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A Brief FAQ Guide to Understanding Root Canals

Posts Tagged ‘ fear of dentist ’



A Brief FAQ Guide to Understanding Root Canals

Posted on: November 13th, 2024 by admin

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States, yet they remain an enigma to many people. They are often associated with pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but the truth is that they are one of the most effective ways to save a severely decayed or damaged tooth. In this article, we will explore what root canals are, why they are needed, how they are performed, and what patients can expect from the procedure.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling them with a special material to prevent further infection. A tooth that has had a root canal is usually topped with a crown to protect it and restore its function.

Why Are Root Canals Needed?

Root canals are needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged. This can happen as a result of severe decay, trauma, cracks, chips, or other factors. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause a painful abscess. Root canals are often the last line of defense for saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

Root canals are typically performed by a dentist or endodontist near Forked River, who is a specialist in treating the pulp inside teeth. The procedure usually takes one to two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection. The first step is to numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. The dentist then creates a small access hole in the top of the tooth and uses special instruments to remove the infected pulp and clean and shape the root canals. Once the canals are clean, they are filled with a special material called gutta-percha and sealed with a temporary filling. The patient will usually return for a follow-up appointment to have a permanent crown placed on the tooth.

What Can Patients Expect from a Root Canal?

The thought of getting a root canal can be scary for many people, but the procedure itself is typically not painful. Patients may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but the area will be numb and most patients report feeling relief once the infected pulp has been removed. Following the procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any pain. Most patients can return to normal activities the day after their root canal procedure.

Simply put, root canals are a common dental procedure that is used to save severely decayed or damaged teeth. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and filling the canals with a special material to prevent further infection. Patients may experience some mild discomfort during and after the procedure, but the benefits of saving a tooth far outweigh any temporary discomfort. If you think you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about your options. A root canal could be the key to saving your smile!

THIS is how you CONQUER your fear of the dentist!

Posted on: July 10th, 2024 by admin

Dentist appointments are never at the top of anyone’s list of fun things to do, but they are a necessary part of maintaining your oral health. If you’re struggling with a fear of the dentist, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world feel the same way. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to get over your fear and make your next dentist appointment a breeze!

One of the best ways to get over your fear of the dentist is to educate yourself on what exactly happens during a dental appointment. Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist because they don’t know what to expect. If you take the time to learn about the different procedures that your dentist may perform, you will feel more comfortable and confident when it comes time for your appointment. And remember, Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

Another great way to ease your fears is to find a dentist that you trust and feel comfortable with. When you have a good relationship with your dentist, you will be more likely to relax and feel confident during your appointments. Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions that you have with your dentist so that they can help put your mind at ease.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with your fear of the dentist. If you have a friend or family member who is also afraid of the dentist, ask them to come with you to your appointment. Having someone there to support you can make a world of difference. You can also ask us to ease you through the process, too. We aim to make your visit to your favorite dentist near Manahawkin as smooth as possible!

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to conquering your fear of the dentist in no time! Schedule an appointment today and see for yourself how easy it can be.

Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist

Posted on: July 26th, 2023 by admin

Dentist appointments are never at the top of anyone’s list of fun things to do, but they are a necessary part of maintaining your oral health. If you’re struggling with a fear of the dentist, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world feel the same way. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to get over your fear and make your next dentist appointment a breeze!

One of the best ways to get over your fear of the dentist is to educate yourself on what exactly happens during a dental appointment. Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist because they don’t know what to expect. If you take the time to learn about the different procedures that your dentist may perform, you will feel more comfortable and confident when it comes time for your appointment. And remember, Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

Another great way to ease your fears is to find a dentist that you trust and feel comfortable with. When you have a good relationship with your dentist, you will be more likely to relax and feel confident during your appointments. Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions that you have with your dentist so that they can help put your mind at ease.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with your fear of the dentist. If you have a friend or family member who is also afraid of the dentist, ask them to come with you to your appointment. Having someone there to support you can make a world of difference. You can also ask us to ease you through the process, too. We aim to make your visit to your favorite dentist near Manahawkin as smooth as possible!

