Six Myths About Root Canals

Despite the numerous advances in dental techniques, technologies, materials, and medications, many people remain afraid of even a routine dental visit, and few procedures have the fear-inducing reputation of the root canal.

A root canal is the treatment necessary to save a tooth when the nerve(pulp) in the tooth gets infected.  There is plenty of data that documents its effectiveness in relieving pain and helping to clear up infection. But overcoming a bad reputation is never easy, and the dreaded root canal still has some way to go before it is no longer seen as something to be feared by the general population. Here are 6 myths people continue to believe about root canals and explanations to convince them otherwise.

Myth 1. They’re painful

Dental phobias are often rooted in the perceived pain and discomfort during and after treatment. Root canals are often a way to relieve pain, and although there may be some soreness after the procedure, the reputation of the painful root canal predates the widespread use of anesthetics as well as newer, less invasive clinical techniques. Today, most post–root canal pain can be handled with OTC options, which should help put most people at ease.  Typically, most of the pain is from the infection and toothache associated with it.  Root canal therapy relieves the pain from the tooth.

Myth 2. They take forever

With the misconception that root canals are extremely painful, the fact that they are a relatively efficient procedure with often minimal follow-up treatment is not widely understood. Although every tooth’s root system is different, and root canal procedures take different amounts of time depending on the complexity of the clinical and anatomical situation, the treatment usually requires just 1 or 2 appointments along with postoperative monitoring.

Myth 3. They’re too expensive

Cost of care is one of the most common concerns among patients in the United States, and it is also the case when it comes to root canals. Many patients put off or avoid necessary treatments due to the cost of the procedure. But most dental insurance covers at least part of the cost, and offering payment plans and financing options can help make the treatment more affordable. It’s also important to make sure the patient understands that the cost of pulling the tooth and replacing it with an implant, bridge, or partial denture is often much greater than the cost of the root canal.

Myth 4. The treatment doesn’t last

Sometimes patients seek to avoid root canals based on the belief that the restored tooth is going to die and fall out soon anyway. Of course this is not the case. With proper oral care following the root canal, patients can maintain the restored tooth for many years. According to findings from 1 study, root canals performed by dental students showed an 85% survival rate after 10 years.

Myth 5. It’s better to pull the tooth because it’s dead anyway

Today’s patients have access to more information than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they always turn to reliable sources. A root canal does involve removing the infected pulp inside a tooth and replacing it with a filler material, but the restored tooth is still a vital part of the oral environment. As long as the gums remain healthy, the restored tooth should look and function just like a tooth with vital pulp for many years after the procedure.

Myth 6. Root canals cause systemic diseases

This is likely the most dangerous of the root canal myths that continue to spread. Although there is plenty of research connecting oral health—most commonly, periodontal health—with systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes, evidence does not support a link to root canals. This myth dates back to the research of Weston A. Price, DDS, a dentist in the early 20th century who believed that leaving the “dead” tooth in the mouth after a root canal led to further health problems. But a root canal actually removes the diseased or dead tissue from inside the tooth, and Dr. Price’s theories have been repeatedly disproved, including in a 1951 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association dedicated to research on this topic.

Root canals are safe and effective treatments.  Although patients should always be encouraged to ask questions, dispelling concerns about the procedure is fairly straightforward.  If you have a toothache, a root canal may be the way to save your tooth and be a lot easier and less painful than previously believed.

Book an appointment with Dr. Aebli, a top Sanford dentist, to discuss today.

Ref. Dental Products Report August 2021, Volume 55, Issue 8

Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been successfully saving teeth with root canal therapy for over 30 years.  Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave., Sanford, FL 32771, 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com

Sore or Bleeding Gums

 Sore or Bleeding Gums? Do I Have Gum Disease?

Do you have sore or bleeding gums? It may be the early signs of periodontal disease. It can include receding gums and the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth. Once the infection gets beneath your gum line, periodontitis can destroy tissues, ligaments, and bones in the mouth that ultimately can lead to tooth loss. 

