by Dr. Adkins | Jul 21, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Sometimes you experience symptoms in your mouth that cause you to wonder what’s going on and if you need to see a dentist. If you are thinking you might need root canal treatment, it’s time to see the dentist for an examination. Here are some common signs that you may need this treatment. Keep in mind, however, that you may or may not experience all of these symptoms.
Pain
One indicator that something is wrong is when a tooth causes pain. Sometimes pain may be severe, causing you to rush to the dentist. If the pain is sharp or intense, or even if it is a dull ache that lasts for several days, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Remember that some teeth requiring root canal treatment don’t hurt at all, so regular checkups are important.
Swelling
An obvious sign of infection is swelling. If you notice your jaw or face is swollen, see your dentist. It doesn’t always mean root canal therapy is needed, but the dentist can advise you about the best way to treat the swelling and any infection.
Sensitivity
If you experience sensitivity when you consume anything that is hot or cold, it can be a sign that root canal treatment is necessary. Mild sensitivity can even be a sign, especially if the sensation occurs near a certain tooth each time.
Darkened tooth
Discoloration of a tooth can mean something unwanted is occurring within the tooth’s nerve space. Gray, dark yellow, or black are colors to look for and to consult your dentist if they appear. A tooth may also darken as a result of trauma or decay, so a professional examination is recommended to determine what’s causing the color change.
Gum boil
A gum boil is a lesion resembling a pimple that may appear on your gum tissue. It is often related to an infection inside the soft tissues of your mouth, and a boil results when pus accumulates. The lesion usually is tender and swelling can occur. See your dentist if you develop a gum boil, even if it comes and goes.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 14, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Don’t put off choosing a general dentist until an emergency forces you to seek care from any dentist you can find. A better choice is to select the right dentist for you and your family who meets all your needs and to get established with regular checkups and consistent care.
When searching for a general dentist, here are some guidelines to help you through the process.
Services
Ask what procedures and treatments that the dentist offers. Make sure that the services you’re interested in are provided and that the dentist has experience in performing them. Typical services available through many general dentists include professional cleanings, X-rays, fillings, bonding, root canal treatment, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and more.
Qualifications
Check to see that the dentist has the proper education and training to be practicing, as well as a valid license. Look for a dentist who pursues continuing education in order to maintain the latest and most efficient skills.
Location
You are more likely to keep your appointments if the dental office is located near your home or work. This makes stopping in for checkups easier with less impacts on your busy schedule.
Comfort
Personal comfort is one of the most important aspects of your dental visits. Not only should the office environment be comfortable and appealing, your interactions with the dentist and staff should also make you feel at ease. Look for professionals who listen to what you have to say and address all of your concerns. Nerves are a common part of dental visits for many people, so find a dentist who makes you feel relaxed and more likely to return for care.
Policies
Ask questions about various policies of the dental office such as hours, emergency care, financial responsibilities, insurance plans, and any other policies that might affect you.
If you need a dentist in McDonough, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 14, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Root Canal Dentist in McDonough
If you ask most people, they would rather do just about anything than get a root canal. The truth is root canal therapy actually alleviates pain and restores the health of a damaged tooth. With modern sedation options, patients remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.
To understand how a root canal works, it helps to look at the anatomy of a tooth. Your teeth contain a hard outer shell called enamel, a layer of dentin, and a soft nerve center referred to as pulp. This tissue, made up of nerves and blood vessels, keeps the tooth healthy, ensuring blood flow and providing vital nutrients.
When a tooth experiences severe trauma or develops deep decay, the pulp can sustain damage and die. Often, pressure and infection will build up inside the tooth. To save the tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal, which can be performed in one appointment.
Signs you may need a root canal:
- A lingering toothache
- Blood or pus surrounding the tooth
- Pain during chewing
- Swelling in the gums or nearby tissue
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
For a root canal, the dentist will numb the tooth and then clean out the infection. Next, the doctor will sterilize the inside area and seal off the tooth to prevent future problems. After a root canal, the tooth will usually require a crown for a complete restoration. Most people actually feel better after root canal therapy. In fact, many patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers for mild soreness.
If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | May 18, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Maintaining a healthy, winning smile is easy with the help of general dentistry. People have all kinds of excuses for avoiding dental checkups. Don’t have the time? Advancements in procedures make treatment faster and more efficient, and extended hours allow patients to better fit appointments in their schedules. Too expensive? Many procedures are reasonably priced and most offices offer financial plans. Afraid of the dentist? General dentistry offers options for maintaining patient comfort and minimizing pain.
Once you realize there is no good excuse for skipping dental treatment, you should go for checkups twice a year for optimum care. Prevention is often the key to having the best oral health. Routine checkups identify early warning signs of issues like tooth decay or gum disease, so that problems can be corrected before becoming severe. Thorough examinations, diagnostic tests like X-rays, and regular professional cleanings are all steps to a healthy smile.
General dentists also teach proper hygiene methods so that you can keep your mouth in good shape between checkups. Routine dental care also may prevent harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream and damaging other parts of your body.
If problems are diagnosed when you visit your dentist, various treatments can be performed to restore your oral health. General dentists treat all kinds of issues and typically offer dental fillings, root canal therapy, extractions, bonding, crowns, dentures and more. If there are procedures that you need that your general dentist doesn’t perform or would prefer you visit a specialist for advanced treatment, you’ll be referred to a qualified and experienced doctor.
General dentistry can make the difference between a dull, damaged, unhealthy smile and one that will look nice and function well for the rest of your life. Don’t hesitate in visiting your dentist regularly for optimum oral health.
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