Myths about Root Canal ---Debunked

Myths about Root Canal ---Debunked

The idiom I’d rather have a root canal, comes to mind when people talk about worst case scenarios. This is because root canals were very painful. The operative word here being were. 

There are many more false beliefs about a root canal treatment, wherein we will clear up with this article.

Photo from google

Myth #1: Root canals are painful.

Before a patient can know that he needs a root canal procedure, the severe toothache caused by the damaged tissues is the most the agony he will have to experience. With modern technology on dental practices and anaesthetics, patients will experience little pain when having the root canal procedure done. Now, with advances in cosmetic dental surgery, a root canal may feel like a regular dental filling procedure.  A root canal treatment, with the best dentist, can be as painless as possible.

In fact, having an inflamed and decaying tooth will hurt even more than the actual root canal treatment itself.

Myth #2: Root canals need more visit to the dental clinic

Root canal treatment may be completed in two and even just one appointment to the dental office. There are certain factors that will determine how many dental appointments you would need to make. They are the extent of the infection, the complexity of the treatment, and whether another dentist will be necessary.

Photo from google

Myth #3: Root canal can make the patients ill

Almost a century ago, Dr. Westin Price explained that endodontic or root canal treatment can add towards the incidence of diseases in the body. Dr. Price went on saying that tooth extraction, or the removal of one’s tooth is a better alternative.

There is no valid evidence which leads root canal treatments as a contributor to illnesses in the body. There is a recent research that debunks this, as patients who have multiple endodontic treatments have a higher chance of reducing oral cancer.

Tooth extraction is in fact even more bacteria causing and is even traumatic than a root canal. Root canals are safe as the treatment has been intended to eliminate bacteria from the infected tooth, avert repeated infections, and save one’s natural tooth.

Myth #4: A tooth extraction is better than a root canal

Keeping your own tooth is always the best option. This is why a root canal treatment has been recommended rather than a tooth extraction.

Once you have your tooth removed, you will need an artificial tooth, either a dental crown or a dental bridge. With the artificial tooth, there may be certain foods you cannot eat. So, saving your pearly whites and natural tooth has always been the better option.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

What is Root Canal

Millions of tooth have been saved with root canal. Root canal is a dental treatment wherein a decaying or infected tooth will be overhauled and repaired.

A root canal treatment is recommended when the nerve of your tooth becomes inflamed or damaged.

Endo Steps (photo from google)

Other root canal symptoms include discoloration of the tooth, prolonged sensitivity to pain, and swelling of nearby gums. Another sign that you will need root canal is when you chew there is a severe ache in a particular tooth, and there is a persistent pimple on your gums.

Once the dentist diagnosed that you do need root canal, prepare yourself for some time in the dental chair.  Don’t worry about the pain. Even though common belief pegs root canal treatment as painful, the pain you are experiencing before you sit on that fateful dental chair hurts more than the treatment itself.  Modern technology has allowed this dental procedure to be painless, and it will feel like a normal dental filling procedure.

The term root canal come from the procedure itself where in canals of your tooth’s root will be cleaned. 

After cleaning your teeth, the root canal procedure will begin.  The nerve and pulp of a tooth will be removed. The pulp is a soft tissue found under the dentin, which is the hard layer and white enamel of your tooth. The pulp needs to be removed as bacteria will multiply within its chamber.  If not treated, the swelling may extend to other tooth and even to the other parts of the face, neck, and head. What more, bone loss and a tooth hole may occur.

An endodontist operating on his patient. (photo from wikipedia)

The root canal procedure does not end there. Afterwards, your tooth will be disinfected and cleaned.  Then the tooth undergoing root canal treatment will be filled and sealed with gutta-percha, a rubber like material.

After the root canal procedure, the restored tooth will be like your other tooth.  You can chew with it, you can chomp off an apple, and eat whatever. Root canal cost depends on the severity of your tooth problem. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Support for Oral Cancer Patients

Patients often feel a sense of relief after beginning treatment. At last you are doing it, battling the cancer cells in your body. Here are some notes on how you can cope better.

