Do I Really Need a Root Canal?

There are plenty of rumors surrounding root canals, but the procedure itself really isn’t as scary as it sounds. Modern technology has allowed dental procedures to be performed in a way that ensures patient comfort, and if you’re thinking you need a root canal, there are a few signs to look out for.

Pain: If you are experiencing light to extreme pain in your jaw while you eat, drink, or change posture, this could be a sign of serious tooth decay. The pain can linger for seconds or minutes and may occur randomly or due to a stimulus.  

Gum tenderness: When a tooth becomes infected, the gums may begin to swell around the tooth and become tender. A pimple-like boil may also surface on the gums, which is a sign of decay.

A root canal will be performed if your dentist determines that the tooth can be saved. It’s always best to preserve the natural tooth, and once the root canal is complete, your tooth will return to its original strength and functionality.

If a root canal is a possibility for you, your dentist will check the following:

X-rays: An x-ray will be able to target problem teeth and show the extent of any damage. Your dentist will use an x-rays to determine whether the tooth can be saved with a root canal.

Darkened teeth or nerve exposure: A tooth that has darkened in color is a sign that the nerves of the tooth have been damaged. Damaged nerves will indicate that a root canal is needed. Likewise, if the nerves of the tooth are exposed, the tissue is beginning to degenerate and needs proper treatment.

Gum swelling: Your dentist will check the gums for swelling, which will indicate whether a tooth is infected. Your dentist will check the gums during an initial dental examination.

Your dentist will also perform a number of tests to determine whether you need a root canal procedure.

Call Us Today!

If you are experiencing dental pain, Drs. Jaime and Eliud Villarreal provide root canal therapy for patients in Rock Wall. Please contact Lakeshore Dental for further information. 

Lumineers vs. Traditional Veneers

When considering a cosmetic procedure, it is important to know the differences between certain products. If you are interested in veneers, you are probably curious about the difference between traditional porcelain laminates and Lumineers. Both are capable of repairing tooth imperfections as well as straightening or lengthening teeth, but the two veneer-types definitely have their differences.

Lumineers are thinner: Lumineers are about the size of a contact lens and are thinner than traditional veneers for the purpose of more seamless placement and a natural look.

Traditional veneers are better for extreme dental work: Patients who need extreme cosmetic work, such as the closing of large gaps of space between teeth, benefit more from traditional veneers due to the fact that they thicker and more durable.

Lumineers are minimally invasive: Since Lumineers are made of thinner porcelain, they require less preparation to the natural tooth before the veneers are applied. This also means that Lumineers do not require temporaries during the waiting period while they’re being crafted.

Traditional veneers are more flexible: The flexibility of traditional veneers allows them to be easily molded to precisely fit the structure of an individual smile. Patients looking for instant-orthodontic work would benefit from a traditional veneer’s ability to form to their smile.

Lumineers are removable: Unlike traditional veneers (which are permanent) Lumineers can be removed and re-applied over time, giving patients more options concerning the structure of their smile. Lumineers can also be placed quickly – usually in just two dental appointments.

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The best way to determine which veneers will suit you the best is to contact your dental health professional.

At Lakeshore Dental, we offer Lumineers veneers for patients looking to improve their smiles. To find out whether Lumineers are right for you, or to schedule a consultation with us in Rockwall, contact Drs. Jamie and Eliud Villarreal today!

How to Adjust to Your New Dentures

Dentures are an affordable solution for replacing missing teeth and have the ability to restore a natural smile’s original functionality. However, adjusting to your new dentures can be quite challenging and the prosthetic can take some getting used to.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort from your new dentures, it is important to contact your dentist right away. But if you’re simply becoming accustomed to your new set of teeth, there are some things you can do.

Practice in front of a mirror: The biggest challenge denture wearers face when adjusting to their dentures is speaking and smiling. It may be awkward to move your mouth in certain positions, causing some slurred speech when pronouncing words. To help with this, stand in front of a mirror and practice saying certain words along with moving your mouth into those awkward positions. As you practice, you will become more comfortable speaking with your new teeth.

Try a denture adhesive: Since dentures simply rest atop the gum line, they can sometimes slip out of place. To avoid any mishaps, try using a denture adhesive. The cream is applied to the underside of the denture and helps keep dentures in their proper place. The adhesive also acts as a sealant and keeps food particles and debris at bay.

Chew small foods at first: Chewing with new dentures can prove to be challenging. In order to become more comfortable eating, start out with smaller, softer foods that are easier to chew and then gradually work your way up to tougher foods. Eating foods such as eggs and yogurt is a good start, but avoid sticky or crunchy foods until you are completely comfortable.

Persevere: The purpose of dentures is to function like natural teeth and in order to do that, you have to practice and continually work toward becoming comfortable with your false teeth. So don’t give up and be patient – in time, you will be smiling, eating, and speaking just as you would with natural teeth.

Call Us Today!

If you would like more information about dentures in Rockwall or if you are experiencing discomfort with your current set of dentures, do not hesitate to contact Drs. Jaime and Eliud Villarreal at Lakeshore Dental today!

Welcome To Our Blog!

We're excited to announce the official launch of our Lakeshore Dental blog. 

We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.

We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients. 

If you would like to stay up to date on the latest from Lakeshore Dental, simply click the RSS “Subscribe to feed” link located on our website and subscribe. Our subscribers will be updated when we make a new blog post.

Here's to your best oral health ever!