Have you ever experienced tooth pain when biting down on something too hard?  Often times, this can result in a cracked tooth, loss of a filling or a broken dental crown. We see many dental emergencies caused by biting down too hard. Some foods are more likely to cause a dental emergency than others. And while we don’t want your taste buds to suffer, we do want you to be aware of some foods that you should be more cautious when eating.

Popcorn
As tasty and fluffy as this buttery snack may be, it can often be the opposite. The husks can get stuck between your teeth or underneath your gums causing a popcorn abscess. Be sure to floss after you eat popcorn to avoid that from happening. However, the true problem here is the kernels. If you grab a large handful of popcorn in a dark movie theatre and don’t know that a kernel is hiding in the middle, all it takes is one chomp down and ouch! You cracked your tooth! The next time you eat popcorn, chew slowly to avoid those kernels and be careful at the bottom of the bag! That’s where the kernels lie.

Carmel Candies
Chewy candy seems harmless with its soft exterior, but it can cause issues with your teeth. When you chew down, the candies wedge between your teeth and pull out any loose dental work/restorations that you have had. Other candies that have the same sticky qualities are starburst and taffy. They might be hard to resist, but doing so is key to avoiding a dental emergency.

Ice Cubes
Chewing on a hard piece of ice is about the same chewing on a rock.  Ice is hard on enamel, and can easily crack and break teeth. If you must chew on the ice make sure it is melted down or crushed.

We understand it may be hard to resist some of these foods, but it is important to be aware next time you chomp on these!

If you experience a dental emergency in Spring Hill, FL, call us today at(352) 606-2550 to schedule an appointment with an endodontist.

When you hear that your tooth may require a root canal treatment, many people often start imagining images of drills and acute pain. The reality is that this imagery couldn’t be further from the truth. We all need to unlearn and let go of all the myths we have heard about root canal treatments so that it doesn’t prevent you from getting this effective tooth-saving procedure. 

Myth 1: Root canals are very painful

Fact: Root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Recent studies show that patients who have actually undergone root canal treatments are six times more likely to describe the process as painless when compared to patients who have not had the procedure. An endodontist’s main focus is on patient comfort with pain control. Tooth decay can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth for many reasons. A root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, which alleviates the pain you feel. 

Myth 2: Root canals cause sickness

Fact: Root canal treatments are safe and effective. There is no scientific proof that proves root canal treated teeth causes disease anywhere else in the body. It quite the opposite, and removes bacteria from the infect root canal and prevents reinfection of the toot while saving the natural tooth. 

Myth 3: A root canal is necessary if you have a toothache

Fact: Root canals not only are done to save symptomatic teeth but also to keep painless teeth from further breakdown, discoloration and deeper bone infections. On the other hand, just because you have a toothache doesn’t necessarily mean you need a root canal. Our Spring Hill Endodontist can evaluate your smile and see which treatment would be best for you. 

Myth 4: Root canals require multiple sessions

Fact: Endodontic treatments can be completed in as little as one or two appointments, depending on the severity of infection and underlying bone infection. Here at our Spring Hill Endodontist office in Hernando County, we use state-of-the-art technology such as microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics to treat our patients quickly and comfortably.

Myth 5: Root canal treatments are unsuccessful

Fact: Root canals usually allow patients to keep the affected tooth for the rest of their lives. A root canal treated tooth has the ability to become reinfected or fractured, however, these things can be avoided if the endodontic treatment has been done with adequate care and followed- up with a good sealing restoration and crown. On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments per week, while general dentists perform less than two. It’s best to seek out an experienced professional when it comes to your smile. 

Myth 6: Root canals are costly

Fact: While a root canal treatment can be on the expensive side for some, it saves your tooth, a tooth that is a more natural option to help us keep it and use it to maintain normal aesthetics, balance and function. At West Shore Endodontics, we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at the Brooksville Office phone number 352-606-2550.

For more questions or concerns regarding root canal treatment, contact the experts on root canal treatment in Hernando County at West Shore Endodontics, a renowned clinic in the city of Brooksville, Florida.