What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is performed on an infected tooth. When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it will likely need a root canal. The pulp is a soft substance inside your tooth, below the enamel. It contains blood vessels and nerves, which is why an infection in the pulp of your tooth can become quite uncomfortable.

During a root canal procedure, our team will start by numbing the area. A sheet is placed over the tooth to protect adjacent teeth and to keep the target tooth clean. A small canal is drilled into the enamel of the tooth and the infected pulp is removed. The area is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that all infected material is gone so that it cannot spread to other areas of your oral cavity.

Once this is complete, the canal is filled with a rubber-like material to protect the nerves of your tooth. A temporary crown is then placed over the repaired tooth. You will then need to return in a few weeks when the permanent crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be cemented into place.

Why Are Root Canals Performed?

The goal of a root canal is to save your natural tooth and relieve discomfort caused by the infection. When your natural tooth is lost, your gums are susceptible to recession and you can lose bone density underneath the tooth. The adjacent teeth are also more likely to suffer from decay and gum disease.

A root canal allows our professionals to preserve the roots and core of your tooth while also placing a crown over the damaged area. The crown allows you to use the tooth without fear of irritating the nerves of it. If you would like to learn more about root canals, contact our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City today.

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

If you are looking to save a tooth that has been severely damaged, you may be discussing dental crowns with us soon. A dental crown is a cap that is placed on top of a damaged tooth. This cap is tooth-shaped and is used to cover, protect and restore the function and appearance of teeth.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are needed to:

• Cap a decayed or damaged tooth

• Protect teeth after a dental implant

• Protect teeth after a root canal treatment

• Hold together a tooth that is cracked

• Hold dental bridges in place

• Improve discolored teeth

Depending on your specific situation, our doctors will suggest a crown material from the following crown types:

• Ceramic

• Porcelain fused to metal

• Porcelain

• Metal

Dental Crown Preparation

We conduct a few steps to assess and trim your tooth for a dental crown. Patients who have deep cavities need to have a root canal treatment performed first. In addition, if there isn’t much of the original tooth left above the gum line, we might use a filler material to build a foundation for the dental crown.

Under normal circumstances, getting a crown requires a minimum of two visits. During the first appointment, we might trim your tooth down so that the dental crown can fit comfortably. A dental impression is then taken for the formation of the crown.

A temporary crown is then fitted on the tooth. Lastly, the dental laboratory uses the impression to make the final crown. At your next appointment, our dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one.

Once the crown is in place, you might experience some sensitivity, which often means that the crown needs further adjustment. Make sure to brush and floss regularly so that your gum line and crown remain healthy and in optimal conditions.

To schedule an appointment with us and benefit from high-quality dental services, contact our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City today!

The Benefits of a Routine Dental Exam

If you want healthy teeth and gums, you should never miss your routine dental examination. We encourage you to mark at least two days in your calendar each year so you can visit us for your routine dental checkup. Even if you believe there is no reason to visit us, you should not skip your visit. Various dental problems begin with little or no signs or symptoms. The sooner we examine your mouth, the quicker we can solve the problem.

Benefits of a Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups not only help avoid any unforeseen dental problems but also help to prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. These are the main causes of tooth decay and cavities. If you skip your dental appointment with us, this could eventually result in something major like a root canal or even a tooth extraction. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting rid of plaque and tartar is almost impossible. This is something our professionals are masters at. This is why you must keep up with your dental appointments at our clinic.

Healthy Gums and Stronger Teeth

Gum diseases are sneaky. It does not take them long to spread and for a long time, you won't even know you have this disease. The only way one can identify gum diseases is when our professionals examine your mouth. Gum diseases can spread quickly and cause dental issues that are hard to treat. If you want your teeth and gum to stay healthy, don't miss your dental appointment.

The dental exam also involves a thorough cleaning which helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This not only reduces the risk of dental problems but also ensures you will not suffer from bad breath. Bacteria in your mouth caused due to plaque and tartar are what causes bad breath. When our professionals clean it regularly you won't have to worry about reaching for a breath mint every time you step into an enclosed space. It's your responsibility to look after your teeth and gums. Make sure you give us a call at our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices to book your routine dental exam.

Oral Health Benefits That Come With Eating Berries

Berries are a delicious, healthy way to add a variety of vitamins and minerals as well as water and fiber to your diet. Many berries are even considered superfoods because they contain powerful antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other medical conditions. But did you know that berries also have important benefits for your oral health?

Polyphenols Prevent Tooth Decay

New research has shown that dark-colored berries such as blueberries and cranberries contain compounds that can protect your teeth from decay-causing bacteria. These natural antioxidant compounds, known as polyphenols, prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to your teeth and gums, thus reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even gum disease. The polyphenols in cranberries specifically are known to linger in our saliva after swallowing, meaning that they continue to be beneficial to our teeth beyond just while we are eating the berries. Researchers have even begun experimenting with extracting polyphenols from dark-colored berries for use in oral health care products. The extracts themselves are sugar-free, meaning that they could be added to products like toothpastes and mouthwashes without introducing any counterintuitive sugar.

