Torrance Endodontix
Saving a Lost Tooth After an Accident
Losing a permanent tooth can be traumatic for anyone; however, knowing what to do should it happen may enable you to save the tooth.
The clock starts ticking from the moment the tooth is lost. The tooth has the best chance for survival if it is re-implanted as soon as possible, preferably within 5 minutes.
- Start looking for the missing tooth immediately. Once found, rinse the tooth with water, but do not scrub it.
- Next and if possible, gently re-implant the tooth into its socket prior to rushing to our office or hospital. If you’re too nervous to re-implant it, transport the tooth in water or milk.
- If the patient is age-appropriate and is thinking clearly, the preferred option is to put it in the patient’s mouth between the gum and cheek (the preferred option).
- And lastly, contact our Torrance office or medical facility en route to ensure a doctor is ready to treat the oral trauma.
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May 7th, 2014
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Tags: baseball, endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, endodontics, endodontist, lingering pain, pain, severe pressure, sports, sports injury
What Do You Do About a Severe Toothache
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Apr 23rd, 2014
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Tags: central pulp tissues, Endodontic, endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, endodontics, root canal, root canal therapies, root canal treatment, root canal treatments, root canals
What to Do if You Have Sensitive Teeth
If you have one or more teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold, the first thing you need to do is have an evaluation to determine the cause. Tooth sensitivity is largely caused by exposure of a tooth’s dentin, the living tissue making up the body of the tooth. When exposed—most often from gum recession—the dentin, which contains nerve fibers, responds to heat, cold, or even touch with varying degrees of sensitivity. This can range from a slight twinge to downright excruciating pain for some people. On a positive note, as you age, your teeth tend to become naturally less sensitive.
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Apr 9th, 2014
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The Truth About Root Canal Treatment
Does the thought that you may need root canal treatment send shivers up your spine? Do you have the idea that it’s a painful and complicated procedure that is best avoided? If so, it’s time to think again. While an infection or inflammation in your tooth’s pulp tissue can indeed cause severe pain, you should remember that root canal treatment relieves this pain — it doesn’t cause it!
What is a root canal? It’s a series of tiny, branching, river-like chambers found deep inside the roots of your teeth, which contain the nerve, or pulp, tissue. It’s also a shorthand name for the dental procedure in which inflamed pulp tissue is removed, and the affected tooth is cleaned, disinfected and sealed. This treatment can put an end to the pain-causing inflammation and infection, and help prevent the tooth from being lost.
So, is this routine procedure exceptionally painful? The answer is no — it’s generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling. And just like a filling, it begins with an anesthetic to numb the area under treatment. At that point, for many people, the worst is already over. To restore the tooth’s appearance and function after a root canal procedure, it’s usually necessary for a crown or another type of restoration to be placed on it.
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Mar 26th, 2014
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Addressing Those Common Concerns About Root Canals
Given most people have heard the expression, “I’d rather have a root canal” used to describe a situation they want to avoid, this treatment option has gotten a bad reputation. The reality of root canal treatment is that it is a relatively simple and painless procedure — unlike the tremendous pain and suffering people endure prior to treatment. Our office will perform this necessary endodontic treatment (“endo” – inside; “dont” – tooth), when the inside or pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The procedure involves making a small opening in the chewing surface of your tooth to gain access to the pulp, the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. Once accessed, we will remove the dead and dying tissue before cleaning and filling the root canal(s).
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Mar 12th, 2014
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Three Signs You May Be in Need of Endodontic Treatment
Most likely, you have heard of root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment. You may also know that this treatment can save your natural teeth to avoid the need for dental implants or bridges. We love saving teeth! When the tooth’s pulp is infected, we can go in and remove it to avoid further decay. If you are experiencing the most common symptoms, your general dentist will likely recommend non-surgical endodontic treatment with our practice. So what are the symptoms that indicate you may need root canal therapy?
Common Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Endodontic Treatment:
- Sharp pain while chewing. This type of sharp pain while eating can be an indicator of a few different problems that may have led to an infection. Tooth pain while chewing most likely means there is tooth decay or a cracked tooth, both of which can open up pathways for bacteria to infect the tooth’s pulp. If this has happened, you will most likely need root canal therapy.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If exposing your teeth to hot and cold substances (such as hot coffee or ice cream) causes a lingering pain, it could be the result of an infected or cracked tooth. This, of course, would require endodontic therapy to restore health.
