Fact or Fiction: Do Root Canals Hurt?

Does the phrase “root canal” make you cringe? There’s a common misconception that root canal therapy is a painful procedure. When in fact, it is used to alleviate pain. Root Canal therapy is performed when a tooth is causing pain from an irreversible condition such as a broken tooth, infected pulp,  or a slowing dying nerve.

Root Canal therapy is performed when a tooth is causing pain from an irreversible condition such as a broken tooth, infected pulp,  or a slowing dying nerve. Most people who have undergone root canal therapy admit that they did not experience any pain during their appointment and felt better after the procedure.

Let’s debunk a few of the myth’s about root canal therapy.

MYTH #1 – Root Canal Therapy is Painful

A root canal relieves the pain associated with infection that has reached the root of the tooth, Through modern day advancements in dental technology, having a root canal feels similar to receiving a filling and can be just as painless.

MYTH #2 – Root Canals Are Only Necessary if You Are Experiencing Tooth Pain.

In some cases, teeth that have died need a root canal in order to avoid becoming infected. Rhodes Dentistry can conduct several tests in order to determine if a tooth with dead nerves is in need of root canal therapy

MYTH #3 – Root Canal Therapy is Only Temporary.

The results are long lasting. Root canals relieve patients’ tooth pain and preserve the tooth indefinitely. The final step in a root canal is a well-made and well-fit crown. With proper oral care at home and routine visits to the dentist, your tooth will last a lifetime.

MYTH #4 – Extraction is a Good Alternative to a Root Canal.

Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. A root canal with a good restoration (dental crown) is not only the most cost-effective option, it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Dental implants and other tooth replacement alternatives will require additional treatments and additional out-of-pocket expense.

If you would like to find out more about root canals in Matthews and the surrounding areas or if you think you may be in need of a root canal, give us a call. Idlewild Family Dentistry is here to help you maintain a healthy, natural smile!

The Benefits of Using Mouthwash

Adding a mouthwash rinse to your daily oral health routine can compliment brushing and flossing. It can reach areas within the mouth that are equally as important as your teeth such as the back of the throat and the inside of the cheeks.Mouthwash also helps by removing plaque and food particles that brushing and flossing alone may have missed.

The greatest oral health benefits of using mouthwash

• It helps prevent plaque build-up
• The fluoride in mouthwash helps to prevent cavities
• Freshens breath

For best results add an antibacterial mouthwash in addition to an ADA recommended toothpaste, and remember to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and dental cleaning!

All About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry offers everything from teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers. If you or a loved one have stained, uneven or broken teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help. It can also offer a wide range of benefits, including making regular cleaning easier, improving a patient's confidence, and even reducing bruxism (grinding).

Dental Health Month: Developing Lifetime Relationships With Our Patients

When patients first walk into Dr. Dhulabs dental office in Matthews, NC, one of the first things they usually notice is the warm and friendly atmosphere. This is because, at Idlewild Family Dentistry, we are more than just a local dental care provider, we strive to become the dental care home for you and your loved ones. Our dental practice is interested in our patients well-being, along with their oral health. We focus on treating not only the present dental problems on the surface, but we also work with our patients to develop healthy habits through oral health education. Dr. Dhulab and his team believe that it is important to develop lifetime relationships with our patients. As a trusted dentist in the area, Dr. Dhulab is always going above and beyond with his involvement in the community. One such instance is that in honor of Dental Health Month, Dr. Dhulab took an opportunity to do something extra special for one of his patients. 

Fluoride is a Good Thing!

Fluoride is a good thing! It stops the acid produced by bacteria (plaque) from eating away tooth enamel (the hard, shiny substance that protects teeth). It can reverse low levels of tooth decay and keep new cavities from forming.

Are Cavities Contagious?

We all know that the common cold is contagious. But, have you ever thought that cavities might be contagious? The bacterial cause of tooth decay can be passed along from person to person.

Teaching Children the Importance of Good Dental Hygiene

Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease. It has been estimated that over 2.26 million school days are missed each year due to dental related issues. Teaching children early on the importance of brushing of their teeth can result in a lifetime of proper dental hygiene. The result may be fewer cavities throught their childhood and can lessen the chances of gum disease and other dental problems in the future.
It can be hard for parents to get their children excited about brushing their teeth. So it is important to find fun and easy ways to help them get in the habit of keeping up a good dental hygiene routine. It is even more so important to take your child to the dentist twice a year for check-ups. The dentist is trained spot potential problems that may arise. Your childs dentist can also give tips on how to keep your childs mouth at it's healthiest.