Root canals are a scary prospect for most people. Even without knowing exactly what occurs during a root canal, most people have the connotation of a very painful dental procedure. But perhaps knowing is half the battle. For many people, understanding the step-by-step procedure might help them relax and realize that root canals are not as scary when they know what to expect.

The first thing you should know about your root canal is that you will be numb. The Bloomfield dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure you have no feeling around the affected area. If you have never had these shots, they are tiny pinches that are mostly uncomfortable more than painful. If the idea of the numbing shots is enough to get you rattled, the Bloomfield dentist will offer you nitrous oxide to help you relax. It is just as important to him or her that you are at ease.

Once the area is numb, a rubber dental dam will be placed over your mouth to prevent saliva from touching the affected tooth. This is also placed here to protect your mouth from the dental tools that will be used. Once everything is prepared, the Bloomfield dentist will begin by drilling a hole into your tooth (remember, you WILL be numb!). This will give him access to the nerve and a part of the tooth called the pulp chamber. The nerve will be removed, along with any other affected tissue, before the root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for the temporary filling. The permanent filling will be performed during another appointment. The Bloomfield dentist may apply medication to prevent an infection, and if the tooth is already infected, you may be prescribed antibiotics.

After the filling and possible medication, you’re done! At least for this visit. You will need to return and have the temporary filling removed and switched out for permanent material. The Bloomfield dentist will place a crown over the tooth to restore function and also to give the tooth proper structure and a natural appearance.

Now, that doesn’t sound that bad, does it?

Receding gums is a condition that sometimes creeps up on you over time. This dental condition can occur because of age, but it can also happen when extreme brushing takes place. If you have receding gums or want to try and prevent this from happening to you, here are some tips and information about what causes this dental issue.

Receding gums are often noticeable because your teeth will appear longer than they did before. Another indication may be your sensitivity to cold and hot food and liquid, mostly because part of your tooth’s nerve is exposed. Dental professionals say receding gums can be a result of slow changes of the gingival, abnormally tilted teeth, or a stronger-than-usual band of mouth muscles that are attached to the gingival. This muscle’s contraction generates a constant pull, which can create receding gums. Last but not least, overly aggressive brushing can also wear down the gum lines.

In addition to longer-looking teeth and perhaps an unattractive smile, receding gums can also lead to having food stuck in the roots of your teeth. This will lead to quicker decay and possibly bad breath if the food isn’t removed.

It is important to receive dental care if you have receding gums. Treatments of this condition range from scaling, root planning and graft surgeries. If you have to have a graft surgery, typically your Bloomfield dentist will remove healthy tissue from another section of your mouth and cover the exposed area with this tissue.

Schedule an appointment with your dental care professional today and find out how you can prevent or treat receding gums.

We have all heard of root canals, but what exactly are they? What kind of dental issues necessitate a root canal?

When a tooth becomes seriously decayed or has suffered a traumatic injury and is in danger of being lost, a root canal is the best solution to save the tooth. It might sound like an easier solution to just have the tooth pulled, but this can cause further dental problems. Losing a tooth can cause other teeth to shift and can even cause gum disease. So unfortunately, the best solution is to have a root canal, as scary as that sounds.

If the decay has created a deep cavity, the pulp of your tooth could become exposed to saliva, which can cause an infection. If the infection worsens, an abscess may form. This type of decay causes the tooth to die, which affects the surrounding tissue. As the tissue becomes infected, pus will begin to accumulate around the root. This infection will eventually seep into the bone. Having a root canal will stop the tooth from being completely lost.

A dental root canal is a commonplace procedure, but it will take more than one visit to complete. During the first visit your tooth will be numbed, drilled, cleaned and shaped. A temporary filling will be inserted until the next visit. Once the tooth is filled with permanent filling, a crown will be placed over top. This procedure should protect your tooth for the rest of your life, given you engage in proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.