- Swollen, painful gums. Symptoms that occur in the gums often point to an abscessed tooth, which means the infection is located between the gums and the tooth itself. This type of infection can easily spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissue and sometimes require endodontic therapy as part of the treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment With Us
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us immediately. However, these are only some of the most common symptoms; yours could differ. The only way to know for sure is by seeing a board certified endodontist who can give you an accurate diagnosis. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
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Feb 26th, 2014
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The Evolution of Dental Care: From Finger to Floss
Did you know that the toothbrush is one of the oldest tools that humans still use? In fact, in a survey conducted in 2003, Americans chose the toothbrush as the number one invention over the car, personal computer, cell phone, and microwave. This may come as a shock in a day and age obsessed with technology, but it just goes to show how much value we place on our pearly whites. But it makes you wonder… how have people kept their teeth clean throughout the centuries? How did the toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss come into existence and how have they evolved over time?
One would assume that the first toothbrush was surely the finger, but evidence has shown that as far back at 3500 BC to 3000 BC chewing sticks were used in Babylonia. These chewing sticks were essentially a stick from an astringent tree with a frayed end that acted as bristles to clean teeth. These chewing sticks have also been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Their predecessors are still commonly used in certain areas of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America and are known as miswak or mswaki sticks.
When excavating Ur in Mesopotamia, ornately decorated toothpicks were found that dated back to 3000 BC. Other archaeological digs have recovered various tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones, and porcupine quills as the earliest toothbrushes and toothpicks. An ancient Sanskrit text on surgery dating back to the 6th century describes severe periodontal disease and stresses oral hygiene; “the stick for brushing the teeth should be either an astringent or pungent bitter. One of its ends should be chewed in the form of a brush. It should be used twice a day, taking care that the gums not be injured.” Pretty sound advice, even by current standards! Ancient Greek and Roman literature referenced the use of toothpicks to keep their mouths clean, and ancient Roman aristocrats kept special slaves for the sole purpose of cleaning their teeth. Imagine that job!
Ancient Chinese writings from around 1600 BC portray chewing sticks that were derived from aromatic trees and sharpened at one end to act as a toothpick. In the thirteenth century, the Chinese began to attach boar bristles to bamboo, essentially fashioning the first toothbrush. The optimal choice for bristles was taken from the back of the necks of cold climate boars, generally found in Siberia. Traders introduced these toothbrushes to the West and they quickly gained popularity. At that time Europeans were brushing their teeth by dipping a linen cloth or sponge in sulfur oils and salt solutions to rub away tooth grime. This was referred to as “The Greek Way”, as Aristotle had recommended this method to Alexander the Great. As these toothbrushes spread from East to West, in the West they preferred softer horse hairs over the coarse boar bristles, yet horses were deemed too valuable for the sake of toothbrushes, making boar bristles popular well into the early 1900’s.
Fast-forward to 1780 and we meet a man named William Addis of Clerkenwald, England. Addis was sitting in Newgate Prison for allegedly inciting a riot. The method for brushing teeth in jail was to take a rag and dip it in a solution of soot and salt and rub it onto the teeth. Addis believed there had to be a more efficient way, so while he passed his time in jail he began to think up solutions. Spying a broom, inspiration struck him and he took a small animal bone leftover from his meal and drilled holes into it. He then tied some swine fibers into bunches, strung them through the holes, and glued them into place. At this time in Georgian England, refined sugar was being shipped in from the West Indies in mass quantities. This caused a huge increase in the consumption of sugar for Londoners who then suffered from rotting teeth, the only treatment for which was to pull the infected teeth. When Addis was released from jail, he went on to market and sell his toothbrush under the name Wisdom Toothbrushes, which went on to become a very successful business that is still around today.
Toothbrushes continued to be made with animal bone handles and more often than not, boar bristles, although fancy toothbrushes were made with badger hair for those who could afford them. Celluloid handles were introduced in the 1900’s and quickly replaced bone handles. In the 1920’s a new method of attaching bristles to the handle was developed: holes were drilled into the brush head, bunches of bristles were then forced through the holes, and secured with a staple. This method is the same method that is commonly used today.
The next evolution in toothbrushes occurred when Wallace H. Carothers of Du Pont Laboratories invented nylon in 1937. Nylon bristles quickly overtook animal hair bristles for sanitation and cost-effective purposes. Although boar hair bristles often fall out, do not dry well, and are prone to bacterial growth, they strangely still account for 10% of the toothbrushes sold worldwide. The new nylon bristled toothbrushes were sold as “Doctor West’s Miracle-Tuft Toothbrush” due to its more hygienic properties.