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis refers to advanced periodontal disease. With periodontitis, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where additional bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Signs of periodontitis include: Pain when chewing, Poor tooth alignment, Receding gums, Pockets between the teeth and gums, Persistent bad breath, Sores on the inside of the mouth, and Loose or sensitive teeth

It usually starts with bleeding gums

Bacteria along the gum-line form colonies that grow deep between the teeth and gum tissues. This space is called the periodontal pocket. These pockets can quickly become breeding grounds for the bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. The earliest symptoms of infection are bleeding gums. Tenderness, swollen or red gums are also common. If these infections are left untreated, they can become chronic oral wounds that cause inflammation not just in your mouth, but in your body.

It can spread and lead to additional damage.

If not addressed properly, bacteria can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, leading to more dangerous consequences. Pathogens identified in gum disease have been linked to heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and other systemic conditions.

It’s more common than you think.

Over half of Americans have chronic gum disease. Chronic means the infection has progressed beyond gingivitis and bone loss is evident. At this point it cannot be cured. It can, however, be treated. Your dentist keeps updated records documenting the depths of your periodontal pockets. A healthy depth is 1-3mm. Any number above 4mm is potentially problematic. It's always best to treat gum disease in the earliest stages. 

There is an effective way to treat it.

Historically, patients have gotten deep cleanings or surgical interventions to fight this disease. They return to the dentist every 3 months for additional care for the rest of their life. This protocol has limited success. Often the deep cleanings need to be repeated every 3 years. 

An additional treatment regimen is available to help fight the spread of gum disease. It involves using a special peroxide gel applied directly to the gum pocket areas.  A treatment called Perio Protect can offer the an effective homecare strategy for assisting in long-term treatment success.

Perio Protect was developed to give you better results between office visits so you can avoid repetitive cleanings and, when possible, avoid surgery too. The patented Perio Tray™ Therapy from Perio Protect delivers bacteria-fighting peroxide deep under the gums. Not only does the delivery of peroxide fight infection, it also releases oxygen so that healthy bacteria can thrive.  Daily applications wearing custom fitted trays for 10-15 minutes have been shown to maintain healthy gums.   This in addition to your daily brushing and flossing routine can provide a significant adjunct therapy to help you with preventing the spread of gum disease.

Not only will your teeth and gums be healthier, but every system in your body will benefit from less inflammation.

Book an appointment with Dr. Aebli, a top Sanford dentist, to discuss this today.

Reference: www.perioprotect.com

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD, has been treating gum disease for more than thirty years. 

Oakport Dental, Sanford, FL, 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com

Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?

Electric vs. manual toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.  Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. The ADA puts a Seal of Acceptance on any toothbrush, electric or manual, that’s proven safe and effective. Let us look at some of the pros and cons and which one might be best for you.

Electric toothbrush benefits : Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums. The vibration allows for more micro-movements every time you move your toothbrush across your teeth.  More effective at removing plaque: A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

Easier for people with limited mobility: Electric toothbrushes does most of the work for you. They may be helpful for anyone with limited mobility, such as people with: carpal tunnel, arthritis, or developmental disabilities.  Built-in timers :A timer built into an electric toothbrush can help you brush your teeth long enough to sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums. May cause less waste: When it’s time for a new toothbrush, you only have to replace an electric toothbrush head in many cases, so it may be less wasteful than throwing away a full manual toothbrush.  However, if you use a single-use electric toothbrush, you’ll have to completely replace it when it’s time to do so. 

May improve your focus while brushing: At least one study found that people were more focused when brushing their teeth using an electric toothbrush. This improved people’s overall experience brushing and could potentially improve how well you clean your teeth. May improve oral health in people with orthodontic appliances: One study found that electric toothbrushes were particularly helpful for people with orthodontic appliances, such as braces, because it made brushing easier. Among people with appliances who already had good oral health, plaque levels were about the same, whether they used an electric toothbrush or not. But if you find it difficult to clean your mouth while having orthodontic therapy, the electric toothbrush may improve your oral health.  Fun for kids: Not all kids are interested in brushing their teeth. If an electric toothbrush is more engaging to your child, it can help accomplish good oral cleaning and set healthy habits.  Safe for gums: Used properly, an electric toothbrush should not hurt your gums or enamel but instead promote overall oral health.