Anyone who has ever been interested in whitening his or her teeth knows there are over a dozen whitening products out there. From dental whitening strips to gels, there are many choices available, but only professional dental whitening has the lasting and high-quality effects you’re looking for!

New to the dental scene is Zoom! This whitening application is quicker, simpler and much more convenient than the typical store-bought products that can take up to 14 days to achieve a fraction of the results you desire. When you get Zoom! whitening treatments, the results are immediate and will be very noticeable.

Your Bloomfield dentist will begin by preparing your mouth for the Zoom! procedure. After your lips and gums have been isolated, a dental technician will apply the Zoom! whitening gel to your teeth. Afterwards a specially designed light will activate the chemicals in the gel to whiten your teeth. After a short time, the procedure is over and you’re left with a smile that is six-to-ten times whiter! Dental professionals say the whitening process may even continue for a few days after the in-office procedure.

In order to maintain your beautiful, whiter smile, Bloomfield dentists recommend using custom-designed gel trays. Your Bloomfield dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order for a gel tray to be designed just for you. The Zoom! whitening gel is placed in the dental tray and can be worn overnight or for just a few hours each day. This process needs to be completed daily for three to four weeks in order to achieve optimal results. Once you have achieved your desired shade, continue with the trays once every few months.

Zoom! offers exceptional whitening results without the inconvenience of typical store-bought products. Contact your Bloomfield dentist today and ask about how you can get a whiter, brighter smile with the help of Zoom!

Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, also known as TMJ, is a common dental complaint among Americans. The symptoms are usually headaches, toothaches, sore jaw, vision problems and hearing impairments. Typically you know if you have TMJ, but what is causing this jaw disorder?

The causes of TMJ are varied, but most people who have it usually also experience large amounts of stress. Females between the ages of 20 and 50 are statistically proven to have a higher risk for developing TMJ Disorder. Other factors that can contribute to the dysfunction are teeth grinding, gum chewing, nail biting, sleeping on one side of your face or yawning widely. Accidents or any trauma to your head or mouth area could also lead to the development of TMJ Disorder.

It is important to consider your stress level if you suffer from TMJ. Experiencing stress can cause excess muscle tension in your jaw, and not only does this affect your jaw, but it can also have a negative effect on all aspects of your life.

When it comes to treating TMJ, there is no single solution that is right for everyone. Your dentist may recommend replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting your bite, filling gaps in between teeth or removing wisdom teeth. Plastic dental bite guards are also often used to prevent clenching or grinding that might be contributing to the TMJ Disorder. If left untreated, your dentist may have to recommend surgery to repair a badly damaged joint.

Don’t let TMJ ruin your teeth, joints or sleep. Call your dentist today if you are one of millions of Americans who suffer from TMJ Disorder.

Does your smile give you a reason to hide behind your hands in embarrassment? Do you lack confidence in yourself because you are unhappy with your teeth or smile? It might be time to consider cosmetic Bloomfield dentistry.

Cosmetic Bloomfield dentistry is the art of improving or fixing any imperfection of the mouth, whether it is discolored teeth, alignment issues, spacing problems, broken or chipped teeth, misshapen teeth or other dental issues. Most people report an increased sense of confidence once they have received cosmetic Bloomfield dentistry to correct their smiles. This confidence can also overflow into other areas of your life, allowing you to see things more optimistically and feel better about yourself.

A beautiful smile can be achieved through such dental procedures such as whitening, smile design, contouring the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding and ceramic/porcelain crowns. Cosmetic Bloomfield dentistry is often simple and affordable and payment options can be discussed with your Bloomfield dentist.

If you’re tired of hiding your smile away from the world, schedule an appointment with your Bloomfield dentist to discuss your cosmetic Bloomfield dentistry options.

Dental experts report more than 10 million Americans suffer from Temporal Manibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ. Most people begin to notice the effects if they have difficulties with chewing, talking or smiling and often wake up with a sore jaw or headache.