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to conquering your fear of the dentist in no time! Schedule an appointment today and see for yourself how easy it can be.

Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Posted on: April 26th, 2023 by admin

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and anxious at the mere thought of having to visit a dentist? You’re not alone! Fear of the dentist is very common, with statistics showing that up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing a dentist because of it. But it doesn’t have to be like this – taking control of your oral health, and overcoming your fear of the dentist can be an empowering experience. Here’s your guide on how to do just that!

1. Understand your fear

Before you can start taking steps to overcome your fear of the dentist, it is important to understand why you feel the way you do. Are there certain experiences that have caused this fear? What kind of thoughts and feelings come up when thinking about going to a dental appointment? Identifying these triggers will help you in taking the right steps towards addressing them.

2. Find a supportive dentist

Visiting a dental practice that specializes in helping those with dental anxiety or phobia can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel. Do research and look for practices with staff who are patient, understanding, and willing to offer sedation options if necessary. This can also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and build trust with your dentist.

3. Create a plan

Write out a step-by-step plan of what you need to do in order to get through your appointment. This can include things like scheduling an appointment at a certain time, taking deep breaths throughout the procedure, or bringing something to help distract yourself during the visit. Having a plan ready will help reduce some of the stress and anxiety leading up to your dental appointment.

4. Take it slow

Don’t be too hard on yourself if certain steps don’t work right away – it may take multiple appointments before you start feeling comfortable enough for more complex procedures. Allow yourself to slowly progress at your own pace, and remember that even small steps towards taking control of your oral health are still important.

5. Reward yourself

When it comes to facing our fears, positive reinforcement can be a great motivator! After each successful dental visit, reward yourself with something that makes you feel good – whether it’s treating yourself to your favorite food or buying a special gift for yourself.

By following these steps, you can take control of your oral health and make the dentist office a place where you can receive the care you need without feeling anxious or overwhelmed. With time and effort, you too can overcome your fear of the dentist and start looking forward to appointments instead! Good luck!

Here’s why you don’t need to fear the dentist

Posted on: September 28th, 2022 by admin

Fear of the dentist is such a common fear it’s practically a movie cliché at this point. It has featured in sitcoms (Seinfeld’s hilarious dentist, Tim Whatley was played by Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and he was a very scary dentist) and in movies. There have been entire books written on the subject, and the reason is simple: It’s a fear that many people share.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s very possible to overcome your fear of visiting the dentist near Manahawkin – and that’s a good thing, because overcoming that fear will let you get the care you need in order to maintain good oral health!

 

Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist:

  1. Understand That Your Fears Are Normal

    – You’re not alone in being frightened of going to the dentist. Peter Milgrom, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, claims that upwards of 20 percent of U.S. citizens only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary to go. They avoid visits at other times due to fear. Up to 8 percent of people don’t go at ALL, with their decision also based in fear. When you understand that it’s normal to feel this way, it will be a good first step towards overcoming those fears.

  1. Get To Know Your Dentist As A Human Being

    – When you visit a dentist near Manahawkin, be sure you try to see them as a person, not as a clinical medical person in scrubs. Chat with them and get to know them. When you recognize that they are someone just like you, with interesting hobbies and families, you will help ease your anxiety.

  1. Book A Few Low-Pressure Appointments –

    Going to the dentist for a simple check-up is a great, low-stress way to get yourself comfortable with dental office visits. Even if you know you’re going to need dental work done, that doesn’t mean you have to get it done right away. Have a low key visit to your Ocean County dental office, get comfortable, , and relax. That will make future visits MUCH easier.

  1. Ask Your Dentist To Educate You

    – A good Ocean County dentist will talk to you before, during and after your appointment. Use this time to ease your fears. Have them tell you exactly what they are doing and how they’re doing it, and have them clarify why they’re doing it, too. Keep in mind, knowledge is power. When you have a better understanding of the process, you will then be more comfortable with it.

