When you visit your dental office in Bel Air, MD to receive treatment for a cavity, there are times when your dentist may recommend a root canal . Continue reading to learn more about this commonly performed dental procedure.

Allowing Cavities to Progress

Cavities occur when bacteria cause damage to the surface of a tooth and begin to penetrate the enamel. When left untreated, a dental cavity can become severe enough that bacteria can make their way into the tooth. Once a tooth becomes infected, the tissues inside can become inflamed. The swelling can cause the individual a great deal of discomfort which is frequently what leads them to see a dentist for treatment. In addition to cavities, cracked and broken teeth can also be vulnerable to infection.

Examining the Tooth

Once a tooth is infected, parts of it can become damaged and, in some cases, the swelling prevents proper blood flow to the tooth which can kill the tissues inside. When you visit your dental office for a toothache, your dentist will examine your mouth, and he may also take X-rays of the painful tooth to get a better look at the extent of the damage. Depending on how big the cavity is or what damage the infection has caused, your dentist may tell you that you need a root canal.

Performing the Root Canal

Root canals are safe procedures that are frequently performed in dentistry, and they can provide patients with relief from the pain that they are experiencing while avoiding the need to extract the tooth. First, your dentist will numb the area. Next, he will drill a hole into the tooth to remove the infected tissues inside. Then, he will treat the infection, clean out the tooth, and fill the canal with a special type of tooth filling material. Finally, your dentist will use a filling or a crown to seal the tooth and restore its dental function. The site may feel tender for a few days, but patients usually feel much better following their root canal procedure and can enjoy restored function of their tooth.

Children should have their first visit to a dental office once a tooth comes in or before their first birthday to allow dentists to check the growth and development of their teeth. This initial visit is important because, as soon as her first tooth appears, it can develop a dental cavity. When you are scheduling the appointment with a pediatric dentist in Bel Air, MD, try to select a time when your child tends to be more cooperative. For many children, morning appointments work best.

On the day of her appointment, provide her with a light meal, but avoid giving her snacks in the waiting room, as this can make the examination more difficult since she is likely to have food on her teeth. Finally, if you have dental insurance, contact your provider to ensure that your child is included in the plan before her pediatric dentist appointment.

If you’re like most people, then you dislike hearing that you have a dental cavity when you visit your dental office in Bel Air, MD for a check-up. Luckily, preventing the need for tooth fillings and other restorative procedures can be as simple as practicing good oral hygiene.

At home, dental care begins with keeping your teeth clean. To do this, use a toothbrush that has soft or medium-strength bristles, and switch to a new toothbrush once every 3 months. Brush your teeth twice per day for a full 2 minutes using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Also, floss your teeth at least once per day, ideally before bed, to help dislodge any food that may be stuck between your teeth.

In addition to keeping up with brushing and flossing, scheduling regular dentist visits is also an important part of dental care. See your dentist twice per year for check-ups and cleanings to help keep your teeth free of stains and tartar and to catch small problems before they have a chance to grow into bigger ones.

A lifetime of proper dental health starts when your teeth first grow in, and there are steps that you should take along the way. When you have children, you become responsible for your kids’ oral health and must make regular visits to the pediatric dentist in Bel Air, MD. If your kids’ dentist determines that your child suffers from malocclusions or other developmental issues, he or she might recommend orthodontic treatment. The quick and efficient discovery through evaluation can lead to timely treatment . Take a look ahead to learn about the dental care benefits that come along with early orthodontic evaluations.

Top dental health in childhood paves the way for excellent oral health throughout the rest of your life. By taking your child to see the pediatric dentist for an orthodontic evaluation, you set your kids up for success. The early use of orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign can correct a serious problem early on, preventing it from becoming worse over time and causing additional complications. Your son or daughter can then move on from orthodontic treatment and enjoy a lifetime of proper dental health as well as the confidence boost that comes from a beautiful, healthy smile.