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Happy Halloween from South Charlotte Dentistry

Charcoal Toothpaste, Yes or No?

At South Charlotte Dentistry we are up-to-the-minute on all of the newest toothpaste trends. The latest fad seems to be the popular charcoal toothpaste. Although, you might want to think twice before you jump on this bandwagon. Bloggers and social media public figures are raving about how this black gooey toothpaste will make your smile shine, but what they don’t know is the health risk involved. 

Active charcoal toothpaste has actually been around for years. This reoccurring trend was very popular in the 19^th century and was used as a key ingredient in toothpaste. Especially the DIY homemade toothpaste recipes. 

Despite what everyone is saying, charcoal toothpaste provides very little whitening advantages but rather brings a slew of not-so-great reactions. The American Dental Association informs users that charcoal toothpaste is too harsh on the teeth and will wear away the tooth enamel.  Tooth enamel is the outer most layer of the tooth. It is the shield that protects your teeth and is actually the whitest part of your teeth. Once the enamel is gone, well, it won’t come back. Once the enamel is gone you are left with the next layer. The Dentin is the layer that will be present. This layer is actually a naturally yellowish color. 

If you are looking for a whiter and brighter smile there are a number of things you can do. From simple and healthy toothpaste to in-office whitening treatments, there is a whitening technique for everyone’s budget, level of whitening desire, and time availability. 

To get started, we recommend you started by scheduling and appointment at South Charlotte Dentistry. We can examine your teeth and help you pick which whitening method works best for you. Schedule an appointment by visiting our website or calling our office at 704-759-0908.Also, take a look at why flossing is so important.

Anatomy of Your Tooth - South Charlotte Dentistry

How do I know if I need a Root Canal?

Root Canals are often seen as a scary dental procedure but at South Charlotte Dentistry our dentists make the process gentle and easy. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain, South Charlotte Dentistry can help you figure out what is going on and the best way to treat it. Tooth pain is subjective so the best way to determine if you need a Root Canal is to schedule an appointment with us. The perception of Root Canals is that they are not a great experience, but here are some things you may not know about Root Canals.

                                                             

Symptoms

 Are you experiencing tooth pain and sensitivity? You may think you need a root canal, but you should schedule an appointment with us so we can determine the severity of your pain. Some signs you may need a root canal are:

           

●       Sensitivity and pain throughout the day

●       Pain when exposed to hot or cold liquids

●       Pain when you bite down

●       Tender or swollen gums near sensitive tooth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give South Charlotte Dentistry a call and we can help you figure out the best way to get your teeth pain free.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a process where the tooth’s pulp is removed. A tooth’s pulp is a tissue in the middle of the tooth that is small and thread-like. There are several reasons the pulp of a tooth can be damaged. A cracked tooth leaves the pulp exposed to the bacteria in your mouth which can lead to decay. A deep cavity will also expose the pulp to decay and damage which is why it is important to schedule regular check-ups with us. We want to catch cavities quickly before they damage the root of the tooth. If you hit your tooth too hard it can also damage the root.   Symptoms of damaged roots may not show up right away, the decay of a tooth hit in the past may show up later.  It is important to call us as soon as you experience any of the symptoms mentioned so we can prevent serious infection. If left untreated, pus will build up in your gum and move into your jawline. This kind of infection will destroy bone and cause even more pain.

What is the Process of a Root Canal?

 When you set up an appointment for your tooth pain or sensitivity, the first thing your dentist will do is take X-Rays. After determining the cause of your tooth pain, if you need a root canal your dentist will prepare you for the procedure by numbing the affected area with local anesthesia. In the past, root canals were known for being a very painful procedure but now they are as painless as getting a filling.

Depending on which tooth is causing you pain, the dentist will begin the procedure differently. Root canals typically start with the dentist drilling a hole in your tooth. Generally, if the affected tooth is in the front the hole will be created in the back of the tooth but if a molar is infected then the hole will be in the crown of the tooth. The dentist will then remove the infected pulp from the root. This process is called a pulpectomy. After the infection has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and prepared for a filling. Sometimes, you may need more than one visit and if this is the case a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth. When this temporary filling is removed, the pulp chamber is filled and sealed into place with cement. If you need the extra support sometimes a rod is inserted into the tooth as well. Finally, a crown is placed over the tooth. This gives the tooth its natural shape and appearance.

Why A Root Canal Might Be Your Best Bet!

Choosing to have a root canal comes with many benefits. There are several dental procedures that could be done to relieve the pain of a toothache, but many of these options include removing the entire tooth, having an awkward smile, costly procedures, and more. With a root canal you can:

·         Speak and chew food naturally

·         Have the normal feel of your natural tooth

·         Keep the natural appearance

·         Help protect other teeth

Caring for Your Teeth After a Root Canal

After your root canal, the infected tooth should be healthy for the rest of your life but tooth decay can still occur.. After a root canal, there is no longer any pulp to keep the tooth alive. Teeth that have been treated are more brittle than your other teeth and may fracture easier. In your next check-up, your dentist will take X-Rays again to determine if the root canal successfully removed all the infected tissue.

After your root canal, it is just as important that you practice good dental hygiene. It is recommended that you brush at least twice a day. Bacteria builds up in your mouth and brushing will keep your teeth from getting infected again.  It is just as important to floss. Flossing removes bacteria and plaque stuck between your teeth, which if left alone can cause gum disease and lead to another infected tooth.

Visiting the dentist regularly will also help prevent future tooth disease. If you experience tooth pain and sensitivity again, visiting the dentist regularly means they can catch infection early on before it becomes worse. After a root canal, avoid hard foods; the treated teeth are not as strong as your other teeth. These teeth are at a greater risk of cracking or breaking and causing damage to the filling and the inside of your tooth.

South Charlotte Dentistry wants to help you relieve your tooth pain. Our doctors are dedicated to making your root canals as painless as possible. Don’t listen to old stigmatisms about painful root canals, our office is trained and equipped with the latest technology to ensure a smooth procedure.   Don’t keep living with tooth pain, call 704-759-0908 to schedule your appointment today!