Now that my root canal is complete do I really need a crown?

Dr. Kehler Says:

“I always recommend doing it. Statistically back teeth with root canals that do not get crowns do not last as long. The kind of cracks that causes you to lose the tooth are fractures and are cumulative. You don’t see or feel them until the tooth is past the point of saving and needs to be extracted. We recommend a crown to be placed within the first year for this reason. Our Practice is about prevention, but it’s also about making an educated decision, so here is why we recommend getting a tooth crowned after a root canal procedure:”

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). Root canal treatment involves the complete removal of the nerve and the living tissue found in the tooth. In order for the dentists to access the pulp cavity of the tooth, they have to remove a reasonable amount of the tooth substance. This results in a weaker tooth structure. The tooth is more vulnerable to breaking when under pressure.

It is also important to know that teeth requiring this type of treatment have also already lost a lot of their structural integrity. People usually require root canal treatment because of the loss of a great amount of the structure of the tooth to decay or any other catastrophe. The tooth’s structure has therefore already undergone compromise by the time the patient comes in for treatment.

The CDA (Canadian Dental Association) often recommend placing the crown on top of a posterior tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. The crown acts as reinforcement to the tooth and it will prevent the tooth from cracking, acting like a helmet.

A dental crown covers the entire exposed surface of the tooth. Placing of the crown need not be on the tooth immediately following the root canal. Delay in placing the dental crown depends on the recommendations of your dentist. It is however important to ensure placement of the crown as soon as possible where the damage to the tooth was extensive.

If you have any questions or concerns please call our office!

Recipes

A few snacks that are good and good for you & your teeth.

Almond Cookies with Xylitol

Have you heard of Xylitol yet? Do you have a sweet tooth?? Do you want a sweet treat but don’t the negative effects of sugar? Try using xylitol for the sweetener instead. Xylitol has been shown to be an anti-cariogenic meaning it doesn’t cause cavities, but yet looks and tastes like sugar. And the best part, it’s all natural, derived from plant material like trees!

**Xylitol sweetener can be purchased at your local grocery store. Super Store sells the Brand Xyla for about $10

Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut oil

1½ cups xylitol

2 free range eggs

1 teaspoon organic maple extract

1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

2 teaspoons organic almond extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

A handful of whole organic almonds

Instructions:

Cream coconut oil and xylitol together, then add eggs and beat well. Beat in extracts. Combine dry ingredients in larger bowl and slowly add the creamed mixture. Make tablespoon balls and place two inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. For an added tasty nutritious touch, press an almond into the center of each cookie. Try a salted almond for a sweet and savory treat!

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes and place on wire racks until cool. Share with family and friends and share the xylitol secret… maybe don’t share the secret with your children or they will be gone before you can say… anti-cariogenic!

Cheese in a blanket

This is a quick healthy snack for you children’s lunch box, a family picnic, sporting events or even to fight hunger right before bed time! Eating cheese can prevent tooth decay because it counteracts the acid in the mouth. The higher the pH level (the more alkaline) on the surface of teeth, the more teeth are protected against dental erosion. Acid erosion can cause cavities which can lead to dental treatment. Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cheese stick – can use a cheese string or you can slice your own.

1 slice ham or turkey – We like the natural selection available at your local grocery store.

1 leaf of washed lettuce

1 teaspoon FRENCH’S® Super Classic Yellow Mustard (sugar free)

Instructions:

Wrap cheese stick in one slice of ham or turkey followed by one leaf of lettuce. Dip into mustard (or any other sugar free dip) and enjoy!

…because teeth have feelings too.

Dental Sealants

Your dentist discussed placing dental sealants on your child’s teeth.