With World War II looming in the background, British and American housewives were instructed to waste nothing, which translated to no more bone handles for toothbrushes. Bone handles had long been popular for things like toothbrushes, knives, guns, and handles for many more items. The shift to celluloid was a natural progression as soup bones were needed more than ornate bone handles. World War II gave oral hygiene an unexpected boost. The soldiers in World War II were expected to brush twice daily, a habit they brought home with them, likely due to the fact that Trench Mouth had become so rampant during World War I.
And what about toothpaste? Well, ancient Egyptians were making a “tooth powder” as far back as 5000 B.C.E. It was made from ox hooves, myrrh, eggshell fragments, and pumice. No device was found with the remnants of the tooth powder, which is why it is assumed that the finger was the first actual toothbrush. Other early tooth powders contained mixtures of powdered salt, pepper, mint leaves, and iris flowers. In Roman times, urine was used as a base for toothpaste. And since urine contains ammonia it was likely an effective whitening agent. In later times, homemade tooth powder was made of chalk, pulverized brick and salt. It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte regularly brushed his teeth with an opium-based toothpaste. In 1873, Colgate mass-produced the first toothpaste in a jar called Crème Dentifrice. By 1896, Colgate Dental Cream was packaged in collapsible tubes. Finally, by 1900, a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda was developed, and by 1914 fluoride was introduced and added to the majority of toothpastes on the market at that time.
And what of floss? Researchers have found floss and toothpick grooves in the teeth of prehistoric humans. But it wasn’t until 1815 when a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly promoted flossing with a piece of silk thread that floss really gained notoriety. Levi went on to be credited for inventing the first form of dental floss. By 1882 the Codman and Shurtleft Company of Randolph, Massachusetts began mass-producing unwaxed silk floss for commercial use. In 1898 Johnson & Johnson received the first patent for dental floss. Dr. Charles C. Bass then developed nylon floss, which performed better than silk because of its elasticity. Today floss is still made of nylon.
Who would’ve thought that the history of dental care would be so fascinating? And who would’ve guessed that the toothbrush we use today evolved from a stick and was perfected by a convict? Today, there are over 3,000 patents worldwide for toothbrushes. Regardless of how they got here, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss are a necessity in our daily lives.
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Feb 12th, 2014
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Tags: dental care, Finger to Floss, oral hygiene, Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Serving Patients with Special Needs
Dr. Safa is committed to making endodontic care available for all patients who need it, regardless of special healthcare needs. Patients with special needs include the elderly, those with limited mobility, mentally disabled individuals, immunocomprimised people and those with mental illness. Specific diseases that can frequently hinder proper dental care include autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Down syndrome.
Often times, these individuals have higher rates or poor hygiene, which leads to greater incidence of gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries. These conditions can sometimes require root canal therapy to save the patient’s tooth. While treating a patient with special needs, we strive to ensure:
– A friendly and comfortable environment
– Sensitivity and compassion from team members
– Predictable experiences at each appointment
Our team posses the compassion and understanding that is imperative when caring for a special needs patient. Some cases involving severe disabilities may require specialized equipment and general anesthesia. We realize that each individual with special needs is a unique case and will require different systems and skills to properly treat. We are confidant we can provide competent care for the majority of patients who are labeled as special needs.
For patients who are specifically incapable of ideal hygiene, it is essential that the people in daily contact with them become involved in their oral healthcare requirements. If you are a caregiver for a patient with special needs, the best course of action to determine if we can offer treatment is to call our office with any questions and possibly reserve an appointment to tour our facilities. If more complex oral care is required, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist who also works with the special needs population.
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Jan 29th, 2014
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Tags: dental care, Dr Safa, endodontics, special needs
Bruxism is a Real Grind
Bruxism is the technical name for grinding, gnashing, and/or clenching your teeth. It is considered a para-functional activity, which means an abnormal or deviated dental function or habit that is subconscious. The term Bruxism comes from the Greek word “brygmós” which means “to grind or gnash the opposing rows of upper and lower molar teeth”.
On average, your upper and lower teeth come into direct contact for about 20 minutes a day, with only 20-40 pounds of pressure. People who suffer with Bruxism’s upper and lower teeth come into direct contact for as long as 40 minutes per hour, with a force of about 250 pounds!
The grinding, gnashing and/or clenching mainly occur unconsciously; in most cases while you’re asleep. In more severe cases, some people find themselves clenching during the day as well. If you catch yourself clenching be sure to stop and stretch your jaw – move your lower jaw back and forth in a circular motion, changing rotation. Hearing popping or clicking noises is fairly common in people with Bruxism, so be sure to inform us if this occurs as it can indicate Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) as well as Bruxism.
