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Endodontists are specialists in treating the inner tooth, and perform root canal procedures every day. They have completed years of additional advanced studies after dental school to diagnose and treat both common root canal issues and more complicated endodontic problems. Calcified root canals are one such complication that make a visit to Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants the right choice for your professional care.

What’s involved in a typical root canal procedure?

After the area around the tooth is numbed, Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants will make an opening in the crown to allow access to the pulp inside. Very small instruments will be used to clean the inner tooth and remove dead or dying pulp tissue. The area inside of the tooth will be shaped, filled, and sealed, a process which can take one or more appointments. A temporary filling might be placed in the tooth to prevent bacteria and food from entering the site before a permanent seal is created. Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants can consult with you as to whether a crown or other restoration is best to protect your tooth after root canal treatment.

How do calcified roots develop?

Calcium is an essential mineral because it keeps our enamel strong, protecting the delicate pulp tissue inside the tooth. Sometimes, though, calcium deposits will partially or completely block a root canal. This build-up might occur in a canal as a response to injury or infection. It’s also a process that occurs naturally over time, and because of today’s advances in dental care, people are keeping their natural teeth much longer. This calcification can become a problem when you need a root canal procedure.

Why are calcified roots a problem?

It’s very important that we have access to every root, and to the entire length of every root, for the root canal procedure to succeed. If calcium deposits block all or part of a canal, even delicate instruments will have difficulty reaching all of the pulp tissue inside the canal. To make matters even more complicated, calcified roots can be hard to locate. Dealing with calcified canals requires experience and skill.

How can an endodontist help?

• Endodontists have sophisticated imaging technology and microscopes, which, together with their experience in the anatomy of the inner tooth, help them locate even difficult-to-detect roots and their branches.
• Endodontists have the skill and training to precisely and patiently clear the blocked roots.
• Specifically engineered endodontic instruments have been designed to clean and shape narrow, calcified canals.
• Finally, if the root canals are not treatable through the crown of the tooth, endodontic surgery can allow access to the canals that regular non-surgical methods cannot.

If you have calcified roots, making a root canal more difficult, schedule an appointment at our Worcester office. We are experts in root canal procedures, whether common or complex, and experts in saving teeth.

Taking care of your oral health involves a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing to prevent tooth decay and bacterial infections. Though you may have asked us which toothbrush to use, few patients at Central New England Endodontics and Implantology ask about mouthwash.

However, different mouthwashes you might choose will have varying effects on your oral health. So which type is best for you?

Gum Health

Antiseptic mouthwashes are designed to reduce the majority of bacteria on and near the gum line. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help decrease your chances of developing gingivitis. If possible, look for a mouthwash with antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredients.

Fluoride

Fluoride is beneficial for oral health and can help prevent tooth decay. If you drink a lot of bottled water without fluoride, we may recommend that you purchase a rinse with fluoride in it.

Bad Breath

Although mouthwash is designed to prevent bacterial build-up within the mouth, many people use it to combat bad breath. Most mouthwashes will help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath, and some are specifically designed to do so.

However, if bad breath is a chronic problem that requires daily treatment with a mouth rinse, contact Central New England Endodontics and Implantology to discuss your symptoms.

American Dental Association Approval

The ADA reviews mouth rinses for safety and effectiveness. A mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Approval will meet strict criteria, and will have scientific evidence or clinical studies that support the claims of the manufacturer. If possible, select a mouthwash that bears the ADA Seal of Approval to ensure you are using a quality rinse.

Considerations

If you are unsure as to which mouthwash is right for you, contact our Worcester office or ask Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants during your next visit. Also, be sure to keep mouthwash out of the reach of children, as it contains alcohol and other substances that could be harmful to them. Avoid letting children under age six use a mouth rinse, and discontinue use if you experience a burning sensation in the soft tissues of your mouth.

At Central New England Endodontics and Implantology, we prefer our patients to practice good oral hygiene between office visits. Part of that process includes flossing, which Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants will tell you, is the process of cleaning between the teeth to remove food and debris from the areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. When food is allowed to remain between the teeth, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause periodontal disease.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

You can floss either before or after brushing, according to your own preference. By flossing first, you can brush away dislodged food debris afterward. On the other hand, brushing first allows you to loosen plaque between the teeth, making it easier to floss more effectively.

Whichever you choose, the most important goal is to floss thoroughly. That means using a fresh strand of dental floss each day, and carefully pulling it back and forth between all of the teeth. Do not skip flossing because your teeth look or feel clean.

When to Floss

Unlike brushing, you need only floss between your teeth once per day. Although you may choose to do it in the morning or afternoon, many prefer to floss at night to prevent food and debris from remaining in the crevices of the teeth overnight. This could prevent the build-up of plaque too, which is a cause of tooth decay.

Help with Flossing

If you have questions about your flossing technique or what type of floss is best for your teeth, contact our office. Our staff will be more than happy to assist you in perfecting your home hygiene regimen. In most cases, you can choose between interdental cleaning picks or flexible floss strands to perform your daily flossing routine. If you have permanent oral appliances or restorations, be sure to follow the flossing instructions provided to you, and contact our Worcester office with any questions.

Eating, talking, smiling—consciously or unconsciously, so much of daily life is influenced by our oral health. And here’s one more thought to chew on: oral health affects digestive health as well.

After all, digestion doesn’t begin the moment food reaches the stomach—it begins before we swallow that very first bite. The digestive process gets its start in two ways:

• Mastication

“Chew your food properly.” Probably every child has heard this piece of helpful advice, because it’s hazardous to swallow large pieces of food. But there’s more to it! There’s a positive benefit for your digestive system when you keep chewing until that mouthful has been pulverized into a uniform, almost paste-like consistency.

But even though chewing food properly leads to easier digestion, dental problems can make the simple act of eating difficult and uncomfortable. Missing teeth or tooth pain can lead to swallowing food before it’s been properly broken down and softened, making it harder for your meal to make its way down the esophagus and more work to digest.

• Saliva Production

As it happens, there’s science behind the expression “mouth watering.” Saliva contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break carbohydrate molecules into smaller sugar molecules, which are easier for our bodies to digest and use for energy. Saliva also contains enzymes that begin the digestion of fat and helps neutralize acids as we eat.

When your oral health is compromised, the normally smooth operation of your digestive system can suffer as well. Fortunately, you have options.

• Relief for Tooth Pain

When eating is painful, or when you avoid putting pressure on a loose or sensitive tooth, you’re probably chewing more cautiously and less thoroughly. You might be dining on soft foods or liquids, avoiding chewier proteins, vitamins, and fibers on the menu.

Recurring tooth pain means it’s time to give Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants a call. Whether you have a cavity that needs treatment, an infection or inflammation, pain from grinding your teeth, or any problem which makes eating uncomfortable, we can provide the answers you need to make eating enjoyable once again.

If the source of your pain, swelling, or sensitivity could be a problem inside the tooth or its surrounding tissue, it could be time to see your endodontist, Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants. Endodontists have years of additional advanced training after dental school, specializing in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and injuries to the tooth pulp and roots.

Endodontists are experienced in root canal procedures, treating traumatic tooth injuries, and performing endodontic surgeries, saving teeth that might otherwise be extracted. If you are experiencing symptoms of pulp or root damage, it’s best to see Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants as soon as possible.

If you haven’t visited our Worcester office for a while, there’s no time like the present. Restoring your oral health will lead to easier digestion, more enjoyable dining—and a very good reason to smile. Food for thought!