pain

Root Canals Not as Painful as Perceived

Posted on
Categories: Root Canals

Who’s afraid of a big, bad root canal? Apparently, a lot of people – but that fear may be unfounded. A new study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found that among 1,096 randomly selected patients who underwent a root canal, the pain of the procedure was ranked no worse than any other procedure performed at the dentist’s office. This may come as a surprise to some, as root canals have earned a reputation as being the very worst type of dental procedure one can endure.

During a root canal, a tiny hole is drilled into the affected tooth, and the pulp and nerves of the tooth are cleaned out and then replaced with a synthetic material called gutta percha. A root canal allows the patient to keep the outer structure of their natural tooth without needing a crown or extraction.

Dr. Allison Lesko of Fort Collins, Colorado, says that many of her patients are surprised to discover that root canals really aren’t as painful as they’d first believed.

“It always comes as a shock to patients that they feel surprisingly comfortable during a root canal,” she says, “and that they actually feel pretty good afterward.”

The latter makes sense too, as generally speaking most people who end up needing a root canal procedure are experiencing some degree of tooth pain in the first place.

“The procedure comes as a relief to the pain that the patient was experiencing before the root canal procedure, because the dentist has cleaned out the infection,” she says.

With over 22 million root canal procedures performed each year here in the United States, Lesko is surprised the procedure doesn’t have a better reputation, but she is hopeful that the University of Adelaide study will help change some perceptions.

“We need to destigmatize many of these procedures, so patients aren’t so afraid to take control of their oral health,” she says.

With an estimated 75 percent of all adults experiencing some degree of odontophobia (fear of the dentist), it is especially crucial to change opinions about dentistry.

“The more afraid people are to visit the dentist, the less likely they are to go to the dentist, which can make any problems with their teeth get worse,” Lesko says. “Pretty soon what was just a cavity turns into a crown or a root canal, all because the patient was afraid of a filling.”

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

TMJ Disorder? Avoid These Foods

Posted on
Categories: Oral Health, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Clicking, popping and stiffness. Headaches, backaches and tinnitus. Soreness and an immovable jaw. These are the signs of the debilitating condition temporomandibular joint disorder, and believe it or not, what you do and don’t eat can make the symptoms feel a whole lot worse.

Whether you are one of the estimated millions of sufferers of temporomandibular joint disorder or you just experience occasional jaw stiffness or soreness, here are a few foods you may want to consider avoiding to help alleviate jaw pain.

Jerky

With the popularity of low-carb and Keto diets, jerky is making a comeback in a big way. But unfortunately, tearing that dehydrated meat with your teeth is a recipe for disaster when it comes to temporomandibular joint disorder. If you’ve been indulging in this high-protein treat and are experiencing increased jaw pain or temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms, it may be time to put the jerky on hold for a while and find an easier-to-chew snack.

Gummies

Gum drops, gummy bears, gummy worms, fruit snacks – they all have different names, but when it comes to consuming these sweet treats, the effect on your temporomandibular joint disorder is usually the same. Because of the chewy nature of these snacks, they can really worsen jaw pain, even if they don’t seem like they are hurting you at the time of consumption. If you have temporomandibular joint disorder or jaw pain, pass on the gummies and stick to fresh fruits instead.

Chips and Pretzels

Sure, they’re a delicious way to kick a salt craving, but chips and pretzels can often be a bit too crunchy for some jaws – especially those with TMJ disorder or general soreness. If you really want to crush that crunch craving, stick to something softer like celery or crackers.

Carrots

We feel bad advising you to avoid carrots, because these tasty little root veggies are so good for you. So we won’t flat-out suggest you avoid them all together. If your jaw is acting up and you still want carrots, try eating them steamed or opt for their softer counterpart, baby carrots – cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Granola

While some varieties of granola can be very soft, other kinds can be really crunchy – and really tough on your temporomandibular joint. If you are experiencing jaw pain and can’t quit your granola habit, try mixing it with milk or yogurt to soften it up. You’ll get the same great taste but without the jaw workout.

To learn more ways to better manage your temporomandibular joint disorder, please call Dr. Allison Lesko’s office at 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526