  1. Bring A Stress Reliever

    – Stress relief items like smooshy rubber balls can be helpful, so feel free to bring one with you. Your Barnegat dentist will understand! A major part of their job is to help make you comfortable. They want you to be at ease, so if it will help, bring it!

  1. Bring A Friend With You

    – Few things help us face our fears as the buddy system. If you are going in for a dental procedure that makes you a little nervous, ask a friend to come along on your appointment. They can give you the moral support that you’ll need to help get you get through your visit!

Trust us, your dentist wants you to be as relaxed as you can be, so follow this advice to ease your stress levels. Before you know it your dentist visits will feel routine!

Easy Ways to Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist

Posted on: July 6th, 2022 by admin

Dentist appointments are never at the top of anyone’s list of fun things to do, but they are a necessary part of maintaining your oral health. If you’re struggling with a fear of the dentist, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world feel the same way. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to get over your fear and make your next dentist appointment a breeze!

One of the best ways to get over your fear of the dentist is to educate yourself on what exactly happens during a dental appointment. Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist because they don’t know what to expect. If you take the time to learn about the different procedures that your dentist may perform, you will feel more comfortable and confident when it comes time for your appointment. And remember, Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

Another great way to ease your fears is to find a dentist that you trust and feel comfortable with. When you have a good relationship with your dentist, you will be more likely to relax and feel confident during your appointments. Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions that you have with your dentist so that they can help put your mind at ease.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with your fear of the dentist. If you have a friend or family member who is also afraid of the dentist, ask them to come with you to your appointment. Having someone there to support you can make a world of difference. You can also ask us to ease you through the process, too. We aim to make your visit to your favorite dentist near Manahawkin as smooth as possible!

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to conquering your fear of the dentist in no time! Schedule an appointment today and see for yourself how easy it can be.

Don’t be shy, the dentist won’t bite!

Posted on: September 22nd, 2021 by admin

Fear of the dentist is such a common fear it’s practically a movie cliché at this point. It has featured in sitcoms (Seinfeld’s hilarious dentist, Tim Whatley was played by Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and he was a very scary dentist) and in movies. There have been entire books written on the subject, and the reason is simple: It’s a fear that many people share.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s very possible to overcome your fear of visiting the dentist near Manahawkin – and that’s a good thing, because overcoming that fear will let you get the care you need in order to maintain good oral health!

 

Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist:

  1. Understand That Your Fears Are Normal

    – You’re not alone in being frightened of going to the dentist. Peter Milgrom, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, claims that upwards of 20 percent of U.S. citizens only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary to go. They avoid visits at other times due to fear. Up to 8 percent of people don’t go at ALL, with their decision also based in fear. When you understand that it’s normal to feel this way, it will be a good first step towards overcoming those fears.

  1. Get To Know Your Dentist As A Human Being

    – When you visit a dentist near Manahawkin, be sure you try to see them as a person, not as a clinical medical person in scrubs. Chat with them and get to know them. When you recognize that they are someone just like you, with interesting hobbies and families, you will help ease your anxiety.

  1. Book A Few Low-Pressure Appointments –

    Going to the dentist for a simple check-up is a great, low-stress way to get yourself comfortable with dental office visits. Even if you know you’re going to need dental work done, that doesn’t mean you have to get it done right away. Have a low key visit to your Ocean County dental office, get comfortable, , and relax. That will make future visits MUCH easier.

  1. Ask Your Dentist To Educate You

    – A good Ocean County dentist will talk to you before, during and after your appointment. Use this time to ease your fears. Have them tell you exactly what they are doing and how they’re doing it, and have them clarify why they’re doing it, too. Keep in mind, knowledge is power. When you have a better understanding of the process, you will then be more comfortable with it.

  1. Bring A Stress Reliever

    – Stress relief items like smooshy rubber balls can be helpful, so feel free to bring one with you. Your Barnegat dentist will understand! A major part of their job is to help make you comfortable. They want you to be at ease, so if it will help, bring it!