Electric toothbrush cons

Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones. Prices range anywhere from $15 to $250 per brush. New replacement brush heads usually come in packs of multiples and cost between $10 and $45. Totally disposable electric toothbrushes cost $5 to $8 plus the cost of batteries. Finding the right replacement brush heads may not always be easy or convenient, either, since not all stores carry them, and your local stores may not have the correct brand. You can purchase them online, but this isn’t convenient for everyone, and it’s not a great option if you need a new head right away. You can stock up and have enough on hand to last a year or more but that adds to upfront cost. Not everyone likes the vibrating feeling, either. Plus, electric toothbrushes create a bit more movement of saliva in your mouth, which may get messy.

Manual toothbrush benefits

Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time. While they don’t have the bells and whistles found in many electric toothbrushes, they are still an effective tool for cleaning your teeth and preventing gingivitis.  If you’re most comfortable sticking with a manual toothbrush, continue using one if it means you’ll still brush twice per day, every day.  Accessible: You can get a manual toothbrush at almost any grocery store, gas station, dollar store, or pharmacy. They also don’t need to be charged to function, so you can use a manual toothbrush anywhere and at any time.  Affordable: Manual toothbrushes are cost-effective. You can usually buy one for $1 to $3.

Manual toothbrush cons:

One study found that people were more likely to brush too hard if they used a manual toothbrush versus electric. Brushing too hard can hurt your gums and teeth.  Using a manual toothbrush may also make it more difficult to know if you’re brushing long enough for every session since there’s no built-in timer. Consider placing a kitchen timer in your bathroom to time your brushing sessions.

For toddlers and young children:

The best toothbrush for your child is whatever one they are mostly likely to use. Experts recommend soft bristles and a child-sized toothbrush head for kids. Neither a manual nor electric toothbrush is necessarily better for young children. The same pros and cons of each kind still apply.  Toddlers and kids can safely use an electric toothbrush on their own. Though, it’s recommended that you supervise your children while brushing their teeth to make sure they spit out their toothpaste and don’t swallow it.

When to replace your toothbrush

All toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months according to the ADA. Replace your toothbrush sooner if it looks frayed or if you used it when you were sick. With a manual toothbrush, the whole thing needs to be replaced. With an electric toothbrush, you may only need to replace the removable head. Avoid hard bristles that can irritate your gums. The ADA recommends soft-bristle brushes. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums.  Gently brush all tooth surfaces (front, back, chewing) for two minutes.  Floss once per day, either after or brushing.  Mouth rinses are optional and shouldn’t replace flossing or brushing.  If you experience any bleeding, talk with your dentist. A number of things can cause bleeding when you brush and floss, such as gum disease.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at cleaning teeth if you use proper technique and brush long enough. Overall, an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier, resulting in better plaque removal. Talk with your dentist if you have questions about which toothbrush might be best for you.

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD, Oakport Dental, Sanford, FL 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com

Dental Care is an Essential Service - Dental Disease and COVID-19

During this time when health is on everyone’s mind, staying healthy has become an important component of everyone’s routine.  One aspect to staying healthy also includes your dental health.  More evidence is becoming available that the health of your teeth and gums impacts your immune health and your body’s response to the Coronavirus.  A recent study has linked gum disease to COVID-19 deaths.  Aspirated bacteria from your mouth may serve as reservoir for Coronavirus.

A three-month study by a Los Angeles dental surgeon and South African healthcare researcher finds a strong link between COVID-19 deaths and gum disease. The study, released August 18, 2020, found patients with gum disease release high levels of a harmful protein that spreads to the lungs, triggering a life-threatening respiratory crisis.

