Dental Health

Your Mouth Pain Might Be Pulpitis. Call Us ASAP!

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

emergency dental clinic Reno

Some men and women hate going to the dentist.  They only seek treatment when the pain is unbearable. At The Reno Dentist we advise, strongly, regular checkups, which can prevent most issues.

There are many causes of mouth pain. Some are more serious than others. If the pain is caused by pulpitis, you need urgent care treatment immediately.

What is Pulpitis?

The “itis” suffix is a clue. It means “inflammation of.”

Inflammation is an immune response. Your body couldn’t heal infections or lacerations if it didn’t trigger an inflammatory response.

What causes inflammation of the tooth pulp?

The pulp of the tooth is comprised of nerves, blood vessels, and the tissues that hold everything together.

  • Tooth decay or trauma can bring about an infection.
  • Repetitive impact, like tooth grinding (bruxism) can cause pulpitis—even though there is no bacterial infection.
  • A cracked or chipped tooth may trigger or aggravate pulpitis.

It usually hurts like crazy.

Serious cases of pulpitis can lead to tooth loss, so take nothing for granted. Come see us at The Reno Dentist. Our services include emergency dentistry. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for general and family dentistry, and much more. 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 8220

How Tooth Grinding Can Damage Your Smile

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

tooth grinding treatment RenoTeeth grinding is common in people of all ages. Known formally as bruxism, it is when a person involuntarily clenches their jaw or rubs their teeth together. It can happen during the day, or during sleep. No matter the cause, tooth grinding can be painful and damaging to your smile. We can treat it at The Reno Dentist.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding

  • It can bring about loose teeth
  • It can cause physical pain in the teeth or face
    • Headaches
    • Jaw pain
    • Ear pain
    • Tooth pain
  • It can chip teeth
  • It can wear down enamel
  • It can cause problems with the alignment of the bite

Tips/Ways to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

  • Wear a mouthguard to bed
  • Botox (injections of Botox into the jaw muscles can prevent the muscles from contracting in some men and women)
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy
  • Stress relief exercises
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Avoid alcohol

People with bruxism are often unaware of it, but we’ll see the signs during a checkup at The Reno Dentist. We’ve treated people in Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City, who also come to us for general and family dentistry, dental implants, and much more. 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 8365

Can a Toothache Kill You?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Root Canals

can a toothache kill you? Reno

A word of advice from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV: never ignore a toothache. What may seem at first like a minor irritant can turn into an urgent problem.

Can a toothache kill you?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s explain.

The cause of a toothache could lead to a dangerous chain of events that could eventually kill you. Just a few hundred years ago, “teeth” were reported as a common cause of death.

Why would that be? A toothache may be associated with an oral infection. An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body. Your body may develop sepsis trying to resist the infection. Sepsis can kill you.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV root canal therapy is the treatment for an infected tooth. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our office for general and family dentistry. 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 8289

What’s New In Dentistry?

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Categories: Beautiful Smile, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Advanced Dentistry in RenoThe world of dentistry continues to advance at a rapid pace. If you have visited The Reno Dentist in Reno NV lately, you have probably noticed some things that make your visit more comfortable, such as the ability to watch TV or listen to music while receiving treatment.

What may not be as obvious are the advances in techniques, tools and materials. We now use digital computer imaging which is safer than traditional x-rays. Dental technicians can store, retrieve and transmit digital images much easier than was possible with traditional x-ray film.

The use of lasers has also changed the face of dentistry. Laser surgery requires less anesthesia, minimizes swelling, and protects surrounding tissue. Sparks family dentists use lasers for detecting and treating cavities and dental technicians use them for the curing of restorative materials.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for general and family dentistry, and complete cosmetic dentistry services. Call to schedule 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 1270

What Does Your Saliva Reveal?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dentist Reno

Saliva is an important part of good oral health. Without an adequate flow, you’d find it very difficult to chew and swallow. If you have a problem with dry mouth, let us know at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Saliva is produced by several glands in and around the mouth, and it is mostly water. No surprise there! Aside from chewing and keeping your mouth moist, saliva fights germs in your mouth and helps prevent bad breath.

Sometimes people have a reduced flow of saliva, a condition known as xerostomia (pronounced zero-STO-me-uh). It’s a common side effect of certain medications, and can lead to discomfort and swelling.

Many commonly-used medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antihistamines
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Certain blood pressure medicine
  • Antidepressants
  • Certain pain medication

Dry mouth can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, so if these symptoms sound familiar to you, let us know.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we keep a close watch on the oral health of our patients. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to us for general and family dentistry, headache relief, and much more. Call us to 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 6797

When Should My Child Visit The Reno Dentist?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

When Should My Child Visit Our Dentist?

Many parents wonder when the time is right for their child to see us at The Reno Dentist for the first time.

What does the ADA say?

The American Dental Association recommends that kids visit the dentist around their first birthday – a little earlier than some parents might guess.

Early visits help to ensure that children are getting every advantage when in comes to oral health.

When do I start brushing my child’s teeth?

When your child gets that first tooth, it is time to brush. Parents should use non-fluoride toothpaste until the child is two years old. Then, use only a tiny dab. Young children often swallow toothpaste while brushing. If a child ingests too much fluoride, teeth can become stained.

Prevent dental anxiety

It’s also important that kids are comfortable at the dentist office. If they don’t visit a dentist until they have a dental problem that is causing pain, they are more likely to associate the dentist with pain and fear. Just as well child check-ups, dental exams and cleanings should be routine or every child.