Bruxism can cause your teeth to become worn down, fractured, and/or chipped. It can also wear down your tooth enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and susceptibility to cavities. Not only does it deteriorate your teeth, it can also cause headaches, earaches, chronic facial pain, and jaw tension.
You should make an appointment with us if you’re experiencing a combination of any of the following issues:
Symptoms of Bruxism
- Grinding sound at night
- Dull headache in the morning
- Facial Pain
- Tight or painful jaw muscles, especially in the morning
- Worn down, flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
- Tired jaw muscles
- Anxiety, stress and tension
- Depression
- Earache
- Eating disorders
- Headaches
- Hot, cold, and/or sweet tooth sensitivity
- Insomnia
- Painful, sore jaw
Possible Causes of Bruxism
Because the origin of Bruxism is not completely understood, any number of the following items may be possible causes:
- Experienced and anticipated stressors are considered a main factor. People who are stressed often carry tension with them to bed, causing them to grind, gnash and clench at night
- Suppressed anger, frustration, and aggression
- Misaligned upper and lower teeth (malocclusion). The verdict is still out as to why malocclusion is such a common component with Bruxism, but doctors have found that it is prevalent amongst sufferers
- People with depressive and anxiety disorders are more likely to suffer from Bruxism
- Bruxism is an uncommon side effect of certain psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants
- Often Bruxism is partnered with other sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, sleep walking, and nightmares
- Bruxism can be a result of complications from a disorder such as Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
- Stimulating substances such as smoking tobacco, drinking caffeinated beverages and/or alcohol, taking illegal drugs such as methamphetamines and ecstasy also increases the risk of Bruxism
- Age – Bruxism is common in children, but typically goes away by adolescence (See below for Bruxism in Children)
Other things such as diet, your ability to relax, low pH levels (high acidity), posture, and sleeping habits may also be contributors.
It is best to speak with Dr. Safa to determine the possible causes of Bruxism for you, and the best way to treat it.
Children with Bruxism
According to experts, two to three out of every ten children will grind or clench their teeth. While most children will outgrow this, it is important to cover both the physical and potentially psychological factors that can cause Bruxism.
Bruxism in children is often a response to the pain caused by teething or an earache. As with adults, it is also linked to the abnormal alignment of the top and bottom teeth.
With children, Bruxism can be an early warning sign of both experienced and anticipated stress. It has become more common for children with Bruxism to regularly see their doctor, as well as to receive psychological treatment, such as counseling, to help alleviate stressors.
Medical conditions such as cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease can also cause a child to clench and/or grind. Hyperactive children (ADHD) commonly experience Bruxism as well.
Working with Dr. Safa to establish care for your child with Bruxism will help create better habits and give you practical solutions so that your child can live clench/grind free. Please feel free to call our office to make an appointment if you think you or your child might be experiencing Bruxism.
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Jan 8th, 2014
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Bacteria’s Great Odyssey to The Pulp
If a tooth’s pulp, the innermost layer, becomes infected it is in grave danger. Most likely, your general dentist will refer you to our office for intervention. Without treatment, the tooth can die and fall out. So how does a tooth reach this ruinous point? In this blog post, we will examine bacteria’s journey to infection of the pulp.
Bacteria Packs its Bags, Forms Plaque
As we all know, certain bacteria found in the mouth can cause serious problems. These harmful residents are gluttons for the lingering sugar in your mouth and produce an acid byproduct that strips enamel and weakens teeth.
Bacteria Makes Friends With Common Goals: Tooth Decay
Bacteria then groups together to form plaque (a clear, sticky film) and tartar (hardened plaque) which will adhere to teeth in the absence of proper hygiene habits. Beyond their sticking power, these substances allow bacteria to dwell in one area so all the damage they do is very concentrated. Accordingly, tooth decay in these areas can occur rapidly, causing a cavity.
Post-Cavity Voyage
When a cavity develops, the best treatment is to place a dental filling as soon as possible. If the cavity is left unattended to, decay continues. These bacteria burrow even deeper into the tooth until they access the tooth’s pulp. At this point the bacteria causes an infection with the power to kill the tooth. This infection can even spread into the jaw, mouth and rest of the body.
Bacteria Meets Its Final Destiny in Our Office
Thankfully, this infection spread can be halted with endodontic treatment in our office. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and fills the tooth to prevent further infection and decay. If you suspect you have bacteria embarking on the journey described above, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. As with all ailments, early diagnosis is your best course of action.
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Dec 25th, 2013
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Tags: dental bacteria, dental cavities, dental plaque, Dr Safa, oral health, oral hygiene, tartar, tooth decay