Shove away all the negativity. Some say that 100 per cent intentions create a hundred per cent result. This is your life, and your life is priceless. This on-going battle with cancer you have right now is the way that you will prove this.  Be able to laugh at yourself, and see the (black) humor of your condition.

Statistics show that about more than 43,000 Americans have been diagnosed with oral cancer. Within a year about 81 per cent of those who has had oral cancer treatment have survived. This is a large number, and where would you think would you fare? Always believe that you are part of this large chunk of first year survivors.

Photo from google

Take it one day at a time. Being completely cancer free is a journey.  It does not happen in an instant wherein with one treatment of oral cancer you will be healed already. This is a self-transformational journey that will challenge and measure your strength.  Take it one day at a time. The results you have now may not make you satisfied, but in another day, another week, or another month the results may be staggeringly successful. Commit yourself to have that fighting spirit as you reach the end of your goal being cancer free.

Prepare yourself for post treatment check-ups. Follow-up treatment for oral cancer is important. Even when the cancer is removed, there might be a chance for the disease to recur. Patients who have had oral cancer have a high chance of having developing cancer in their head and neck. Dental checkups will help ensure that your body has responded well with the treatment that you chose. Let your doctor inspect your mouth regularly and continue on visiting the dental office.

Choose the right medical team. Make sure that your Dentist and his comrades of other medical professionals know how you feel about your illness. Choose a doctor who communicates well and can answer whatever question you may have.

Find the right dental team (photo from google)

Talk about it. Talk to people who matter to you.  Talk to people who you know will listen to you with all their heart. Talk to a counsellor, a clergy man, your family and your friends. There are also support groups found online. Letting it all out may make it easier. This is the kind of support that oral cancer patients need.

If you are a family member or a friend of someone who has been diagnosed with oral cancer remember that there are no set rules for your support. The best thing you can give is yourself. Prepare yourself by arming yourself with knowledge about oral cancer. Make flexible plans for the future, ask permission from the patient, and be humorous about everything.  Also remember that you and the patient has shared wonderful moments that are not related to cancer, best to recall these and other hobbies. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

6 Types of Oral Cancer

In 2011, more than 13,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with oral cancer. This is a rough estimate from the American Cancer Society.

Oral Cancer begins in the gums, tongue, the floor of the mouth, and lips. Note however that there are many types of oral cancer, knowing which one you are diagnosed with will help greatly in your oral cancer treatment and action plan.

Photo from google

Below are the types of oral cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma.  More than 90% of oral cancer conditions begin in the oral cavity and oropharynx; these often develop to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that progresses in the outer layer of the skin.  There are tissues on your mouth and throat that are lined with abnormal cells in a scale like way.

Verrucous carcinoma.  Another form of squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma is where the cancer cells form an oral cavity tumor. The good thing with verrucous carcinoma is that it seldom spreads to other parts of your body, however it attacks the tissue where it all began making the tumor bigger.

Minor salivary gland carcinomas. There are three common types of major salivary glands on each side of your face.  The parotid gland, found in front of your ears, is where about 7 out of 10 tumors begin. The submandibular gland, found below the jaw, gives smaller tumors. The most frequent type of minor salivary gland cancer originates in the sublingual gland, which is found under the floor of your mouth. Often there are salivary glands that are too minute to the bare eye that is why a lab test maybe needed.

Lymphomas.  This type of oral cancer grows within the lymph tissue. The cancer cells distresses white blood cells called lymphocytes. Be wary, as this type of cancer affects your immune system; as the lymphatic system is part of our immune system.

Leukoplakia and erythroplakia. These are non-cancerous conditions where in abnormal cells may be found in your mouth or throat. These are often a warning sign of cancer and can turn serious. These conditions develop into a different type of cancer. Best to have a biopsy or tests to establish if the cells are indeed cancerous. Twenty five percent of leukoplakia are precancerous while 70% of erythroplakia have been deemed as cancerous.

Benign oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors.  A benign tumor is non-cancerous as it is unable to attack neighbouring cells and tissues. With a surgery the tumor may be removed, however, there may be benigh lesions. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Treatment for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is diagnosed during your visit to the dental clinic.