Proanthocyandins Can Protect Against Gum Disease

In addition to polyphenols, blueberries also contain other antioxidants known as proanthocyandins, or PACs. Studies have shown that PACs are effective at protecting your teeth from a certain strain of bacteria that is responsible for aggressive forms of gum disease. These antioxidants also protect immune cells in our mouths called oral macrophages, and can decrease inflammation, which is another factor in the development of gum disease.

Adding Berries to Your Diet

Consuming blueberries, cranberries, and other antioxidant-rich berries is beneficial to your oral and overall health. However, it is important to note that like any fruit, berries contain natural sugars that can still be damaging to your teeth in high amounts. If you want to add berries to your diet, try eating them in moderation, as a component of your meals rather than on their own.

Contact our offices in Milwaukie, Oregon City, or our Mobile Dental Clinic to learn more about how you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

We Can Provide You With More Comfort Through Sedation

Sedation is a great option to help our patients be more comfortable during their dental procedures without needing to be under general anesthesia. Sedation provides pain relief and helps you feel more relaxed overall. There are a few different types of sedatives that we can use, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous (IV) sedatives. Our dentist will discuss the best choice for and give you further instructions on preparing for your procedure as well as recovery.

How It Works

The procedures for each type of sedation vary slightly, but they are all quite simple. Nitrous oxide is a gas that acts quickly and wears off very shortly after your procedure. You inhale this gas through a small mask that is placed over your nose. Our dentist will administer this gas before and during the procedure as needed. Oral sedatives are prescription medications that you take before your procedure. Our dentist will give you more specific instructions on taking these, but you usually take them about an hour before the procedure. These may make you feel tired following the procedure. IV sedatives are less common and are much more similar to general anesthesia than the other two types of sedatives. These can also be administered throughout the procedure and may make you tired or groggy.

Self-Care Instructions

Our dentist will explain how each of these sedatives works in detail when you schedule your appointment. Instructions may include avoiding food and drinks for a certain amount of time before and after the procedure, having someone drive you home, and resting upon arriving home. Our dentist will also explain symptoms that you may feel as a result of these sedatives, such as sleepiness. However, these symptoms are all very manageable and wear off relatively shortly following any dental procedure. Call us for more information about sedation.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

How to Manage Dry Mouth if You Have Dentures

While dentures themselves do not cause dry mouth, some people find themselves bereft of saliva when wearing dentures. This can be as a result of breathing through the mouth, not drinking enough water, and being of an age in which saliva is produced less. It can produce some unwanted side effects, such as bad breath and soreness, and so it is best to try and avoid dry mouth where you can.

Techniques to Tackle Dry Mouth

There are several ways to resolve dryness in the mouth, many of which are small habit changes, in order to better accommodate dentures into your lifestyle. Firstly, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol can all increase dryness in the mouth. When there is a lack of saliva between the denture plate and the roof of the mouth, it creates less suction, and can cause rubbing. This makes avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol products one of your best options, or trying and reduce your intake of them can also decrease symptoms significantly.

Another practical idea for tackling dry mouth is to drink water throughout the day. This will lubricate the dentures, and the areas of your mouth in contact with them, ensuring no rubbing, and decreasing the sensation of being parched. Furthermore, sucking on a sugar-free sweet, or chewing on sugar-free gum, can induce the production of saliva, and naturally lubricate the mouth. Using sugary drinks, gum or sweets to prevent dry mouth can be seriously damaging to your teeth and we do not advise their constant use.

If you are having persistent dry mouth, and are unsure what could be causing it, contact us and we can have a look. Diet, breathing habits, medication and illnesses can all cause dry mouth while wearing dentures, so it could be something unrelated to your dentures that is causing the issue.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Things to Pack and Care for Your Teeth While Traveling

When you travel, you also need to extend at-home care away from home. Therefore, you need to know what to include when packing your dental tools or accessories. The following information will give you further insight about dental hygiene while traveling away from home.

What Should Dental Products and Items Should I Pack When Traveling?

The best way to keep everything in one place is to pack dental items and products in a small zippered bag that you can place in your travel bag. Make sure you place the small bag on top so you have easy access. Portability is important when traveling. You can even include single-use brushes or floss, if you prefer, provided you carry enough for the duration of your trip. Make sure you have access to a soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Always carry extras. Don’t rely on the hotel where you stay to provide these types of small accessories. Your dental health is just as important while traveling as it is at home.

Check the Water

When traveling, you will also need to carry bottled water or buy bottled water for your dental care. This is especially true if you are in a place where you have your doubts about using the local water supply. You need to stay hydrated as well as have a source of water for rinsing your mouth when you brush. So, remember this factor when it comes to dental hygiene and care.

