My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
Listen To Your Dentist - Get That Root Canal
Bella Snyder
When you first hear about he concept of a root canal, it can be a little alarming. The dentist is going to do what? Pull out the root of your tooth? It sounds uncomfortable at best, and it is not surprising that so many people are repelled. But truthfully, if the dentist tells you that you need a root canal, you better get one. Otherwise you may put the health of your mouth and your body at risk.
Root Canals Are Sometimes A Necessity
The practice of endodontics, or the treatment of dental pulp, is an important discipline in the field of dentistry through a professional company like Dodson Endodontics. The pulp that resides behind the enamel of your tooth is what keeps the hard surface of your teeth attached to your gums and the bone of your jaw. If it becomes damaged or diseased, it can cause serious complications.
When the pulp is damaged, you are at risk of losing the tooth. This is why your dentist will present you with the option of a root canal – designed to clear out the diseased or damaged pulp, and seal off the canal so that no further infection occurs. Then a crown is placed upon the tooth to keep it in place, so you still have the use of it and retain the cosmetic qualities of having all of your teeth.
There are also health concerns when you fail to treat the damaged pulp. One of the reasons why the dentist wants to perform the root canal procedure is to clear out any current infection, and to prevent any infection in the future.
Failing to eliminate the infection can lead to an abscessed tooth. With an abscess, you develop a pocket filled with pus on the end of your root, which can actually cause a hole to develop in the side of the tooth or the gums so that the pus can drain out.
Infection can also lead to bone loss where the root of the tooth meets the bone. You can also expect swelling as your body attempts to fight the infection, which will be both painful and unsightly.
You can avoid all of these unpleasant outcomes by just getting the root canal. Although they are reputed to be painful, in reality they are often only as painful as a standard filling. Just keep the area clean until the dentist applies the crown, and you should be fine.
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