  1. Bring A Friend With You

    – Few things help us face our fears as the buddy system. If you are going in for a dental procedure that makes you a little nervous, ask a friend to come along on your appointment. They can give you the moral support that you’ll need to help get you get through your visit!

Trust us, your dentist wants you to be as relaxed as you can be, so follow this advice to ease your stress levels. Before you know it your dentist visits will feel routine!

It’s Easy to Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist in Manahawkin!

Posted on: July 28th, 2021 by admin

A lot of you are scared of going to your dental office near Manahawkin. We understand. We’re not insulted. That is actually a common feeling that is not all that unusual to hear about.

Are you among those people who are afraid to go to the dentist? If so, you probably share one of these common reasons expressed by others who have the same fears:

  • You’re afraid of pain
  • You’re afraid of getting bad news
  • You have memories of a bad experience
  • You are afraid of being scolded for not taking care of your teeth
  • You have general anxiety

These are the most common reasons mentioned by those who are afraid of going to the dentist near Manahawkin. The good news is, though these reasons may be commonplace, they are relatively easy to overcome. Consider these facts:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-s-gray-crew-neck-shirt-160914/

 

You’re Afraid of Pain

The fact of the matter is, these days your visit your dentist is almost certain to be pain free. Modern dental technology and the techniques they use have improved by leaps and bounds when compared to the old days. Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

You’re afraid to Get Bad News

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they don’t want to learn that they might need to get major work done. The reality of the situation, though, is that if you have taken care of your mouth in the way you should, it’s highly unlikely you’ll get the bad news you are fearing. If you DO happen to get bad news, don’t worry. You shouldn’t see it as bad. It’s the opposite! Catching a problem early when there is still a chance to fix it is great news!

You Have Memories of a Bad Experience

You might have been scared at the dentist when you were a child, but let’s be honest, kids are scared of many things they don’t need to be scared of. You’re an adult now, older, wiser, and smarter.

You’re Afraid of Being Scolded

This one is more common than you might think. People just don’t like to be told they’ve been doing something wrong or not doing it well! Just remember that if your dentist has input for you about your oral health habits, it’s for a good reason. Your dentist is there to look out for you! Also keep in mind that what they point out to you now can mean avoiding more dental treatments in the future.

You Have General Anxiety

If you have general anxiety about doctor visits, or just anxiety in general then your fear of the dentist may be a manifestation of that. Look for ways to cope that have worked best for you in other aspects of life so that when you do visit your dentist you can tell them about your anxiety and they can help you through it. Your dentist will be happy to do everything possible to make the experience more pleasant for you.

Most of all, the important thing to remember is that your dentist is there to help you lead a healthier, happier life. That’s his or her job.

So the next time you get a knot in your stomach when you have a trip to the dentist coming up, think about the above and let that knot unravel!

These 6 dental procedures are common, so don’t fear them!

Posted on: April 28th, 2021 by admin

Over the years, your Barnegat dentist has done and seen it all. You name the procedure and they have probably done it. There are, however, a few that stand out as far more common than others. Here are the 6 procedures we find ourselves doing more than any other:

1) Fillings

One of the most common dental procedures is also one of the easiest: getting fillings. This is nothing more than using restorative materials to repair damage to your teeth, usually cavities. In addition to filling holes left by tooth decay, aka cavities, these materials might be used to repair chipping, cracks, and other tooth damage. The resins used are colored to match your teeth, giving you a natural look that blends in seamlessly with your existing teeth.

2) Caps or Crowns

Dental crowns or caps are covers usually made of porcelain that go over or around existing teeth. These procedures are usually performed to help repair the appearance of broken or cracked teeth. These crowns not only improve the appearance of teeth that have been chipped in accidents and other events, they also help strengthen what is left of the teeth.

