Things You Should Know About Teeth Whitening Products Before You Use Them

Should you discuss teeth whitening in Delaware with your dentist prior to starting the process? The answer, as many of you probably expected, is a resounding yes. While we do believe that the best teeth whitening happens right here in our offices under the supervision of your caring medical professionals, we are also aware that many people are tempted to try a store-bought solution. If you are going to go with an over the counter product to get your teeth whitened, you should still take the time to meet with us and discuss what you are using, get a recommendation, and ensure that your mouth is healthy and ready for this kind of treatment.

Teeth whitening products have been around since as long as anyone can remember. There are stories of people rubbing coal on their teeth to whiten them that go back centuries. People have always been interested in getting that perfect white smile, knowing the confidence it offers and the trust it inspires. Not all products are made the same, however, and knowing what to look for is always a good idea. Scheduling an exam is a good place to start. While you're discussing your ideas on teeth whitening in Delaware with us, we can check your mouth to ensure that it is healthy enough for the treatment.

Way too many people, one in every twenty-five, find themselves in a level of discomfort after using a teeth whitening product. This can range from a mild where you need to take an aspirin to severe where you must see a dentist. The cause of this discomfort varies and, quite frankly, no one has fully figured out why some patients react badly to the bleach. Here is what we do know. If your mouth is unhealthy, it will increase your chances of experiencing irritation, so we will check your mouth for any current infections and any cavities. Cavities or untreated infections, will interact with the bleach and other chemicals in the whitening and cause extreme pain. Even worse they could cause the infection to spread, with some patients needing a root canal to fix this infection. Save yourself the trouble and let us inspect your mouth instead.

Whatever you do, please do not overuse a whitening product. Teeth whitening in Delaware puts a level of trauma on the teeth and gums through the introduction of chemicals. In short doses and for a limited period of time this will have zero adverse effects. However, some people are not satisfied with their teeth color or realize that soon after whitening the teeth start to stain again and begin to use the whitening products as a monthly ritual. They are not a monthly ritual. In fact, like most dentists, we advise only whitening your teeth once every four to six months in order to prevent irritation to the gums. If your store-bought teeth whitening solution is not getting you the effects you desire, it is probably because it is an inferior product and by simply having it done at our office, you will see better results.

Dentist  >  Root Canal Dentist

A Root Canal Dentist Can Treat Your Infected Tooth Nerves

As an experienced root canal dentist, we can treat your infected tooth and tooth nerves. Infections can be extremely painful and caused by lingering bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gum line. Regular teeth cleanings, at least twice a year, can safely remove the bacteria so that you don't develop an infection. If it occurs, you will need an experienced dentist to treat the problem before it spreads and becomes worst.

An infected tooth nerve can be extremely painful. Typically, the infection will start in your tooth. When the soft area of your tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes infected it can cause sensitivity and eventually pain. If it isn't caught in time, the roots running through the center of your tooth can become infected. Bacterial infections are designed to grow so as the infected roots are left in place that infection will spread throughout your root system.  This is extremely painful and places many patients in emergency dental situations. Regular teeth examinations can identify potential infections before they become this painful.

As a Root Canal Dentist, we can treat infected teeth and tooth nerves and make it possible for you to keep your natural tooth, instead of having it removed. In a root canal procedure, we start by removing the dental pulp in the center of your tooth. The area is completely cleaned, and the bacteria are removed. During the procedure, we will be able to identify if the nerves are also infected. If they are, we will remove the nerves completely. Your teeth don't need the nerves once they are fully grown.  They primarily serve to identify heat and cold but those are not critical functions.

When the dental pulp and roots are removed we will inspect the area to see if there is any lingering bacteria, fractures, or canals that need to be cleaned. Once done, we will place the filling in your tooth and may cap it off with a crown. This procedure enables you to keep your natural teeth, and the procedure itself is far less painful than living with an infection.

It is important to watch for signs of a tooth or nerve infection so that you can treat it immediately before experiencing severe pain. Here are some signs you can watch for.

• Your tooth becomes dark. If your tooth becomes darker than normal or gets a dark spot, this is typically a sign of infection.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that won't go away. If your teeth hurt while eating ice cream or drinking hot chocolate, and the pain doesn't go away, this could be a sign of an infection. If your teeth are just naturally sensitive to hot and cold, the pain should stop once the item is removed. 
• Tooth pain when chewing.  If your teeth hurt when you eat, you could have a cavity or an infected tooth.
• Gum swelling. If your gums swell, you could have gum disease or a root infection. Also, watch for a reoccurring pimple on your gums as this is a clear sign of infection.

If you notice, any of these symptoms, call your Root Canal Dentist immediately.  It is better to undergo treatment right away than let the infection spread and the pain worsen.

Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening