The only way to remedy infected tooth pulp is to see a general dentist for a root canal in Clearwater, FL. Many people are hesitant to get this treatment, but it is important to get it in order to prevent an infection from spreading and relieve drastic pain you may be experiencing. It will be a lot easier if you get a dental procedure sooner rather than later, so never delay getting a root canal .

5 Common Symptoms for Needing a Root Canal

The following symptoms are prevalent when the pulp inside a tooth has become infected. It is important to bear in mind that a single symptom is a good enough reason to see a dentist. Not all these symptoms will be present, but pay attention to them so that you know when it is time to see a professional.

• Gums around the affected tooth are tender or swollen
• The affected tooth has darkened or looks stained
• Extreme pain is experienced when biting down
• Pimples consistently appear on gum tissue
• Severe sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks

Steps for Getting Treatment

The first thing you need to do is contact a general dentist. You will likely be asked to describe your symptoms, and the dentist will suggest a time for you to come in. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you might be asked to come in immediately or in a few days. If you are asked to wait, then the dentist you are speaking with might tell you what you can do in the meantime to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Call Our Office Right Away

No amount of pain should ever be considered normal. Contact Northwood Dental in order to get prompt treatment so that you can regain control of your overall well-being. There is no need to wait when call us now at 727-797-5161.

Cosmetic dentistry has much more to it than what meets the eye. While some people pursue cosmetic dental work to deal with the after effects of a lost or damaged tooth, others seek it out to improve their overall dental health as well as the aesthetic appearance of their smile. No matter why you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, there are a number of reasons that it can help boost your oral health.

1. Dental Implants are just the tip of the iceberg. While many people think of cosmetic dentistry as just dental implantation work, there are so many other aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Building bridges and getting tooth crowns are two other ways in which cosmetic dentistry can help rebuild your mouth from the root up. Invisalign® invisible braces are a perfect cosmetic choice for discreetly straightening crooked teeth. Veneers and teeth whitening procedures are also classed as cosmetic dental procedures.
2. Cosmetic dentistry can help you to chew again. Have you lost the use of your tooth due to infection or bacterial decay? Fortunately, certain dental work, such as dental implants , can help restore full functionality to your teeth. They can give you back the ability to chew firm foods, as well as making your mouth shine.
3. Cosmetic dental procedures can last a lifetime. When cosmetic dentistry is done by expert dentists and well maintained by regular biofilm cleanings and good daily dental hygiene, it can last for a very long time. In addition, most cosmetic dental procedures serve to protect your existing teeth from getting damaged or experiencing decay.

We Are Here to Help

Here at Northwood Dental, we specialize a variety of different procedures, including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants in Clearwater, FL. Feel free to give us a call today at (727) 288-9085 to talk to one of our nationally recognized dentists about what we can do for you and your family.

Implant dentistry is highly useful for giving patients a new tooth. Our dentists offer dental implants in Clearwater, FL so that you can eat and speak like you did with your old tooth. There are a few things our dentist will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of implants so that you can make an informed decision.

Pros

An important reason for why dental implants are a great restoration option is that they replace the entire structure of the tooth. Other treatments only replace what you can see. An implant actually replaces the root of the tooth that goes into the jaw bone. This ensures a stronger bond. Another advantage is that the dental implant prevents the jaw bone from deteriorating significantly. A lost tooth means that there is no longer stimulation at that part of the bone, so it will begin to reabsorb back into your body. Implants prevent the bone deterioration and absorption.

Once your implant has fully fused, it will function just like a tooth. You will not have to do anything special to take care of it. It is not going to click or pop when you operate your jaw. It is not going to slip out of place. It is essentially a brand, new tooth, and as long as proper care is taken, your implant can last for a lifetime.

Cons

Every procedure has its disadvantages, and our dentist will go over potential risks with you before beginning. However, dental implants have a very high success rate. The main thing to take into consideration is that the procedure takes a while. Your implant needs to be put in place, and you will then need to wait a few months until the crown can be put over it. It is a bit of a time commitment but very much worth it in the long run.

Contact Us

Northwood Dental has the technology needed to give you a perfect smile. Contact us, and we can discuss your restorative implant dentistry options with you in greater detail.

Call Us Today! (727) 288-9085

The dental office of the 21st century has experienced many changes because of advances in dental technology. As more dental providers continue to employ the use of advanced dental technology in their offices, patients benefit from better dental care and healthier mouths and teeth. At Northwood Dental we are committed to providing each of our patients the top technology tools in the dental industry. With these tools, we can develop an effective way to keep your mouth, teeth and gums in top condition. Here are some of the benefits you get with our advanced technological tools.

1. Diagnosis

One of the biggest benefits to patients is that technology helps us diagnose conditions with much greater accuracy. Digital x-rays allow us to get a clearer and more accurate view of your teeth and bones. That way, we can find out if there are things going on beyond the surface of your gums.

2. Treatment

Treatments for dental patients have been made much better with technology as well. When making impressions of your teeth, we now have the ability to utilize digital tools that help increase the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

3. Precision

Advanced dental technology like lasers can help patients get more precise results when undergoing laser gum surgery or other procedures. Instead of traditional scalpels, your gums can be treated much more accurately with the top tools.

4. Comfort

Finally, our patients benefit by getting a more comfortable experience when we use some of our top technological tools in dental treatment. Some procedures allow patients to experience little discomfort when getting dental work done, and others give patients much less recovery time. These things are possible when using the latest dental technology tools.

If you are interested in finding out how advanced dental technology can be incorporated into your dental treatment plan, contact us today. We can give you some options for your next dental visit.

