If a root canal takes out the nerve, why does it hurt after?

This is one of those counterintuitive ones.  Yes, we do remove the nerve (pulp) of the tooth in order to do a root canal.  But that’s not the only thing that has to heal.  Usually the little ligaments (periodontal ligaments) that hold the tooth to the bone and gingiva are inflamed as well as the pulp of the tooth.  When a dentist performs a root canal, often times some of the sealer material or part of the instrument will journey past the end (apex) of the nerve chamber….we’re talking millimeters here folks, after all… and this can cause continued inflammation as well. 

Another common problem is the tooth is working too hard.  If the situation permits, I will always reduce the amount of force (occlusion) that the tooth is receiving from the opposing tooth, while it is healing.  While its not always a possibility, you should always try to rest the tooth as much as possible after a root canal.

So, it is true that sometimes, despite all your and our efforts, things just go wrong.  Roots can fracture and infections can persist even with the best oral care and antibiotic treatment.  If after a period of time, the tooth still feels pain it may be necessary to retreat or reevaluate by either your dentist or a root canal specialist, an endodontist.

Thanks for all your questions and keep them coming.  For appointment information or even general questions regarding your care, feel free to contact us at Toothbrusher’s Dental (405) 789-6935 or info@toothbrushers.com.

What is Recaldent?

Recaldent is the name brand for a compound -   casein phosphopeptides - amorphous calcium phosphate or CP-ACP.  It is developed from casein, part of the protein found in cow's milk, its unique formula helps to strengthen teeth by delivering calcium and phosphate (the building blocks of tooth enamel) to the tooth to remineralize the enamel.   Recaldent can be found in Trident Xtra Care gum and has been proven effective in clinical studies to remineralize areas that are affected by plaque formation.  It is also found in a new product called MI Paste Plus.  We recently starting carrying this topical cream at Toothbrusher’s as adjunct to normal oral care.  MI Paste Plus is effective for people with tooth sensitivity and those who are prone to decay.  For more info you can visit www.recaldent.com or www.mi-paste.com.  Call us at Toothbrusher’s Dental 405 789-6935 to schedule an appointment and we can discuss your oral health and how these new products can help you.

Better Radiographs means Earlier Diagnosis!

We’re so excited to bring the latest in digital x rays to our patients.  The Schick 33 digital sensor has great resolution in a small sensor.  It’s like an HD picture on the screen.  Better resolution means we can diagnose more precisely and earlier than before and here’s the cool part – all of the benefits with less radiation than ever before!  Here’s the way that the Schick company puts it.  

“Gain an unprecedented level of resolution and control over digital images with the new Schick 33.  Featuring the industry’s highest image resolution…it will change the way you see your images  - and your practice.”  

Come in and see that difference for yourself at your next cleaning and checkup.  Contact us at 405 789-6935 to schedule a convenient appointment.

Why every 6 months?

A stitch in time saves nine.  

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  

Choose whatever old bit of wisdom you like, but that’s the principal behind the 6 month recall. It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking that if it doesn't hurt, everything’s okay.  It’s a trap that will leave us disappointed more often than not.  

Usually, if you wait until it hurts or “feels funny”, it can be too late to do small, less invasive procedures.  

My son Roger demonstrates different prevention methods at tee-ball

X-rays are important for the same reason.  They allow me to “see” where I can’t see with my own eyes – in-between the teeth and into the bone surrounding the teeth.  In addition to my physical exam, x-rays allow me to evaluate existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations, bone health, joint health, crowding, spacing, infections, possible cancerous lesions, and even sinus cavities.

This is loads of info I wouldn't have otherwise to try to spot problems BEFORE they are big issues.  The truth is that the 6 month recall is not only essential, but minimum to maintaining the health of your mouth.  In a nutshell, professionally cleaning and examining your teeth at least every 6 months prevents periodontal disease and decay.   

You have sterile instruments, right?

YES!!  With the recent events here in Oklahoma, I thought it would be good to review our infection control methods here at Toothbrusher’s. We use a concept called Universal Precautions.  In short, it kinda means that we assume (even though we know that it isn't true) that every patient has some sort of infectious disease.  This keeps us on our toes with regard to infection control and sterilization.  Let's get into specifics.  