Your dental accessories will usually be smaller in size when you travel. By using a one-use brush, you do not have to worry about allowing the brush to dry. You can always use another brush when needed. Knowing these tips will keep your teeth sparkling clean and white during your travels. Also, before you take your trip, schedule a professional cleaning with our offices. Stay on top of your oral care no matter where you go or reside. If you have not had your teeth checked in a while, why not give us a call today? Traveling to one of our offices is another journey you will want to take.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Is the Cause of Most Toothaches Easy to Figure Out?

If you have a toothache, you may conclude that it is due to a cavity or abscess. It may not occur to you that your sinuses may be inflamed and causing you the toothache pain. While many people think the reason for a toothache is due to a cavity, that is not always the case. We need to carefully review your medical and dental history, and review x-rays before we determine a cause. The information below will provide you with further details about diagnosing toothache pain.

Why Do Toothaches Occur?

Some people with deep decay do not experience toothache pain, while others, with more sensitive teeth, may complain about how their tooth hurts. Tooth pain is not always a clear-cut or easy to diagnose. It may result from another underlying health issue, from decay, or from an infection. We need to take x-rays and carefully evaluate the condition before we recommend a treatment.

How Sinusitis Can Lead to a Toothache

The sinuses are large spaces that are located next to the nerves in the gums of the teeth. Therefore, a tooth may hurt because of a sinus infection, which has nothing to do with decay. Therefore, we must determine the real cause of the discomfort to treat the pain properly. Not only do we have to examine a site visually, we also need x-ray imaging to support our findings.

If you are suffering from any type of dental pain, we have the equipment and knowledge to help you get the problem corrected so you can get pain relief. Why not call us today for a consultation? Any type of dental pain should be considered an emergency. Therefore, make it a point to call us to treat your pain today. When you are suffering from any type of dental pain, it is important to contact us immediately. A delay can lead to an infection or a health-threatening medical condition. Now—not later—is always the time to call us to schedule an appointment.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

One Cup of Tea a Day Could Boost Your Oral Health

Although many people start their day with the ritual of drinking coffee, drinking hot tea in the morning is also a common ritual for many. This latter group may be on to something good when it comes to their oral health. It turns out that both black tea and green tea when drunk in moderation can contribute in positive ways to your oral health.

How Can a Daily Cup of Tea Improve My Oral Health?

Both black tea (the type of tea commonly used for iced tea) and green tea are rich in antioxidants, which offer a host of health benefits. One of the most important functions of antioxidants is their ability to counteract the damage from free radicals in the body. Free radicals are dangerous little atoms or groups of atoms that latch onto healthy atoms and causes what is known as oxidative stress in your body’s cells. Antioxidants fight free radicals by promoting healthy cellular growth in your entire body, including your mouth. This helps keep the soft tissues in your mouth healthy and promotes healthy bone tissue in your jawbone.

In addition, antioxidants are important for fighting oral infections and preventing certain oral cancers. Drinking a cup of black or green tea each day also gives you a healthy dose of specific vitamins and minerals that are important in keeping your teeth strong and your mouth healthy overall. These include iron, calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K.

Although drinking a cup of green or black tea daily can provide numerous benefits for your oral health, it’s also important to note that drinking too much black tea on a daily basis can stain your teeth. However, one cup daily of either of these teas certainly offers more pros than cons for both your oral health and your overall health. If you would like to learn more about how different foods and beverages impact your oral health, give our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City a call to schedule your next appointment.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Benefits of Having a Water Flosser for Getting Between Your Teeth

Although daily flossing has been proven effective for fighting tooth decay and gum disease, the vast majority of the population doesn’t floss on a regular basis. Let’s face it. It is not the most exciting task in the world. However, water flossers might be just the devices necessary to motivate even the most resistant flosser.

What Do Water Flossers Do?

If you’re unfamiliar with this technology, a water flosser (aka an oral irrigator) consists of a plastic tube that sprays water around your teeth and along your gum line to blast away food particles that can cause decay. You simply plug it in, turn it on and allow a continuous spray to remove the grime and gunk that accumulates in your mouth.

Do Water Flossers Really Work?

There are detractors in the dental world who claim that water irrigation just cannot compare to the effectiveness of good old-fashioned flossing. However, decades of compiled research show differently. It turns out that water flossers are just as effective as string floss, if not more. In addition, they are a simple alternative that’s quicker and more comfortable than traditional flossing. And you don’t have to stick your fingers in your mouth to boot.

Who Can Benefit from Water Flossing?

Although anyone can benefit from using a water flosser, they are especially effective for certain groups. These include those with fixed orthodontics who find string flossing long and arduous. In addition, water flossing is extra useful for people with certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s or arthritis who find it difficult to handle string floss. Finally, using a water flosser can benefit those who find string flossing too unappealing to keep up a daily flossing habit.