 

3) Tooth Whitening

More common than ever these days, the professional tooth whitening offered by your dentist in Ocean County is a cut about over-the-counter solutions. Using one of several types of treatments, your teeth can be whitened by several shades, reversing the damage done by years of coffee drinking, juice, smoking, and other ways to stain your teeth. Even better? The procedure is fast, easy and affordable.

4) Bridges and Implants

When teeth are missing or removed, it’s usually a good idea to replace them in some way. This is not just for the sake of appearance, but to protect your gums and to make eating easier. One of the most common ways of doing this is with a bridge, sometimes called dentures. These are false teeth with crowns used to fill in gaps in your mouth. Another is through the use of implants, metal posts that are placed in your mouth to serve as anchors for false teeth. In both cases, technology used by dentists near Manahawkin has come so far that you’ll never notice the difference.

5) Root Canals

Also known as Endodontics, root canals are a procedure often talked about with fear, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern advances in how these procedures are done have made them far less uncomfortable than in the past. Root canals are the removal of the pulpy, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. This is done when decay had advanced far enough so that it might cause infection inside the tooth. Root canals can save teeth from being extracted, but more importantly, they can prevent the formation of abscesses, buildups of pus that can destroy tissue and cause extreme pain – and sometimes worse.

6) Extractions

This one is pretty self-explanatory. An extraction is when a tooth is removed. These procedures may be done for a myriad of reasons, whether the tooth is damaged, decay has progressed too far, unwanted extra teeth are coming in, and more. In most cases, extractions are relatively easy procedures that any experienced dentist near Forked River can perform.

Fear of the Dentist: Some Simple Ways to Conquer Your Fear

Posted on: July 24th, 2019 by admin

A lot of you are scared of going to your dental office near Manahawkin. We understand. We’re not insulted. That is actually a common feeling that is not all that unusual to hear about.

Are you among those people who are afraid to go to the dentist? If so, you probably share one of these common reasons expressed by others who have the same fears:

  • You’re afraid of pain
  • You’re afraid of getting bad news
  • You have memories of a bad experience
  • You are afraid of being scolded for not taking care of your teeth
  • You have general anxiety

These are the most common reasons mentioned by those who are afraid of going to the dentist near Manahawkin. The good news is, though these reasons may be commonplace, they are relatively easy to overcome. Consider these facts:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-s-gray-crew-neck-shirt-160914/

 

You’re Afraid of Pain

The fact of the matter is, these days your visit your dentist is almost certain to be pain free. Modern dental technology and the techniques they use have improved by leaps and bounds when compared to the old days. Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

You’re afraid to Get Bad News

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they don’t want to learn that they might need to get major work done. The reality of the situation, though, is that if you have taken care of your mouth in the way you should, it’s highly unlikely you’ll get the bad news you are fearing. If you DO happen to get bad news, don’t worry. You shouldn’t see it as bad. It’s the opposite! Catching a problem early when there is still a chance to fix it is great news!

You Have Memories of a Bad Experience

You might have been scared at the dentist when you were a child, but let’s be honest, kids are scared of many things they don’t need to be scared of. You’re an adult now, older, wiser, and smarter.

You’re Afraid of Being Scolded

This one is more common than you might think. People just don’t like to be told they’ve been doing something wrong or not doing it well! Just remember that if your dentist has input for you about your oral health habits, it’s for a good reason. Your dentist is there to look out for you! Also keep in mind that what they point out to you now can mean avoiding more dental treatments in the future.

You Have General Anxiety

If you have general anxiety about doctor visits, or just anxiety in general then your fear of the dentist may be a manifestation of that. Look for ways to cope that have worked best for you in other aspects of life so that when you do visit your dentist you can tell them about your anxiety and they can help you through it. Your dentist will be happy to do everything possible to make the experience more pleasant for you.

Most of all, the important thing to remember is that your dentist is there to help you lead a healthier, happier life. That’s his or her job.

So the next time you get a knot in your stomach when you have a trip to the dentist coming up, think about the above and let that knot unravel!