Dental Health

Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

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Categories: Dental Health, Endodontics, Root Canals

root canal sedation Reno

This post from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the root canal.

If you find out you need a root canal, don’t panic. When we recommend this procedure, it’s to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth.

Why do people fear root canals? Simple: they have the reputation of being extremely painful. But in most cases, the patient is already in pain because of the damaged or infected tooth. Root canals will eliminate that pain.

And the procedure itself? The area being treated is completely numb from local anesthetics.

Root Canal Therapy

During the root canal procedure, we remove the pulp inside the affected tooth. You may think of a tooth as bone-like, but in reality there is a soft pulp inside. It surrounds the nerves and blood vessels within.

When  this pulp is damaged or infected it leads to a lot of pain, as well as a darkened apperarance. Once we have removed it, the space it leaves is filled and the tooth is sealed. Then it’s covered with a crown, which protects it and gives it a natural look.

Some patients report tenderness or pain in the days immediately after the procedure. But it’s usually minimal, and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, what you may already have in the medicine chest at home.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV a root canal is nothing to fear. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our practice for a full range of general and family dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7119

Dead Or Just Sick?

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Categories: Dental Health, Root Canals

do I need a root canal Reno

Since teeth don’t grow and the enamel is not made of living cells, it’s easy to forget that teeth are alive. But they are, and we’re reminded of this when we have a toothache, or sudden sensitivity to hot or cold food. Like other organs, teeth need a blood supply to stay alive and healthy. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, our job is helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Veins, arteries, lymph vessels and nerves live below the enamel and dentin in the pulp of the tooth. When the blood flow is cut off, the tooth will eventual die. What can cause blood flow issues? Injury, trauma, infection, large fillings, and multiple restorations can impact a tooth’s blood supply.

We can complete root canal therapy to save a dead tooth if required. During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

After a successful root canal the tooth can last many years, but not always. Inadequate oral hygiene, decay, periodontal disease, an undetected crack, abscess, or degradation of root canal sealing materials can all cause a root canal to fail.

If you have any tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, injury, or other painful issues, talk to us about it right away. Keep in mind that sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is important to visit us for regular checkups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we are committed to maintaining the dental health of all our patients. We have done root canal therapy on patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City, who also come to us for complete general and family dentistry services. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6853

5 Reasons To Schedule A Dental Cleaning Today

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

professional dental cleaning Sparks

Are you one of those people who dreads having your teeth cleaned? At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we get it: no one really likes having their teeth and gums poked, prodded, and scraped. But for most people it’s simple and painless, and in the long run it is well worth it!

Here are five really good reasons to schedule your next cleaning:

1. Protect Your Gums

It’s not only cavities that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as bad. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. In serious cases it can lead to tooth loss.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss morning and night, plaque can collect in those hard-to-reach places. Only a professional cleaning can get it all.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation relates this sobering news: oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year.

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, your mouth is a window to your overall health. The link between good dental health and good general health is by now well-established.

5. It Feels Great!

There’s nothing quite like that clean fresh feeling you get after a dental cleaning!

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we offer general and family dentistry. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City trust us with their dental health, and also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7276

Raise Your Dental IQ

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Raise Your Dental IQ

Little things you can do every day can raise your Dental IQ and benefit your smile. One simple lesson from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. The critical thing is the balance of bacteria. This is where brushing and flossing come into play. Brush and floss properly each day and you will have a better chance of keeping the appropriate balance.

Other precautions you can take:

  • Wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!
  • Keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. (Also, close the lid of the toilet before you flush!)
  • Replace that toothbrush. When it comes to your toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. Get a new one every three to four months.

If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can minimize the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we want the best possible dental health for all our patients. We offer complete general and family dentistry, and patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our office for dental implants and much more. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 4529

Have You Thanked Your Dental Assistant Lately?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Virginia City Extreme Smile Makeover

The Reno Dentist in Reno NV would be a very different place if it weren’t for the skilled dental assistants who work here.

In this post, we would like to highlight the importance of these specialists who are often not given the credit they deserve. Dental assistants not only make your dental appointment more pleasant, they make it effective, efficient, and safe.

You, the patient, are prepared for treatment by dental assistants. During care, the assistants speed things along by passing instruments, taking x-rays, holding devices, and recording essential information.

We think most people would agree that anyone who helps shorten their time in the dental chair deserves recognition!

Keeping the dental office clean and sterilizing instruments are other vital duties handled by dental assistants. What would we do without them?

At Reno Dentist in Reno NV we are committed to excellence in dentistry, but we couldn’t do it without our dental assistants. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to us for general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 4690

Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

gentle dentist Reno

For most of us, getting a cavity filled may not be the highlight of the day. But thanks to modern anesthesia, like what we use at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, it’s more an inconvenience than anything else.