What are they and how do they help?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface, in the pits and grooves on back teeth where decay happens most often. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from most surfaces of teeth, but often the bristles of a toothbrush are not able to clean all the way into the deep grooves. A child tends to brush faster and not a thorough, there for leaving more areas dirty, giving them a chance to decay. Dental sealants protect by “sealing” these grooves allowing it be easier to keep clean from food and plaque. It is for this reason that many dentists will suggest applying sealants especially on young children.   Sealants are quite easy for your dentist or their staff to apply. The teeth get cleaned thoroughly with a paste and then a pre-wash solution. Then a flowable plastic get painted onto your tooth enamel where it bonds with your teeth and hardens with help of a special curing light. As long as the sealant remains undamaged, it will protect your teeth from decay, and the best part sealants can last for up to 10 years. Dental sealants are a fast, easy, pain free process that can help prevent future problems or dental work.

Routine check-ups and cleaning with help the Dentist and the dental staff, they will monitor the sealants. Checking that everything is still in good shape and there is no wear and tear. And if there is, it’s a simple process to repeat.

If you are interested in dental sealants, or have any questions give us a call!

… Because teeth have feelings to.

Everybody has been talking about the news report that came out recently stating flossing is unnecessary. These reports say that there is no evidence proving that flossing has to be part of our daily routine. So is it really required or is flossing just a tale told by dentists and their staff.

We still recommend daily flossing in order to practice your best oral hygiene. The Canadian Dental Association continues to believe flossing is an important part of our oral hygiene practice. Flossing can remove plaque and food that brushing cannot get. This helps in the reduction of gum disease and cavities. Stopping flossing will just put you at risk for poor oral health. There are many different flossing methods you can choose from to make flossing more convenient and enjoyable. You can use regular floss, a water flosser, a floss pick, a pre-threaded flosser with a handle, interdental brushes or other options. It is important to check with your dentist before choosing an alternative flossing option to ensure you know how to use it. Flossing in some cases can cause damage if not done properly.

Flossing can be done either before or after your brush, just remember it is not something you do only when food gets stuck in your teeth. Although flossing with help remove the food that is not its only purpose. Flossing is necessary to remove plaque buildup from in between your teeth and down under the gums. Not flossing will allow this build up to sit on your teeth until you go to your dentist for a deep cleaning. Over time, plaque and tartar can cause major damage to your teeth, bone and gums. It is important to remove debris and buildup daily through thorough flossing.

Here are some tips to help you with flossing.

• Use 18-20 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle fingers on each hand
• Grasp the string tightly between your thumb and forefinger, and use a see-saw motion to guide it between the teeth.   
• When the floss reaches the gum line, form a C to follow the shape of the tooth. The floss is supposed to disappear beneath the gum line. Your tooth has a natural pocket that needs to be cleaned as well.
• Hold the strand firmly against the tooth, and move it gently up and down still creating the C formation.  
• Repeat with the other tooth next to it, and then repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth. Even your very back teeth, the back surface needs to be cleaned too!      
• Use fresh sections of floss as you go.

If the standard way of flossing is difficult for you remember your dentist will help find a way that is more suited for you.

We hope that this helped debunk the myth that flossing is unnecessary. We also hope that we taught you a few of our secrets to help you maximize flossing in your oral hygiene routine!

…. Because teeth have feelings too.

5 Signs you should see your Dentist today!

Intense Toothache

One of the biggest signs that you should visit the dentist is when you have an unbearable pain in your mouth. The pain could be many things … possibility of an abscess, decay inside of a tooth, periodontal problems or even wisdom tooth discomfort. In all of these cases, it’s best to get the issue treated as soon as possible. In fact, you shouldn’t wait until the pain is really bad—go to your dentist as soon as you feel any sensation of pain in one or more of your teeth to try and fix things before they get any worse.

 Headache

Most people don’t associate headaches with oral care but the two can be very closely related. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, especially in the morning, and experiencing muscle pain in your jaw, you might be involuntarily grinding your teeth in the night. Your dentist can provide you with a night guard which should help alleviate your chronic headaches, help you get better sleep, and help you and your teeth have a long and healthy life.

