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Root canals are a common dental treatment, and one in which a dentist will use to try to preserve a tooth that may be otherwise healthy on the outside, but where the tooth’s roots have become diseased or damaged.

The process of a root canal involves a dentist removing diseased pulp tissue and the tooth nerves in order to clear out infection and relieve the pain associated with the infection. A tooth can become infected through bacteria entering into the tooth through cavities caused by tooth decay or damage, or other method of inlet in the enamel and dentin layers, such as lost fillings.

A tooth can have one root canal or several canals containing the dental pulp and nerves, and so it is important that a dentist removes all the diseased pulp from inside the tooth. These canals extend the length of the tooth, from the dental crown to the end of the root, which affixes to the patient’s jaw bone, supplying oxygen and blood flow.

Once bacteria has begun to affect the pulp tissue, it can multiply and grow, spreading the length of the canals, causing infection. The infection can cause dental abscesses, and can spread to other teeth if left untreated.

To perform a root canal, the dentist will use special instruments to drill into the affected tooth, in order to remove the infected tissue from the root canals. Once all the diseased tissue has been removed, the dentist cleans and rinses the tooth with antiseptic before it is sealed with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha and a dental crown applied to conceal the filling.

The procedure allows the tooth’s structure to remain intact; an otherwise healthy tooth does not require to be extracted by the dentist in order to alleviate the patient’s condition. Instead, by removing the cause of the infection, the problem is addressed without affecting the surrounding teeth, helping to preserve the patient’s bite alignment and strength.

Performed under anaesthetic by a dentist, root canals are no more uncomfortable than a normal filling and the procedure is very successful, with the tooth receiving root-canal treatment lasting many years when it would otherwise be extracted.

Contact the office of Dr. Richard Sousa, serving Old Westbury and the neighboring areas, to learn if root canal treatment is appropriate in your case.

Bruxism, a common dental condition in which patients clench or grind the teeth, can be caused by a wide range of factors. The most common trigger, stress, can be emotional or physical. For some patients, clenching and grinding can be the result of a nervous habit. The condition can also be observed when patients are deep in concentration, completely oblivious to the damage that may be occurring.

Although you may be unaware of the extent of your bruxism habit, discussing your symptoms with Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Old Westbury, can still be a major step toward the appropriate treatment. According to your specific signs and symptoms, Dr. Sousa may recommend a variety of treatment options, ranging from conservative to surgical. These treatments may be recommended to prevent clenching and grinding from occurring, or to correct any damage that may have occurred as a result of the habit.

For most patients, bruxism happens at night during sleeping hours. Though many patients are not aware that they are clenching or grinding the teeth, waking up with headaches, neck pain, or tenderness in the jaw joint can be a significant clue. Determining whether these symptoms occur every day or once a month can help to determine the treatment method.

A protective mouthguard , known as a biteguard or nightguard, is a common treatment for bruxism. The guard is custom-molded to the shape of the upper or lower teeth and serves multiple purposes. It provides a physically protective barrier that can prevent excessive wear or damage to the teeth. The guard can also be designed to properly position the jaw joint in order to reduce strain and joint damage.

For patients who clench or grind the teeth regularly, the mouthguard may be worn daily. For patients who only occasionally experience bruxism, the guard can be worn as needed. Your dentist may also recommend relaxation or meditation as a preventative measure against clenching and grinding.

Bruxism is a common dental condition that should not be ignored. If you believe that you may be clenching or grinding the teeth, call East Hills Dental Associates at 516-484-6600 and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms right away.