Some people, though, are resistant to local anesthesia like lidocaine. That makes something that is usually simple, like filling a cavity, a real challenge: the tooth needs to be fixed, but the level of pain can go off the charts.

The patient may be filled with local anesthesia – but for them, it’s like it’s not even there. A slow response to lidocaine is fairly common, and a second injection usually takes care of it. But sometimes it just doesn’t work.

There has been research into this but no conclusive findings. Some theorize that the tissue in certain people doesn’t absorb anesthesia the way it does in most. Another possibility is that some of us have nerves in slightly different places than in most. But no one knows for sure.

All of this is cold comfort to anyone who who has trouble getting numb for dental work. If this sounds like you or someone close to you, please let us know at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV. We will find a solution. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to us for dental implants, complete general and  family dentistry, and much more. Call today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8085

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Spanish SpringsAre floss picks as good as regular floss? While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we recommend traditional floss or tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. But teeth are rounded, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just won’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional string floss.

By wrapping string floss completely around a tooth, you can clean off plaque far more effectively. We have seen patients who are dutiful floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Flossing, The Right Way

Here is a guide to proper flossing:

  • Cut a segment of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  • Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb. Thread it between two teeth.
  • Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away.
  • Move the floss around to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach.

Some people find it simpler to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch.

If you don’t usually floss, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding should stop within a week or two.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. That means daily flossing and brushing, and a checkup in our office every six months. Patients from all over Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to us for dental implants, complete general and family dentistry, and so much more. Schedule your next appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7340

Helping Reno Love Dental Visits

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Helping Reno Love Dental Visits

No one really enjoys going to the dentist, and at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we understand that. But we want all our patients to have a positive experience when they come in for an appointment, and we’re always willing to go the extra mile for their comfort.

We want to be transparent in all treatment. If you have any questions at all about what we’re doing, or the state of your dental health, do not hesitate to ask! Of course, it isn’t easy to ask a question if there’s a tool in your mouth. We can establish a simple signal, like raising your hand, as we begin. There’s no such thing as a bad question.

Above all, we want you to be comfortable. Our dental chairs tend to be relaxing, but if you want a pillow or blanket, just ask. We need that bright light above the chair, so if we forget to offer you sunglasses or other protective eyeware, remind us!

A typical cleaning and checkup takes an hour or so. Some procedures can take more time. That’s a long time to sit still with your mouth propped open. Feel free to suggest taking a break along the way: for the bathroom, or just to stretch. We’re happy to oblige.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we want to create a positive environment, and for you to have a positive experience. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 3596

Smart Brushing Beats Aggressive Brushing

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Sparks

Most people brush their teeth every day (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush incorrectly, not realizing it may be contributing to oral problems. Here are some smart brushing tips from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV:

One of the most important things to remember is to use a gentle touch when you brush. Brushing too aggressively can actually damage your gums, especially if you’re using a hard-bristle toothbrush.

Other important things to remember:

  • Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub very hard to remove it. Think of it not so much as brushing, but massaging your teeth. With that in mind you should you be able to keep that light, gentle touch.
  • Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops. When you to the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
  • Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure the head of the toothbrush isn’t too big, especially if you have a smaller mouth. It needs to fit easily between your cheeks and gums.
  • Last but not least, brush for at least two minutes. Some people find it useful to use a stopwatch to make sure they brush long enough. There’s an app for that, and you probably already have it on your smart phone.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for general and family dentistry, as well as restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6562

Dental Confidence Or Caution

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Carson City cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Whether you are one of those who goes willingly to the dentist or are hesitant about getting work done, the team at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV wants you to make and keep regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

Regular dental appointments are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For most patients, we recommend a visit to our office every six months. We occasionally need to see a patient more often.

Appointments, Parts 1 & 2

There are two parts to a typical dental appointment: a cleaning and a checkup.

  • During a cleaning, one of our dental hygienists inspects your teeth and gums, and uses special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up. It also includes polishing your teeth, which removes any surface stains. The last step is flossing.
  • During a checkup, the dentist checks your overall dental health. If there are any issues, like a cavity or signs of gum disease, we’ll usually schedule a follow-up appointment. It will be planned for your convenience, of course, but sooner is better.

What you do between your six-month visits is really important. Plaque is contantly forming on the teeth, so we recommend – and we cannot say it strongly enough! – that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Ideally, you’ll do it twice.

You have a lot of toothpaste choices. The flavor is up to you, but be sure to choose one with fluoride.

By seeing us twice a year, and maintaining a good dental health regimen at home, you’ll have confidence that your teeth and gums are in great shape. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we offer complete general and family dentistry. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for dental implants, and much more. If you haven’t already, schedule your next appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 5517