All of our instruments are sterilized after every patient in a steam chamber that is confirmed working by an outside service every month.  Rooms are disinfected with strong, specific cleaners after every patient. We don’t reuse needles or gloves.  It is typical for me to change gloves several times for one patient.  We wash our hands between patients.  We use every precaution to make sure that no surface, instrument, container, or material is cross contaminated between patients. 

I love our sterile office.  Please, please ask me questions about it if you have any.  If you spot anything that looks unclean or possible risk for contamination I want to hear about it.  Really….we really want to hear about it!  Tell anyone of our staff or me personally.  I promise we will either explain what is happening or make it correct immediately!

As always, we are available for questions and appointments at 405 789-6935.

Where do Cavities come from?

This one I get asked a lot.  Usually it comes from a place of frustration than from genuine curiosity.  Regardless, cavities (or caries) are essentially bacterial infections albeit in a specific situation.  There are four contributing factors to decay.  They are as follows (in no particular order):  hygiene, nutrition, time, anatomy.

The first two are the ones you probably already know about.  Brushing your teeth removes bacteria that cause tooth decay (and other mouth problems).  Brushing can’t do it alone because it can’t reach the in-between spaces.  That’s where flossing and mouthwash help too.  Those bacteria that stick to your teeth are powered by carbohydrates (sugars).  That’s the nutrition part.  Avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Simple.  But now let’s discuss the things that you might not think about related to tooth decay.

The anatomy of the tooth itself will drastically affect the bacteria involved.  Some teeth have deep grooves in the top part (occlusal surface) that bacteria can hide in.  if you’re unlucky, some of these grooves are narrower than the bristle of a toothbrush.  That means that you can’t clean them effectively, even when you scrub.  That’s another spot that mouthwash can help.  This is also how sealants can help prevent tooth decay, especially in the molars of children.  Another factor is the state of the enamel of the tooth.  Is there a rough surface?  Then it is much easier for bacteria to adhere and start chiseling away!

The last and most interesting factor, to me, is time.  When you drink a soda, do you sip it over the course of a few hours or do you guzzle it down in seconds?  Surprisingly, the latter is the better method, at least for your teeth.  As you have an acidic or sugary (or both) drink like soda, the pH in your mouth changes to acidic.  Your saliva has to “buffer” that back down to a normal neutral pH.  That takes some time.  Even up to a half an hour sometimes.  That acidic environment is the optimal time for bacteria to work.  They loooove it!  If you sip, your mouth never really recovers that neutral pH.  Advantage: cavities!

Thanks for reading this blog.  As always if you have any questions feel free to ask!  Toothbrusher’s Dental (405) 789-6935.

Wow, Bluetooth Toothbrush?

Yes, it's for real.  At first glance it may seem silly to have a Bluetooth toothbrush, but maybe a little accountability is what we all need to improve our hygiene habits! Check it out below. 

(Source: Beam Brush via GIGAOM)

From heart monitors to cooking thermometers, almost any piece of tech seems to be equipped with Bluetooth and an accompanying smartphone app these days. Now it looks like even the simplest of items can get their own high-tech upgrade, as evidenced by Beam Technologies' upcoming Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush. The Beam Brush will monitor a person's dental hygiene using sensors that sync with an app, which will then track that data and offer incentives to improve their brushing habits.

It may seem odd to equip something as simple as a toothbrush with Bluetooth features, but when the average person spends only 46 seconds out of the dentist-recommended two minutes brushing their teeth, a little technology might go a long way. Sensors in the Beam Brush are activated by contact with the mouth, which syncs with a timer in the app to time how long a user actually spends brushing their teeth. The app will also track this over a period of time, so people can share the results with their dentist and see if they need to improve their habits.

Later versions of the app will detect how long a person scrubs different areas of their mouth as well, and play music while they brush. Beam Technologies is also planning to add some social elements and game-like achievements to reward users for their good dental habits. It should be a useful tool in particular for parents who want to make sure their children are brushing their teeth correctly.

The Beam Brush will hit store shelves in early March, with the base costing US$50 and replacement brush heads costing $3.

(Source: Beam Brush via GIGAOM)