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A common misconception – Teeth are not alive

A common misconception – Teeth are not alive

People often wonder, “How does a tooth get an infection when it is not alive!” The misconception that teeth are not alive leads to confusion about how teeth become infected. Because we cannot “feel” sensation on a healthy teeth, many people feel teeth are not alive.

The fact is, most of the things which make teeth are actually living cells. Similar to hair and fingernails there is a part on your teeth which is not alive – that part is called “enamel”. It is made of calcium phosphate, a very hard mineral that is perfect for breaking down food when you eat. All of the live action happens underneath that enamel.

Teeth are vital living extensions of your whole self. Teeth are subject to the same metabolic processes that affect other organs of your body. That’s why dentists and doctors can tell much about your health from your teeth, tongue, eyes, fingernails, hair, skin etc.

Like any other organ, teeth have supply of nerves and blood vessels. This blood flow helps teeth grow and mature before they emerges in the mouth.

Bacteria cannot reach those living cells inside the tooth unless teeth is cracked due to injury or decay. In most cases decay creates a pathway for bacteria to enter into the innermost part of the tooth causing infection to living tissues.

When a tooth is fully developed and is in its usual position on the jaw, it doesn’t need nerves and blood vessels to remain functional. That is why a tooth that has had a root canal treatment can remain in a person’s mouth for a lifetime and play its purpose of chewing, eating and speaking. If a tooth undergoes a root canal treatment, it will no longer be alive, but it can still stay in the mouth and remain functional.

Learning about your teeth can be fun, and taking care of your teeth can make a big difference. You have thirty-two little living things in your mouth – make sure you take good care of them!

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Myths about orthodontic treatment

Myths about orthodontic treatment

Having awareness about the treatment that you are looking for yourself or your child is a good thing. However with awareness sometimes you get to know few things which may be myths. So, Corner House Dental Practice tackles some of the most common orthodontics myths:

 

Myth-1: There is no point of having braces for an adult:

Some treatments take more time for an adult than they do for children because adult’s facial bones are no longer growing and certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. While its true that approach to crooked teeth may be different for adults compared to children, but you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment. Moreover a healthy beautiful smile is equally important at the age of 40 as it is at age of 14. Nowadays there are many orthodontic treatment options available for adults. Today’s braces do not draw as much attention of people as you may believe.

Myth-2: The tighter, the better:

Many people insist to orthodontist to keep their braces tight. People believe if braces are too tight they will get their braces off faster! Its true that braces should have certain level of force to move the teeth, but the force level which is too high can certainly damage the bone and surrounding tissues. Orthodontic treatment is an art of maintaining delicate level of force by making sure teeth do not move in the wrong direction and the force does not damage teeth bone and surrounding tissues.

Myth-3: Only braces can straighten my teeth:

Not necessary, with technology advancement its now possible to straighten your teeth without having to wear braces. Products such as Invisalign Clear Aligners are one of the options that offer teeth straightening without having to wear braces. However Invisalign Clear Aligners may not be the best option for fixing bite problems if there are many crooked teeth. Its best to visit Corner House Dental Practice for an initial consultation and let us find-out what kind of treatment option can suit you best.

Myth-4: After removing braces my teeth will stay straight forever:

Getting your teeth straight with the help of braces is just half work done. After removing braces we may recommend you to wear retainers to make sure your teeth stay in place.

Myth-5: Orthodontic treatment is painful:

With the help of technology advancement braces have become far less irritating. Braces do not hurt at all after they are applied to teeth. In some cases patient may feel mild soreness or discomfort, which disappears after few days. Remember, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Myth-6: The length of treatment is guaranteed:

An orthodontist can only do a rough estimation about length of the treatment. At the same time you cannot compare length of treatment with anyone else. This is because there are many factors affecting length of treatment such how your teeth respond to braces, breaking down of braces during the treatment, not brushing well, not coming in for regular appointments, having dense bone etc.

 If you have any unanswered questions about orthodontic treatment talk to our dentist. call us on 01132 665184.

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Myths about Root Canal Treatment

Myths about Root Canal Treatment

If you were recently informed that you need a root canal, chances are the minute you left your dentist’s office, you immediately began scouring the internet for information on this well-known but highly misunderstood dental service. The internet can be a great place to gather helpful information, but it is also plagued by unreliable sources and dangerously inaccurate information that can lead unknowing online researchers astray. The following are common myths and misinformation about root canals and tooth pain that are prevalent online:

Myth 1: Root canal therapy is painful:

There is the stigma root canal is a painful procedure. But, the truth is root canal therapy is performed to relieve pain. Root canals are needed when an untreated cavity spreads to the pulp of your tooth and causes an infection. This is where the pain comes from, not the procedure itself.

Dentist at Corner House Dental Practice will numb the area around the infected tooth where you will hardly feel anything during the procedure. Once complete, the excruciating pain you’ve experience before will disappear, and your tooth will be saved.

Myth 2: Completing a root canal requires several appointments:

Root canal therapy may be completed in one to two appointments. Factors that determine the number of appointments necessary to complete a root canal include:

  • The extent of the infection
  • The difficulty of the root canal

Restoring the tooth after root canal therapy is necessary in order to ensure the tooth functions properly. The appointments necessary to completely restore the tooth, in essence, should not be considered part of the root canal process.

