaine so often, dental patients have a lot of questions about the drug and its use. It’s about time patients had their own easy-to-follow guide to novocaine. What is Novocaine, Exactly?...
Nearly half of adults over the age of 30 will be told by their dentist at some point that their teeth need a “deep cleaning.” Deep cleaning in this context refers to non-surgical periodontal therapy, more commonly known as scaling and root planing, or SRP. Periodontal scaling and root planing are procedures used to remove...
In an age where mindful consumers are overwhelmed with a wide range of facts, figures and news, many patients are often curious about whether or not dental crowds are toxic, why they are needed and which crowns are best suited for them. Are Dental Crowns Toxic? While concerns of dental toxicity fears are understandable, information...
Consumers face a lot of options in the search for a brighter, whiter smile. It’s no wonder that teeth whitening is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s hard to sort the best treatments from the ones that are a waste of time and money. Many people look for a DIY method to fix dull, yellowed teeth....
The Dental Health Society strongly encourages dental checkups every six months as part of a successful oral health care plan. In addition to keeping teeth clean and healthy, these visits play an even more important role. You may not realize it, but part of a dentist’s typical exam includes checking for signs of oral cancer....
Deep inside the center of every tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. An infection in the pulp chamber can be painful and lead to serious dental issues. What exactly is dental pulp? And how does dental pulp get infected? What is Dental Pulp? Dental pulp is sometimes called the root of the tooth....
Everyone wants a nice smile with bright, white teeth. Many things can stain teeth, but if you smoke, keeping your teeth stain-free is even more of a challenge. Tobacco stains typically go deeper into teeth than the superficial stains of non-smokers. Luckily, there are several options for teeth whitening for smokers. Efforts to whiten teeth...
When cavities can’t be fixed with a typical filling, covering the tooth with a dental crown is often the next step. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including metal, ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or resin. Cost often drives the choice of materials. Patients who choose metal crowns sometimes have concerns...
Most people know, generally, what a dentist does. But what about an endodontist? Less than 3% of dentists go on to become endodontists, so it’s not surprising that many people might not know what they do. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures and other treatments involving the pulp and nerves...