Why do I need a root canal?

A tooth's nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma.

When a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. 

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

*Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
*Bone loss around the tip of the root
*Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.
 

 

 A root canal is the treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has become  infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and  sealed.

 

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include:

• Severe tooth pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

 

Why should I floss?

 

Brushing alone is not enough. Bristles of the toothbrush do not reach between the teeth.
Flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth.

 Plaque generates acid, which can cause cavities, irritate the gums, and lead to gum disease.

Listed below are a few good reasons to floss:

1.To help prevent  bad breath (halitosis), cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease, all of which are caused by the bacteria between your teeth (where brushes can’t reach).

2.  To help reduce the risk of possible health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia, which can  be linked to the bacteria in your mouth.

3. To save money. Flossing is much cheaper than dental treatment!

Dental Humor

JUST TO MAKE                   YOU SMILE            
                                                             

Why do I need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

 So your hygienist and/or dentist has informed you that you have periodontal disease and need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).




Periodontal disease is an infection in the gum tissue caused by the buildup of plaque and tarter (calculus). This infection destroys the bone which hold the root of your tooth in place. Left untreated, periodontal disease may result in tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is determined by probe readings (the measurement of the depth of the pocket between the tooth and gums) and x-rays. Probe readings greater than 3 millimeters and x-rays showing bone loss indicate infection in the gum tissue.

Scaling and root planing, otherwise known as  non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is the process of removing plaque and calculus which cause inflammation/infection in the gum tissue.

Scaling and root planing is considered the basic treatment of periodontal diseases and may be the only treatment required to treat mild cases of periodontitis. However, in cases of more severe disease, surgical treatment may also be necessary.

Periodontal scaling procedures include the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from the crown and root surfaces of teeth. Root planing is a specialized skill involving scaling of the root of the tooth.

Because periodontal pockets are deeper than healthy gum pockets,  scaling and root planing are often referred to as deep cleaning, and may be performed using a number of dental tools, including ultrasonic instruments and hand instruments, and is normally done using a local anesthetic.

For the procedure to be considered effective, the patient must be able to be maintained at a level of periodontal health that will prevent reinfection. This requires optimal home care and ongoing periodontal maintenance therapy, usually every three to four months to sustain health.

Why should I have my teeth cleaned?

                                               




Good oral hygiene is important for the health of your teeth and gums and for your general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can help prevent these problems as well as help you to maintain good oral hygiene.

• Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with scaling and root planning. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow which may require surgery to treat. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.

• Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.  

• When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist/hygienist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early. 

• Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by checking the health of your gum tissue, visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path. 

• Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth resulting in a whiter and brighter smile!

• Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, removal of teeth, or gum surgery could become the only treatment options available.

• Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene. 

• Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.

 

Laguna View Family Dental, Elk Grove Ca

MEET OUR DOCTOR

LEO W. TOWNSEND, DDS

Leo W. Townsend, D.D.S., is originally from Southern California and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. He has been practicing dentistry since 1989 after graduating from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and completing a GPR residency at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He continually updates his dental techniques through classes and hands-on seminars. The doctor and his family have lived here in the Elk Grove / Laguna area for over 18 years.

CONTACT INFO
7915 Laguna Blvd., Suite 120
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 683-1335
Fax: (916) 683- 4506
E-mail: info@lagunaview.com

OFFICE HOURS
Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wed. & Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MEET OUR STAFF

Our office is committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care in the most gentle and efficient way. Located in the Laguna Creek area of Elk Grove, the office is near all major roadways, making locating us very easy and convenient to you. With a highly trained and experienced staff, Dr. Townsend will be able to tend to the dental needs of you and your family.
 Threca Wilson, RDH

Threca has been a hygienist for 17 years. She graduated from Sacramento City College Hygiene Program in 1996. Threca enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She enjoys playing golf, camping, fishing, and traveling. She looks forward to meeting you soon.

 Kimberly Arbuckle, Office Manager

Kimberly Arbuckle has been our Office Manager for over 5 years and has been a Registered Dental Assistant for the past 20 years.
She has a great sense of humor and  loves to make people feel at ease in the dental chair, and will assist you in all your dental needs. Kimberly is also very knowledgeable in insurance billing and will be able to help you maximize your insurance.
She is a wonderful mother of 2 grown girls. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her friends and  family. She looks forward to meeting you soon.

 Tina Ochoa, Scheduling Coordinator

Tina Ochoa has been our Scheduling Coordinator for 7 years. She has over 30 years experience working in the administrative doctor’s offices. She enjoys making sure all of our patients scheduling needs are met.
 Tina is bilingual in Spanish. She has been married for 34 years and has 2 adult sons. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
When calling or visiting our office Tina will be there to assist you promptly and professionally.

Erin Beatie, R.D.A.

Erin has worked in the medical field since 2003. She went back to school at Carrington College in 2010 to pursue a career in the dental field.
Erin enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and her 2 dogs. She enjoys riding quads, going to sprint car races, playing golf, and traveling. She is very active in the community and does a lot of volunteer work. She looks forward to meeting you.