 What is a root canal?
Within every tooth is a space called the root canal. Commonly there is one canal for every root, however it is almost usual that there are two or more. The canals house what is called the pulp. The pulp is consist of tiny blood vessels and nerves bundled together. In cases of trauma or decay, the pulp may devitalize or die. It is then necessary to do a procedure called "Root Canal Treatment".
What is root canal treatment?
Root Canal or Endodontic Treatment is done by making a small access opening on the tooth, the pulp is then removed, the canals cleaned, shaped and disinfected. The final step is inserting a filling material called gutta percha coated with cement inside the canals. The tooth is then restored to function with either a silver or white filling. In cases where a lot of tooth structure is lost, the dentist may decide to put a metal post inside the tooth to hold a "build-up" that will replace missing structure, then a "cap or crown" over it.
What is a filling?
When decay causes enough damage to a tooth, a common treatment option is to remove the decay and place a restoration. With or sometimes without anesthesia, the decay is removed with a special instrument, the restoration placed will either be white or silver depending on how big the lost structure is and where in the mouth the tooth is located. A white restoration of course is placed in the front for cosmetic reasons. There is a great controversy about using silver or amalgam nowadays mostly due to its mercury content. But according to the Proposition 65 Warning, both Amalgam (silver) and composite (white) fillings contain hazardous materials that can cause cancer, birth defects, etc. The warning also states that metals used for orthodontic treatment (braces)also contain these materials.
At what age is the first check-up? What about braces?
The experts are still debating on this, but my advise would be to bring the kids in as soon as the first teeth are in (approximately 6 months old) just for check-up. Then when all the baby teeth are in (usually around 2 years old) it is not a bad idea to have follow up check. Orthodontics or braces is not only to move or straighten teeth it is also to prevent crowding or spacing which is why I think the best time is to check the teeth regularly especially right before the first permanent molars or the 6-year old molars erupt.
Why do my gums bleed a lot?
Healthy gums should not bleed. When they do it is usually a sign of gingivitis or swollen gums, hopefully not the worse kind called periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, not only is there inflammation of the gums , but the structures around the teeth (bones, ligaments) are also affected. This disease is a common problem, it is painless in early stages, there is mobility of teeth, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Some gum diseases are a manifestation of some form of systemic disease (diabetes, HIV, etc) or are side effects of common medications. It is therefore a must to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year.
How can I eliminate bad breath?
Some causes of bad breath are systemic problems (diabetes, gastric illnesses,hepatitis, etc). But mostly it is local in origin. I always tell my patients, brush your teeth to avoid cavities, brush your gums to avoid gum disease and brush your tongue to avoid bad breath. Everybody brushes their teeth (or at least I hope), but not everybody brushes their tongue. Use a soft toothbrush, stick your tongue out, put the brush in as far as you can without hurting yourself, and gently do outward sweeping motions several times. Sulfur-producing bacteria also accumulate on the surface of the tongue.
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