Your dentist might see sores or discolored tissue in your oral cavity and mouth. She will then check on the roof of your mouth, back of throat and inspect for irregular tissue changes or lumps in your neck and head.

If the dentist sees some symptoms or oral cancer, allow her to perform an oral brush biopsy. This is a painless exam wherein the dentist will take a small sample of the discolored tissue. This sample will be analysed if there are any abnormalities. Remember that cancer is instigated by uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells.  Make sure to have your regular check-up to the dental office scheduled for early detection of mouth cancer. When detected early, there is a high chance of recovery from oral cancer.

If you do have mouth cancer, the dentist will then examine the stage or extent of the cancer. Laboratory tests may be required.  Prepare for an endoscopy, where in a tube will be inserted through your nose or mouth to check on the throat, windpipe, and lungs. You will then find out how big the tumor is and where the abnormal cells have spread in your mouth and body.

Apart from the endoscopy, oral cancer prognosis may also call for dental x-ray, chest x-ray, CT scan, and a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Your general dentist may refer you to a specialist. There is a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, medical and radiation oncologists are some of the kinds of doctors your dentist will tell you about. Your dentist may also refer a plastic surgeon. Be prepared for some surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Before starting treatment, some opt to obtain a second opinion. This is so they are 100% secure that they do have oral cancer and that the oral cancer treatment plan is best. Treatment will be based on the size of the tumor, the place in your mouth where the cancer began, and up to where the cancer has spread.

You may opt for a surgery. This is common practice wherein the tumor will be removed. There are times when your surgeon may also take away lymph nodes, and even other tissues in your mouth and neck. Those who opt for a surgery may or may not avail of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy targets cells in a certain area. This may be used for patients with small tumors or those who cannot have surgery. It may also be beneficial before a surgery as this may kill cancer cells and minimize the size of the tumor.

A common treatment for cancer, chemotherapy may also be expended for oral cancer. Chemo is often given in injections, and seldom is the need for hospitalization.

Learn as much as you could about mouth cancer. Oral cancer treatment includes knowledge about the disease you are battling. However, you need not ask every question at once. You are learning about the disease, and it is best that you understand this through careful responses from your doctors.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Signs of Oral Cancer

Cancer has been defined as a disease with out of control cell growth.  When you have oral cancer, this means that there is out of control cell growth in a part of your mouth.

Oral Cancer not only affects your mouth, but it also includes lips, tongue, cheek, sinuses and pharynx.

The American Dental Association lists symptoms of mouth cancer. If ever you feel any of the following for more than two weeks, be warned that this is an oral cancer sign.

Photo from google

Oral Cancer signs

·         Leukoplakia or erythroplakia or having white or red patch in your mouth

·         Having a lump or thickening of the oral soft tissues

·         Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

·         Swelling that affects the teeth and dentures

·         Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

·         Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue

·         Excessive sore throat

·         Hoarseness or change in voice

·         Continuous sores on mouth, face, and even neck

Oral Cancer by the Numbers

Oral cancer means that there is out of control cell growth in a part of your mouth. Want to know more about Oral Cancer, we list down eight important oral cancer statistics.

·         One out of 92 adults will be diagnosed to have the disease.

·         39,000 Americans suffer from oral cancer each year.

·         81% of oral cancer patients, whatever stage of oral cavity, survive during the first year.

·         While a big 56% for five year survival year rate, and 41% for ten years.

·         Men are most likely to be affected, as oral cancer strikes more than 2 times in men than women.

·         The risk of getting mouth cancer increases as you turn 42

·         The median age of oral cancer diagnosis is 62 years old

      8,000 people die because of oral cancer

Your routine visit to the dental clinic will check if you have any lumps in your mouth. If anything is irregular, let your dentist perform an oral brush biopsy.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Five Home Remedies for Gum Disease

Swollen red gums is a sign of periodontal disease. After setting an appointment with your dentist and waiting for the red letter day, here are gum disease treatment at home that you can try.

