Do I Need a Root Canal Procedure

How do you know you need a root canal? That is a question that not many people want to know the answer to. When most people hear the term, "root canal", a sense of fear runs through us and we think the worst.

Regardless of our thoughts about root canals, if you need one, you can't ignore it. So how do you know when you need one done? The best way to know is to consult a dentist but here are some ways to know yourself and the causes.

Common causes of root canals:

• Tooth decay that has penetrated the enamel and dentin to reach the nerve and the pulp that are in the root canals and chambers of the tooth. 
• Tooth decay that went unchecked and has caused the tooth to become infected or abscessed. 
• When a nerve has become exposed after a broken or chipped tooth. 
• Age
• Untreated tooth trauma. 

So what are the symptoms you need to pay attention to and know you need a root canal procedure?

• Severe pain in a tooth; this pain often persists for long periods of time and can even interrupt your sleep. The pain you feel is the pulp of the tooth dying or becoming infected. 
• Radiating jaw pain. The pain tends to be in the jaw but can extend to the ear or temple right by the ear. 
• Chewing pain or pain by touch. When you bite down with the tooth, or when you touch it, you might experience great pain. If you have this, the pain is caused by inflammation or infection at the root's tip. 
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
• Darkened tooth. If you see a tooth is darker than the ones around it, then get it checked out by a tooth crown dentist. 
• A broken or chipped tooth. 
• Decayed teeth. If you have untreated cavities or cracks, then they can lead to a need for root canals. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, pay attention to them and check them with a dentist. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry, a Chicagoland dentist in Park Ridge. While a need for a root canal is often noted by a patient experiencing these symptoms, patients who need a root canal do not always experience the symptoms. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Get a Beaming White Smile

The way we dress and present ourselves says a lot about who we are, so we need to stay true to ourselves when we define our look. Beauty starts from inside, and when we feel great, we project our confidence and optimism. Whatever we're wearing, including our smile, should reflect our positive energy. But what if your smile is not beaming its brightest? Our Park Ridge dental office has solutions!

Supervised teeth whitening. Including dentist-prescribed home systems and in-office treatments, are customized for your unique smile and can make your natural teeth their whitest.

Teeth bonding. This covers the teeth with a beautiful gap, white resin, reshaping them, fixing chips, and filling gaps.

Porcelain veneers. These cover the front surfaces of teeth cleverly masking any stains, fillings, and chipped or uneven teeth.

White fillings. These are an attractive alternative and an option to replace unattractive silver-colored fillings.

Inlays & Onlays. These repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, strengthen teeth, and restore structure and color.

A confident, white, healthy-looking smile will help you feel positive and look your very best. Give our Chicagoland dental office a call today to discuss the best way to brighten your smile and look as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside!

Are Your Gums Receding?

You need to know the risks and causes of your receding gums. 

Is your big grin showing a little less gum than it used to? Gum recession is a common problem in North America. The most common age range is people over age of 40.

Gum recession should not be taken lightly.

Receding gums can warn of periodontal disease, which is linked to so many life threatening diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and some cancers (oral cancer).

Although the leading cause of receding gums is gum disease, there are many m
ore, and all of them can open the door to gum infection and periodontitis. Here are other causes:

• Hormone fluctuations- Hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums sensitive and more likely to recede. 
• Over-brushing- Agressive brushing can wear away enamel and increase risk for gum recession. 
• Grinding, clenching, and an uneven bite- All can put excessive force on the teeth and jaws, causing gums to recede. 
• Tobacco use- Smokers are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum recession. 
• Mouth piercings- Jewelry can rub the gum and wear away tissue. 

Don't ignore receding gums. The resulting exposure of tooth crowns and roots opens the door to root cavities, eroded tooth structure, and ligament destruction. All of these things can eventually lead to devastating tooth loss. 

Call Rubino Dentistry if you have any concerns. We can treat and repair receding gums and help prevent further damage to your beautiful smile!