 

Myth 3: A root canal is a costly treatment:

Having a root canal and a dental crown remains less expensive than extracting a tooth and then replacing it with a bridge or a dental implant. Costs vary on how many canals a tooth has, whether it’s the first time the root canal is achieved or retreatment, or who performs the root canal (general dentist or specialist).

Myth 4: The benefits of root canal therapy are temporary:

Results from a root canal are actually long-lasting. They relieve patients’ toothaches and preserve the affected tooth indefinitely. The final restoration or crown is the key to successful results.

Myth 5: A good alternative to root canal is tooth extraction:

Sometimes, to avoid spending extra time and money for a root canal procedure, patients opt for a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, the patient may be unaware that a tooth extraction will eventually create a need for more extensive procedures and costly tooth replacements. After an extraction, the missing tooth should be replaced with restorative dentistry services such as dental implants or bridges, thus requiring more time in the dental chair and treatments that are much more expensive than a simple root canal.

More importantly, root canal treatments conserve more healthy tooth structure. While dental implants and bridges may be durable replacements, healthy, natural teeth will always be stronger and more functional than a prosthetic.

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Teeth Whitening Myths

Teeth Whitening Myths

Myth-1: Teeth Whitening makes teeth sensitive:

After the process of teeth whitening at dental clinic few patients may feel sensation to hot and cold for about a week’s time. The sensation is not permanent and goes away naturally after few days or weeks.

Myth-2: Harms the enamel:
dentist

Teeth whitening treatments performed by a qualified dentist are absolutely safe and do not harm the tooth enamel. However some over-the-counter whitening products can damage enamel if they contain strong chemicals which can damage health of teeth enamel and gums.

Using peroxide to whiten teeth is very effective and safe. It has been used since more than 30 years. During this period many advancements have taken place, making the bleaching gel absolutely safe in terms of change or damage to the structure of teeth.

Myth-3: It is painful:

Teeth Whitening treatment is 100% painless. However if the bleaching agent comes in contact with gums, it may cause discomfort. Gel is applied on gums which act as a barrier and prevents bleaching agent touching the gum.

In exceptional cases some patients may experience a minor ache till few hours after the treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help resolve this discomfort.

Myth-4: It requires multiple visits to the dentist over the months:

With the help of technology your teeth can be brighten up to 8 shades within an hour’s time. Only in some cases where results are not as desired, you may have to undergo for another session of teeth whitening treatment. However in most cases desired results are achieved within an hour’s time.

Myth-5: You won’t have cavities after teeth whitening:

Although the whitening process makes teeth look and feel healthy, bleach doesn’t resolve tooth decay. You will still need to have cavities filled to keep the decay from reaching the inside of your tooth. Your dentist will usually fill the cavities first, and then schedule the whitening appointment.

Myth-6: You don’t need oral care after teeth whitening:

Sorry, but No. Whitening does not disrupt bacteria colonies or remove plaque from your teeth. You must continue brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day to prevent the accumulation of plaque. Your dentist should perform a thorough cleaning session once every six to twelve months.

Myth-7: Results last for decades:

Sadly, not true. Your dental care and type of food and drinks you consume directly influences how long your teeth stay bright. Smoking and age also impact the color of your teeth.

 If you have any unanswered questions talk to our dentist. call us on 01132 665184.

 

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Myths about Baby Teeth

Myths about Baby Teeth

In this blog we have tried to clear misconceptions about a child’s first teeth which are also called primary teeth, milk teeth or baby teeth. Here are few myths about baby teeth that every parent should know:

Myth-1: Cavities in baby teeth do not matter:

If there is decay in baby tooth, it can lead to infection and potentially damage to unerupted permanent tooth. Therefore care of baby tooth is needed to eliminate decay and discomfort to permanent tooth.

Myth-2: There’s no need to brush baby teeth:

Parents should begin brushing teeth as soon as they appear. While it will help prevent tooth decay, at the same time it develops good oral care habits into your child.

Myth-3: Kids don’t need to see a dentist until they are older:

Many parents believe there is no need to see a dentist for their child until there is a problem in tooth or until they grow older. Visiting a dentist early with your child will ensure that your child has a good impression about a dentist in early age. This will not stop your child to visit dentist in future because of dental phobia or fear of a dentist. After first visit your child develops a trusting relationship with the dentist. Parents should bring their children for a first dental visit as soon as the first tooth emerges or when child is 1 year of age.

Myth-4: Baby teeth are not that important:

The front 4 baby teeth can last until 7 years of age, and the back teeth last until 13 years of age. Some people believe because these are not permanent teeth they are not that important. This belief can cause damage to permanent teeth. Baby teeth reserve space for permanent teeth, thereby they help permanent teeth to erupt at correct position. For example, a baby teeth lost too early can lead to crawling of permanent teeth.

 Please do not hesitate to contact Corner House Dental Practice for your unanswered questions about baby teeth. We would love to talk to you about any questions or concerns you might have!

 

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