Reduce Stress.  There is a connection with your stress levels and gum health. If you are under stress, your immune system weakens making it hard to fight off bacteria. What more, research suggests that worrying about your finances can make you more vulnerable to gum disease.

Reduce Stress (photo from google)

Sea Salt Solution.  A pinch or two of salt in your cup of warm water is good for your gum infection.  Salt water helps lessen swollen gums. Gargle the solution in your mouth for thirty seconds, and then spit out.  Repeat for several times.

Seasalt (photo from google)

Sweet for you. Honey is an antibacterial agent that will work for your gum infection. Rub the honey in the infected area. Make sure that you only place it on you gums and not on your teeth.

Honey (photo from google)

Garlic for your gums. Garlic is not only a vampire repeller, it is also a pain killer. Crush a few cloves of garlic, add a pinch of salt and rub into the infected area, and make presto treatment for gum disease.

Garlic (photo from google)

Tea adds glee. After sipping on your afternoon tea, use the teabags for your gums.  Tea is a gum disease cure as it contains tannic acid, which is set to ease gum infection.

Teabag (photo from google)

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Dental Care Tips for your Baby

Now, just because your baby has only a couple of tooth showing, doesn’t mean you should leave these baby teeth alone. We list down some ways on how you can practice good family dental care for your little one.

Watch the bottle. Check for baby bottle decay. This is when sugar containing liquids, like milk and juice, tarnish your baby’s teeth causing cavities. Before nap time, make sure that your baby has his fill of water or even a pacifier to prevent this. You may also try wiping your baby’s gums before napping and after feeding for some basic home pediatric dentistry.

photo from google

High in fluoride. We all know that fluoride strengthens our teeth. This is why your baby needs fluoride as his or her teeth are just forming. One source of fluoride is water. Check on your pediatrics dentistry if your infant may need supplements.

First toothbrush. When your baby’s first tooth appears, proud parents can now start brushing that lonesome tooth. Make sure to choose one that has a soft brush and small head. For the toothpaste, non-fluoride toothpaste is recommended; introduce a fluoride filled paste when your baby is two.

     photo from google 

Good dental care starts from your baby’s conception. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mommies, as it causes tooth discoloration. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Unease on that Gum Disease

Many adults often sway away good dental hygiene, thus giving them not only a tooth ache but a gum disease as well.

What causes gum disease?

Our gums or gingiva are tissues that cover the teeth.

If you do not brush your teeth properly, or forget to floss, food debris will build up with bacteria and other particles in your mouth. This creates plaque, and if not removed plaque will harden to become tartar.

photo from google 

Signs of Gum Disease

Most adults aged between 30 to 40 are most susceptible to periodontal disease.

However if you are not within this age bracket, don’t feel secure just yet. Our gums are commonly firm and pale pink in color, if you have red or swollen gums, then best schedule an appointment to the dental clinic.

Signs of gum disease include persistent bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, bleeding or swollen gums.

photo from google

Treatment for Gum Disease

There are two basic types of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. For you to cure gum disease it is best to first control the infection.  Before treating gum disease, first recognize what type of periodontal disease you have, gingivitis the mild form or periodontitis which affects your gums and bones. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Be Wary of Periodontitis

If you have red swollen gums or gingivitis, and paid it no heed, then be wary as the bone underneath your gums may be inflamed. This is called periodontitis, a serious gum infection.

photo from google

Gums are normally firm and pink in color. You will know that you have periodontal disease if your gums are red and bleed easily.

The inner layer of the gum and bone yank away from the teeth forming periodontal pockets. These pockets can turn to a rest stop for food debris, making your gums more infected.  Your body’s immune system starts to fight the bacteria and plaque buildup, in turn the tissues that hold your tooth in place starts to break down.

If left untreated, the periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, heart attack, stroke and other critical illnesses.

photo from google

The dentist may recommend a non-surgical procedure such as root planing and antibiotics. However, if your periodontal disease has advanced, you now have to opt for surgical treatments such as periodontal pocket reduction, tissue and bone grafting, enamel matrix derivative application, among others. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com