WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL AND WHEN ARE THEY NEEDED?

Every root of every tooth has a blood and nerve supply that fills a space inside the root. The space is cylindrical like the area inside of a drinking straw. We call this space a “canal”. When the nerve is dying, dead or later infected, this space needs to be cleaned out and filled. Similar to getting a cavity cleaned and filled, the root canal treatment is comfortable providing that the tooth is fully numb.

Sometimes we diagnose the need for a root canal when a tooth gives certain symptoms. For example, if a patient relates that a tooth starts to hurt when they drink a warm beverage and it stays painful for 10 minutes, I will suspect a dying nerve and the need to do a root canal. If there is bone destruction evident on an x-ray under a root, that is indicative of an infected nerve space and would require a root canal to save the tooth provided that the hard tooth structure is still restorable. Some problems are noticed by the patients and some happen slowly and without any symptoms but are problems none-the-less.

Once a tooth has had a root canal treatment, it is hollowed out and therefore more fragile than the tooth prior to treatment. All back teeth should be crowned to prevent tooth fracture because back teeth receive a lot of force. Front teeth can be filled if they still appear strong or are sometimes crowned for the same reason as back teeth; for strength against fracture.

Jonathan Weisman, DDS

Why don’t little cavities hurt?

Sometimes I wish little cavities did cause sensitivity because then they would not grow silently into big cavities. One of my frustrations has always been when we diagnose small cavities only to realize that they are actually big ones once we started working on the tooth. This can be because the cavity is around an existing filling or under a crown thus blocked from visual or radiographic view. Another event occurs when the outer enamel is very hard and the inner “dentin” is soft. Bacteria can enter the tooth through a very small hole in the enamel and cause a cavity that mushrooms out in the dentin. This is often difficult to diagnose with x-rays because we do not see the defect in the enamel alerting us to the problem. We have several technologies which help us detect, diagnose and treat decay.

DIGITAL X-RAYs: This technology allows us to capture an image with much less radiation and gives us much more information. This technology was incorporated in our practice in Jan of 2008. We can enhance the image when necessary and we can see much more.

LASER CAVITY DETECTION: This was introduced into the office in May of 2011. A small laser light goes into the tooth structure and is reflected and refracted around and then analyzed by the device. It can give an idea of the relative size of the cavity as well as diagnosing it.

CARIES DETECTING STAIN: Once I start preparing a tooth, it is often difficult to know where the bacteria are using only the naked eye. This stain is food coloring based and will be absorbed by the bacteria and then the area is highlighted and easy to see. It allows for thorough cavity removal and at the same time it saves healthy tooth structure that is bacteria free.

First and foremost our goal is to do the best job for you in a comfortable and friendly environment. To that end, we will be on the lookout for newer and better ways and technologies.

Best Regards, Jonathan Weisman, DDS

1st Blog Post: State of the office and new staff member

Dear patients, friends and family,

Excitement is in the air at Dentalcarefremont. We are very happy to announce a new staff member. Rina will be starting on July 11th and will be taking the place of Erica as my new dental assistant. She has already spent some time working with us and has a very positive attitude, a delightful personality and strong dental skills. She will be a fine addition to round out our team. Veronica is the office manager and has been implementing new technology and ideas to the office. Jody continues to be the mainstay offering unwavering kindness and compassion to us all. Vanessa and Juliana are our expert hygienists who try to keep you in the very best of dental health.

With the kind words from you and other patients, we continue to attract new patients and are forever grateful.

We are always in search of ways to make your experience better. Please let us know if you have any ideas or concerns.

Cordially, Dr. Jonathan Weisman

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