If you’re concerned that you’re not flossing well enough or often enough, maybe it’s time to make the switch to a water flosser. Please contact our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City for recommendations. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Does the Sun Damage Your Teeth Directly?

We all know that UV rays from the sun can be harmful to our body, but how harmful can they be to our dentition? You’ve probably heard some advice flying around the poolside that it’s bad to keep your mouth open while sunbathing, but what’s the science behind such claims? You need to be aware of the effects of sun rays on your dentition to ensure that your teeth are protected as much as your sunscreen-coated skin during a time out by the poolside or patio.

UV rays from the sun can damage cells around your teeth, from your gums to the roof of your mouth. It gets worse when we go cross-country, skiing, or snowboarding for long periods. Studies show that UV exposure can get as high as 80% during such times because we get exposed to direct rays as well as those reflected by the snow and sand. It’s common for people who don’t have proper protective gear on them during such activities to experience a burning sensation in their nose and mouth. Similar symptoms are experienced during sub-par UV-teeth whitening procedures. High-altitude mountaineers suffer the biggest exposure because the concentration of UV increases the higher the elevation.

How Best to Protect Your Teeth from UV Rays

When you’re going on long-winding outings outdoors, shield your face with sunscreen and your lips with anti-UV lip balms that have at least an SPF 15 protection. Make sure you reapply the sunscreen frequently from time to time. Hats can also block out much of the UV rays.

Drinking water helps reduce dehydration, which could exacerbate the burning sensation in your mouth from the UV exposure. Good oral hygiene also helps us always keep our mouths in good condition to assuage the effects of UV exposure.

It’s also imperative to visit our offices in Oregon City or Milwaukie regularly for checkups so our dentists can forestall any oral problems related to UV exposure before they deteriorate to more serious conditions.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Dangers of Being an Open-Mouth Breather

People breathe in different ways. There are open mouth breathers and there are people who breathe through their nose. The important part is that you get oxygen in your body, but the way you breathe can impact you in different ways. An open-mouth breather could cause oral health problems that are better avoided. These are the dangers of breathing through an open mouth.

Mouth Breathing and a Dry Mouth

The biggest problem with mouth breathing is that it can lead to a dry mouth. The saliva glands in your mouth help in many ways. The saliva helps wash away debris and bacteria left on the teeth and gums. It keeps the skin tissue moist and healthy. When you breathe through the mouth, the amount of saliva present will go down. You will lose the benefits of having a moist mouth. When your mouth starts to dry out, more bacteria can grow. You can also develop dry skin and cracked lips that provide more space for bacteria to grow. This puts your entire oral health at risk. You are more prone to tooth decay, gingivitis and cracked or broken teeth when you are a mouth breather.

How to Know and What to Do

The problem is that many people do not realize they are a mouth breather. The most common cause of mouth breathing is clogged sinuses. You are not sable to breathe through your nose, so you breath through your mouth. Some of the signs of mouth breathing include snoring, bad breath, and chronic fatigue.

If you do suffer from mouth breathing, you need to do something about it. Medications that help with nasal congestion can make it easier to breathe through the nose. Strops attached to the nose while you sleep may open the airways. For someone suffering from sleep apnea, appliances that help with this can stop the mouth breathing.

If you notice the signs of mouth breathing, take the time to find out how you can change it before you cause any damage. Call us and schedule an appointment for us to take a look around your mouth.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Common Questions from Our Dental Patients

Our office assists in many different procedures to help ensure your mouth is healthy and happy. We get some common questions throughout the year. Here are the two most common questions that are asked by patients. The answers can give you a bit of leverage when it comes to caring for your teeth and improving the overall quality of oral health you have.

How Often Are Dental Visits Really Necessary?

We often get asked if it is important that you come in and see us at regular intervals. The answer is an overwhelming and resounding yes. We need you to come in two times per year, approximately six months apart. This allows us to keep your teeth clean, spot signs of ill health at their earliest stages, and correct any problems we do find before they turn into bigger problems. It also allows us to compare x-rays regularly, so we can spot early signs of jaw malformations or oral cancer symptoms.

Is There a Preferred Way to Whiten My Teeth Safely?

Another question we get regularly is how to safely whiten their teeth. There isn’t one answer that will work for everyone, but we do have some general rules of thumb we provide. First, if you want your teeth whiter, come see us. Second, if you want to prevent dental stains, avoid foods and beverages that cause staining. Third, we highly advise you to steer clear of drug store whitening products. They do not have as strict of standards, and can lead to issues with your teeth if used improperly. If you have other questions or would like more information, contact us today. We are happy to assist in your oral health care. It is our goal to ensure that you have as healthy of a smile as possible, and are always willing to answer your questions to help you become proactive about your oral health.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334