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Root Canals: What You Need to Know

What's the worst way you could imagine spending an afternoon (or several afternoons)? Some people would hasten to answer "getting a root canal." The truth is, this perception was born a few decades back, and the procedure no longer deserves such a dismal reputation. Dentistry has improved to the point that root canal procedures are no longer the painful, drawn-out ordeals your parents or grandparents might remember. Ironically, it appears that this outdated notion may be perpetuated most often by the uninitiated. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), a recent survey reveals a telling bias: people who have undergone root canal treatment describe the process as "painless" six times more often than those who have never experienced it!

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Why is root canal treatment performed?

Unfortunately, sometimes the pulp becomes in amed or infected. This can happen for a variety of reasons, most often cracks, chips, decay, sudden trauma, or other damage to the tooth. The infected pulp can cause symptoms from toothache, to heat or cold sensitivity, to discoloration. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and only xrays reveal the trouble spot. Regardless of source or symptoms, infected pulp is dangerous and, without intervention, can lead to pain, abscess, even loss of the tooth. Root canal treatment relieves the pain of infection and saves the tooth.

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What happens during root canal treatment?

What used to require multiple lengthy trips to the dentist can now, in many cases, be completed much more quickly, usually in fewer than four hours. First, part of the top of the tooth is removed to allow access to the pulp. Next, all the pulp is carefully removed from the tooth and each of the root canals. Finally, the now-empty canals and interior of the tooth are lled and the top of the tooth is sealed. Advancements in x-ray technology now make it easier to see details inside teeth and root canals. More and better choices of anesthetic make numbing the tooth simpler and quicker. And improvements in both tools and training have changed the experience for the better. The AAE reports that these days, most patients describe endodontic treatment to be no more di cult than having a cavity lled. For more information about root canal treatment, ask one of our doctors for a referral to an endodontic specialist or your general dentist for evaluation.

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What is a root canal?

First of all, the term "root canal" is an informal name for a procedure known in the dental eld as "root canal treatment," "endodontic treatment" or "pulpectomy." The origin of the word "endodontic" provides a clue to the process. "Endo" comes from the Greek for inside and "odont" from the Greek for tooth: endodontic treatment addresses the inside of the tooth. The word "pulpectomy" refers to the pulp that lives inside your tooth. The root canal itself is a cylindrical channel that runs vertically through the inside of each root of each tooth. (Front teeth have one root; back teeth have two to three roots and two to ve canals.) The canals, as well as the tooth itself, are lled with a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue is an important source of nutrients to the tooth during its formation, but once the tooth reaches maturity, it can survive just ne without the pulp.

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I am so happy with my new smile. I never had a chance to improve it as a child- you made it easy as an adult!

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Surgical Orthodontics: FAQs

Did Dr. Burleson recently suggest a treatment plan that included surgical orthodontics? S u rg i c a l o r t h o d o n t i c s , a l s o k n o w n a s orthognathic surgery, consists of a combination of orthodontic treatment (usually braces) and jaw surger y. This combination is of ten employed in cases of jaw problems including bad bites and jawbone abnormalities that are too severe to be solved by orthodontics alone. Read below for more information about this treatment option. Benets of surgical orthodontics Depending on the particular jaw problem, patients can be relieved of biting and chewing difculties, as well as breathing difculties and sleep apnea. The treatment is used to improve both gummy smiles in which an excess of gums show above the teeth, and toothless smiles in which the lips cover the teeth. For patients with overbite, underbite, cleft palate, or facial injuries, the balance of the face is restored. Are You a Candidate for Surgery? While the initial stage of orthodontic treatment may begin earlier, this type of jaw surgery is only appropriate in adults who have stopped growing. This group generally includes females 16 and older and males 18 and older. In younger patients, early intervention can often correct jaw problems for future surgery. What results can be expected? When surgical orthodontic treatment is complete, overall dental health is improved, Are there any risks involved? Surgical orthodontic procedures are performed routinely and carry only the usual risks associated with any type of surgery. What happens during surgery? The strategy varies according to the patients need. If the lower jaw is the source of the problem, it will be moved forward or backward. If the upper jaw is the issue, it can be moved forward, backward, up or down. In some cases bone will be removed or added to achieve the correct alignment and stability. What does the process include? The process begins with orthodontic treatment. We'll use braces to move your teeth into the correct position prior to surgery. During this time, it may seem as if your bite is getting worse; this is because the jaws are still out of place. After the jaws are moved during surgery, you'll nd your teeth tting together better. Once surgery is complete, we will continue the orthodontic treatment to move all of your teeth into their nal positions. since a bad bite is eliminated and jaws are aligned properly. The treatment also results in a more stable, functional and healthy placement of the jaw. Patients enjoy easier speaking, breathing and eating. F requently facial appearance is improved as well. Because surgical orthodontics is only employed in response to a signicant problem, the improvement can be dramatic and have lasting positive effects.

Patient Spotlight

Shaina Borer
Shaina is a patient in our office who uses her talents to help others! Shaina is very interested in child development. This may have started because she is the youngest in a large family. Shaina began her babysitting at a young age and is currently a nanny for two families. She works full time and is very dedicated to the children. In addition to babysitting, Shaina also uses her childcare skills by volunteering at her church nursery and vacation bible school. Shaina attends Grace Christian Fellowship in Shawnee, KS and is also the stage manager for vacation bible school there. Shainas favorite subject in school is currently mathematics. After high school, she plans to become a teacher and eventually open her own day care center. We feel so fortunate to have great patients like Shaina who give so much of their time and talents to others. Thank you Shaina for all you do! Do You Know Someone Accomplishing Great Things? Send Your Story to the Burleson Orthodontics Newsletter at :
Ashley.Popejoy@BurlesonOrtho.com

This Months Q&A Braces

Q: Can you remind me how to oss with braces? I have tried, but it takes me forever! Most patients in orthodontic treatment nd at one point or another that taking care of them is really hard! Brushing and ossing take longer, you have to watch what you eat, and certain foods get stuck in the brackets easier. How to oss is one of the most common questions we get regarding care of braces. Although it is more di cult than before braces, it is possible. First, make sure you have oss threaders available, which are exible ossng aids which help clear the oss under your wire. While there are instructions on the packaging, there are also more detailed instructions and other details about taking care of braces on our website at burlesonortho.com/ resources. Any further questions can additionally be addressed by our friendly orthodontic assistants. We know it is di cult but you will be so happy with your new smile if you take care of it now!