What does the dentist do at the check-up if my child doesn’t have a cavity?

The goal is to make sure your child never gets a cavity. In these early visits, we usually clean the child’s teeth, apply fluoride, and assess any that may be present, such as baby bottle tooth decay.

When your child gets their rear molars, we can discuss dental sealants. These are one of the best ways to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free.

At The Reno Dentist we attach a great deal of importance to early dental care. Parents from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City trust their smiles to our general and family dentistry, and cosmetic 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 4186

Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

lip piercings Reno

In this post from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we’ll get right to the point. While tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are popular and even commonplace, there are lots of reasons to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears. Here are five really good ones:

  1. Excessive drooling—YIKES!
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection (some even in places you wouldn’t think can get infected)
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Chipped Teeth

Having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. It could  happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Do you already have a tooth that’s weakened? These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to really watch the pierced area. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting proper brushing habits can lead to infection. So can touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most people.

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still at risk of the other hazards discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of permanent nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t convince you, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, it can be permanent.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we understand the popularity of oral piercings. But fashions change, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for general and family dentistry and headache relief. 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 8156

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Health, Emergency dentistry

urgent dental clinic Reno

What constitutes a dental emergency? The dictionary says an emergency is an unforeseen crisis requiring immediate action. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, where emergency dentistry is one of our services, we think that’s as good a definition as you’re going to find.

Here’s a quick summary of five common dental emergencies:

  • A broken or chipped tooth. This certainly meets the standard of an emergency. Whether it’s the result of an injury, or because of brittle teeth, a broken or chipped tooth could lead to unwanted consequences if it is not treated promptly.
  • Severe toothache. The sooner treatment for a severe toothache begins, the better. A bad toothache could indicate tooth decay, and there could be infection that threatens the tooth. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
  • Jaw injuries. If you’ve broken your jaw then a trip to the emergency room is probably in order. But a dentist should also be in the loop. He or she will evaluate your oral cavity and teeth to see whether they have also sustained damage.
  • Bleeding gums. This may indicate gum disease. As with a toothache, prompt treatment is best. When it is caught and treated in its earliest stages, gum disease is curable. If is also preventable with brushing and flossing twice a day.
  • Knocked out tooth. If you have a tooth knocked out, time is of the essence. Make a beeline for the nearest urgent dental care. If it is treated within an hour there is an excellent chance the tooth can be saved.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, emergency dentistry is an important part of what we do. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our office for general and family dentistry, and so much more. Call for 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 8241

It’s Better To Prevent A Cavity Than Fill One

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

how to prevent cavities Reno

We fill a lot of cavities at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV. Tooth decay is a serious problem, with somewhere in the area of nine of every ten American adults having at least one cavity in their teeth.

It doesn’t have to be that way, and we really stress preventative dentistry as the key to good dental health. Here are five tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums:

  • Brush Your Teeth. This is one is easy and basic, but critical. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and use a toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Don’t Forget Your Tongue. This important part of brushing is easy to overlook, but there’s bacteria on the tongue you’ll want to remove.
  • Floss. This goes hand-in-hand with brushing. Flossing lets you get the gunk that builds up between teeth. Before or after you brush? Either one. Just be sure to do it!
  • Eat a Balanced Diet. Food choice is more important than you might think. Teeth need nutrients, just like the rest of your body. Avoid sugar as much as possible, and drink plenty of water.
  • Have Regular Check-Ups. Cleanings and checkups allow us to catch small problems before they get big, and give you peace of mind.

By using these five tips you can avoid serious dental issues down the road.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we want all our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for general and family dentistry, dental implants, and so much more! Call us to 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 7076

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

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Categories: Beautiful Smile, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

suprising tooth facts Reno

Our teeth are alive, but it’s easy to forget that and take them for granted. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we never take teeth for granted – but then, as dental professionals we probably understand better than most just how amazing teeth can be. We’re using this blog post to share some of the more interesting facts about teeth.

Here are fifteen things you might not know about teeth.

  1. Children’s teeth are soft until about age 10.
  2. A tooth with a crown can get a cavity.
  3. Your gum tissue is as vital as your teeth.
  4. Some prescription drugs can increase your risk of tooth decay.
  5. Some home faucet water filters remove fluoride.
  6. 19 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated cavities.
  7. Heartburn can be damaging for teeth.
  8. Allergies can cause tooth grinding.
  9. Dried fruit is just as adverse for teeth as sticky candy.
  10. Tooth enamel cannot repair itself, though dentin and cementum (the substance that surrounds the tooth root) are capable of partial regeneration.
  11. A Harvard-led team used low-powered lasers to activate stem cells and stimulate the growth of teeth in rats and human dental tissue in a lab.
  12. There are about 300 types of bacteria in your mouth.
  13. Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help remove food particles on your teeth. You still need to brush, but if you can’t brush immediately after meals, sugarless gum can help keep your teeth clean.
  14. Cavities often don’t cause pain until they have reached the root and nerve of the tooth. Visit us regularly to prevent cavities or at least to detect them when they are small.
  15. Bone recession can cause tooth loss even if no decay is present.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we want all of our patients to have clean and healthy teeth, along with beautiful smiles. People come to our practice from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City for complete general and family dentistry, and for specialties like dental implants. 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 7003