Teeth grinding is a fairly serious condition that regularly affects both children and adults. In children, clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth, both referred to as bruxism, may be brought on by a cold or stress. In adults, bruxism may be the result of stress or years of chewing on items such as pencils or gum. Many individuals do not even realize they grind their teeth because they do it in their sleep, but the act can lead to severe headaches, soreness in the jaw and neck, and poor overall slumber.

Regular grinding of the teeth can also lead to all kinds of dental problems. It wears away at the enamel of the teeth and might even cause cracking or other damage if left unchecked. At Northwood Dental, we seek to help our patients overcome the effects of teeth grinding with a few different treatment options.

Self-Awareness

One of the best ways to treat bruxism is to be aware of it in the first place. If you clench your jaw during the day, it might be time to train yourself to notice and forcibly relax your jaw, such as by touching the tip of your tongue to the back of your front teeth. As you consciously relax, your jaw may clench and grind less often.

Stress Reduction

You might also try reducing the stress in your life using specific techniques, including exercise and counseling. In some cases, a muscle relaxer might also help to reduce the severity and frequency of the teeth grinding. You can also get a better night’s sleep and reduce the odds of a bruxism episode by cutting out caffeinated foods and beverages and avoiding alcohol.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances such as mouth guards may prevent your teeth from coming in contact with one another. The doctors at Northwood Dental may be able to find a custom solution to help you or your child combat the effects of bruxism . To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Dentures have long been one of the most common tooth replacement options in the US. Today, that trend is changing, and dental implants are joining dentures on the list of top treatments. At Northwood Dental, we know both options have their pros and cons, and patients should have that information prior to being asked to choose a treatment option that would work for them. If you are thinking about replacing your missing teeth in Clearwater, FL, consider the following as you make your decision:

Dentures

Dentures are a removable appliance that is adhered to the gums with denture adhesive. Today’s dentures are better than ever, and boast stronger, more natural looking materials that can help you retain more of a natural look. Many patients initially experience difficulty eating and speaking with their new dentures. They are prone to shifting while in use, and that may cause discomfort. When the dentures are a partial set, they may also cause the healthy teeth around them to decay if doctors fail to fit them properly. Patients with significant bone loss, a weak jaw or ongoing problems with their gums may find dentures to be an ideal treatment. Their cost may also make them a practical choice for patients on a budget.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are similar to dentures, but instead of having the false teeth rooted to an orthodontic device, they are affixed directly to the jaw. They are implanted surgically, and with proper care and attention, may last for decades. Implants can also be used to replace any number of missing teeth, are more comfortable than other options, and are not prone to causing damage to other healthy teeth. The biggest con to implants is their cost. They are initially expensive and many insurance plans do not fully cover the expenses associated with their placement.

At Northwood Dental, we are happy to help determine which treatment option would work best for you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Call Us Today! (727) 288-9085

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on teeth and provide conditions for bad bacteria to infect your mouth. Gum disease is a serious oral health issue, because if it is left untreated, it can lead to loss of gum tissue, mouth infections, and even tooth loss. Because the health of your mouth is linked to your overall health, early detection and treatment of gum disease is pivotal.

Signs of Gum Disease

Individuals who smoke, those who have diabetes, or those who have a genetic predisposition are all at risk for developing gum disease. Possible signs of gum disease may include:

• Bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating
• Halitosis or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful eating or chewing
• Receding gums
• Red and inflamed or swollen gums

Because gum disease is relatively painless, patients may not even realize that there is a serious dental problem unless they visit a dentist.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Gum disease is treatable. The first step involves removing the buildup of plaque and tartar through an oral deep cleaning called scaling and root planning . More serious cases of gum disease may require advanced treatments such as laser gum surgery or LANAP®, which removes plaque buildup and diseased tissue beneath the gum line. LANAP® is an advanced laser technology gum diseasetreatment, which is less invasive and virtually pain-free as opposed the typical scalpel and suture method which requires a longer recovery time and more pain medication.

Gum disease patients should also consider incorporating better oral care routines, such as brushing and flossing regularly and quitting smoking, in order to better improve the overall health of their mouth.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about how to prevent and treat gum disease, contact our office in Clearwater, FL today. One of our doctors can meet with you and discuss your options for gum treatment.

You already know that proper nutrition is good for your overall health, but did you know that certain foods can improve your dental health and reduce your risk of cavities? If you want to spend less time at the dentist receiving treatments for tooth decay, try making healthy eating a lifetime habit. Here are five of the best food choices for your teeth.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is packed full of calcium and protein, which are both key components of strong, healthy teeth. Yogurt also offers probiotics, which are helpful bacteria that crowd out the bad bacteria in your mouth that cause decay. Just keep in mind that most flavored yogurts have a lot of added sugar, which is bad for your teeth and feeds harmful bacteria. For maximum benefits, consume yogurt with no added sugar. You can add your own flavoring in the form of fresh berries or nuts.

2. Vegetables

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are great for your teeth because they scrape bacteria and food particles away when you chew on them. They are also full of fiber and bone-friendly vitamins, which makes them a great snack choice.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens deserve a category of their own because they are powerhouses of nutrition. They are high in calcium and folic acid, which are good for hard and soft oral tissues. If you have trouble consuming a sufficient quantity of leafy greens, try throwing some kale into a smoothie or sautéing spinach with garlic and onions and eating it as a side dish.

4. Cheese

Like yogurt, cheese is also high in protein and calcium, which strengthen tooth enamel and improve oral health. Cheese also raises the pH in your mouth, thereby lowering your risk of tooth decay.

5. Almonds

Almonds are low in sugar and are a good source of protein and calcium, which makes them an ideal dietary choice for your oral health. Almonds taste great as a snack or sprinkled in a variety of dishes.

Call Us

Do you live in Clearwater, FL and want to learn more about healthy eating and the effect it has on your teeth? Schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist by calling Northwood Dental today.