 Bleeding When You Brush

Gum disease is a condition that is common, but it’s not a healthy condition. Gingivitis or gum inflammation when left untreated can turn in to periodontitis gum disease. Periodontists is a disease that has irreversible effects such as loosening or loss of teeth due to bone loss.  However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In the early stage of gingivitis, the red puffy gums and the bleeding can be reversed before any permanent damage is done. Regular flossing and brushing as well regular checkups and cleanings will help monitor if there is a problem or would help diagnose and reverse the problem.

Bad Breath

Bad Breath can be a sign of Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles as well as plaque remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums causing gingivitis; red puffy, bleeding gums. Your tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors, so regularly scrubbing your tongue with a tooth brush will wash away any unwanted bacteria, food or smell. If you have Partial or full dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or don’t fit properly this can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles, dirty dentures can also lead to infections of the mouth, tooth decay or mouth sores. If you feel like you have bad breath, book an appointment with a dentist and hygienist. They can help find the root of the bad breath and teach you tips and even book you in for regular maintenance at your dental office.

 You Haven’t Seen a Dentist in Over a Year

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you see a dentist at least once per year. After the initial visit the Dentist or Hygienist will determine how often you should be visiting the dentist office. Not everybody requires the same dental care routine. With the knowledge to perform proper home care and keeping up with your continuing dental care schedule, you will have the help to achieve optimal results!  If it’s been over a year and you haven’t seen a dentist, now is the time!

 Call today to book your appointment at Lynnwood Centre Dental!

…. Because teeth have feelings too.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

 Good news! Dogs are not as prone to cavities as us. But, dogs can still develop problems like tartar and plaque buildup and even gingivitis. Without proper care and attention dental problems can lead to life threatening infections and issues with the heart, liver and kidney disease.

Here is some tips and trick to help your dog have clean teeth and a healthy mouth, therefore extending your puppy’s life!

How to brush your dog’s teeth

The best brush to use is double-headed canine brush that has the bristles at a 45 degree angle to clean the teeth and gums. The goal is the same as humans, brush to get below the gum line and brush the crowns of the teeth to remove plaque, food and buildup.

Your dog may not be the biggest fan of the tooth brush at first, but hopefully you can find a way to make the experience more pleasant for both you and puppy. Choose a time when your dog has had a lots ofexercise, after a run or a day at doggy daycare. He’ll be more relaxed and might sit still for the duration of the brushing. Don’t try and force pup the first few times… start slowly and quit if your dog gets frustrated and restless – even if you don’t finish the whole mouth. You can increase the time every day as he gets used to it. Also, make sure to speak nice and calmly during the brushing and always reward your dog with a treat afterwards. Before too long, he will associate brushing his teeth with a treat and will be more inclined to get it done!

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

Older dogs may have a harder time learning to be comfortable with a toothbrush in or around its mouth. Older dogs may have habits or characteristics that might be harder to break. Starting early with your puppy will set you and your dog up for success!

 Doggie Toothpaste?

Do NOT use regular human toothpaste for your dog!! Human toothpaste is toxic for your puppy. Your local pet store will have special tooth paste for dogs that have fun flavors to make it more fun for Fido!

Throw me a bone!

There are many bones and chews and toys that are specifically aimed to strengthen and clean your dog’s gums and teeth. Always make sure you are picking safe objects for your dog to chew on!

When to see a veterinarian

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association states whether you brush your dog’s teeth or not, you should have a look inside his mouth every week or so. If you notice any of these signs then take your dog to the vet:

• Bad breath                                                                
• Change in eating or dog chewing habits
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Depression                                                    
• Excessive drooling
• Misaligned or missing teeth
• Discolored, broken, missing or crooked teeth
• Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums
• Yellowish-brown tartar crust along the gum line
• Bumps or growths within the mouthEven with healthy teeth, just like you, your dog should have his teeth checked by a professional every six to twelve months. Your vet should include a dental examination with a normal checkup, but ask for it if they don’t.

Keep your dog’s mouth clean, and you’ll both be smiling!

…Because dog teeth have feelings too