TMJ occurs because the person tenses his or her jaw bones, creating an incredible amount of pressure. This pressure can wear down the teeth and cause soreness in the mandibular bone, or lower jaw. The cause of this pressure can be varied, but it is usually linked to stress or a misalignment of teeth. In some cases TMJ can also be a result of trauma that has occurred to the jaw or mouth.

TMJ can cause problems not only for your teeth and joint, but it can also damage the cartilage that serves as a buffer between the two bones affected by TMJ. If the damage continues without treatment, surgery may be required to fix the jaw.

If you have TMJ, you more than likely experience one or more of the following:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
• Migraine headaches

If you believe you suffer from TMJ, it is important to talk with your Bloomfield Dentist about a suitable treatment.

Providing fundamental teeth cleaning is one of the most important services your Michigan Dentist can provide. Without habitual dental cleanings, you become at high risk for gum disease and periodontitis, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in individuals over the age of 40 and can lead to more serious health issues.

So what can you expect during an average cleaning? The process is actually quite simple and painless. First the dental hygienist will employ an ultrasonic instrument which uses high-speed vibrations to break up pieces of tartar while spraying a fine mist of water to wash away the debris. Once the larger pieces have been eliminated, he or she will use scalers and curettes that have been specifically designed to fit the curves of your teeth in order to scrape away the smaller remaining plaque and tartar build-up. Once the surfaces of your teeth have been cleaned, the dental hygienist will use a polisher and prophylaxis paste to give your teeth a sparkly, smooth finish. In order to keep your teeth resistant to destructive bacteria in between visits, you will receive a fluoride treatment. A flavored foam or gel is placed inside a tray that fits over your teeth. After 30 seconds, you can spit out the fluoride. The fluoride provides you with a solid barricade that will keep your teeth resilient and fight off harmful germs.

In most cases, a dental cleaning lasts from 30-45 minutes and needs to be repeated every six months. If you haven’t received this very important service, call your local Michigan Dentist today and schedule an appointment.

The idea of having to get dentures can be very unsettling for most people, especially if they are not sure how their eating and speaking will be changed by the new fixtures. However, your dentist will be happy to ease your worries. Dentures aren’t nearly as scary as they seem.

Most people are forced to get fitted for dentures because of missing teeth, excessive tooth decay or extreme bone loss. Your dentist will let you know your options and should you need dentures, explain the different varieties of dentures there are from which to choose. Regardless of the type you choose, all dentures serve one common purpose: provide your mouth with structure by supporting your remaining teeth so you can eat and chew as you always have.

Most recipients of dentures are older people who have experienced bone loss around the roots of their teeth. According to dental experts, this is the major cause for dentures. If the gaps in between teeth are left unfilled, the remaining teeth will begin to shift and may also experience decay due to hygiene neglect.

There is no reason to be ashamed of having dentures. If you feel it is time to consider this option, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist and find out what your options are.

If you have chipped, cracked, uneven or discolored teeth, you may be an ideal candidate for dental bonding. This dental procedure can also be used to alter a tooth’s alignment, close gaps in between the teeth or to remedy other cosmetic issues. Dentists will also often perform dental bonding on those patients who have experienced damage due to tooth decay.

Dental bonding uses layers of resin to make the tooth complete again. Your dentist will being by roughening the tooth’s surface in order to create small crevices in the enamel that will make it easier for the resin to adhere. Afterwards, a gel and primer will be applied to the tooth’s surface. These will help the resin stick to the tooth, much like glue.

After the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will use a special light to harden each layer of resin that has been brushed on, taking about a few minutes for each layer. When the last layer is applied and allowed to dry, the dentist will sculpt the bonding material to fit your tooth so it appears and feels natural. This is followed by polishing, which will give your tooth a shiny appearance.

Your bonding experience should not last more than one to two hours. If you think bonding is right for your cosmetic dentistry needs, call your local dentist today.