COVID patients with high levels of IL-6 (A protein that promotes inflammation) have a 22 times greater chance of being placed on a ventilator.  Bacteria from inflamed gums can be aspirated and adhere to the lung epithelium, promoting infection. This harmful protein, IL-6, causes increased inflammation. The study found that if you get COVID the high levels of IL-6, put you at a much greater chance of being placed on a ventilator and, consequently, an increased chance of death. The authors cite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics that indicate of all COVID patients on ventilators since the pandemic began, nearly 80% have died.  A study published in May indicated the rate of recovery had increased to 64% as treatment methods improved.

The study by U.S. dental surgeon Dr. Shervin Molayem and South African scientist Carla Pontes suggests COVID patients with gum disease are more susceptible to a respiratory crisis known as a cytokine storm, essentially an overreaction of the body’s immune system.

“Gum disease has been linked to other breathing ailments, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so we weren’t surprised to find a link to respiratory problems with COVID-19,” Molayem said in a press release. “What shocked us was the discovery of the protein’s devastating, life-threatening impact to patients once they’re hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe!”

Bacteria from inflamed gums can be aspirated and adhere to the lung epithelium, promoting infection and subsequently showing up in lung fluids. The bacteria cause secondary infections that can serve as a reservoir for the coronavirus. Mechanical ventilation decreases clearance of oral secretions, increasing the bacterial load and probability of pneumonia development.

“As the death toll keeps climbing, the CDC now predicts the virus will be among the leading causes of death in the United States, just behind heart disease and cancer,” Molayem said. “Now … we’ve confirmed periodontitis makes it even deadlier.”

The researchers said they hope their findings compel nursing homes to improve dental screening protocols, since 80% of all COVID-19 deaths have been among the elderly, and urge hospitals and emergency room doctors to check new patients for gum disease.

It is easier to stay healthy than to become healthy.  Now more than ever please stay current with your dental cleaning frequency.  Keep taking your vitamins, supplements, getting good sleep and exercise. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle.    If it’s been some time since you have had a dental examination and teeth cleaning, do not delay.  Schedule your dental appointment as soon as possible.  Dental offices are one of the safest places to visit with all the precautions that are in place to maintain infection control.  It is our commitment to keep are patients safe and healthy.

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been promoting good oral health for more than 30 years. Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave.

Snoring and Obstructive Airway Disease

Do you snore or know someone who does?  It may be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive airway disease or sleep apnea.  The three main warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea are:

·        Loud, persistent snoring

·        Pauses in breathing, accompanied with gasping episodes when sleeping

·        Excessive sleepiness during waking hours

People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.  In most cases the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don’t trigger a full awakening.

Stopping to Breathe is Serious

Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, gastric reflux, headaches, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments.

Sleep apnea is seen more frequently among men than among women, particularly African-American and Hispanic men. A major symptom is extremely loud snoring, sometimes so loud that bed partners find it intolerable. Other indications that sleep apnea may be present are obesity, persistent daytime sleepiness, bouts of awakening out of breath during the night, and frequently waking in the morning with a dry mouth or a headache. But none of these symptoms is always present. Only a sleep study in a sleep laboratory or a home sleep study can show definitively that sleep apnea is present and how severe it is.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  With each apnea event, the brain rouses the sleeper, usually only partially, to signal breathing to resume. As a result, the patient‘s sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.

Sleep apnea is very common, as common as type 2 diabetes. It affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and health care professionals, the vast majority of sleep apnea patients remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotence, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated.

Who can help me find out if I have Sleep Apnea?

Health professionals trained in identifying the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can help determine if you are at risk.  Your primary care physician, a sleep physician, or a dentist can help you with identifying your risk.  Usually a sleep test can be prescribed, which can be done at home or at a sleep lab.  If you snore and have no obstructive breathing, a dental device can be made to stop the snoring.  If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, which must be diagnosed by a sleep physician, a dental device can be used or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP).  Your doctor or dentist can advise you what may work best for you. 

If you suspect you or a loved one may have an obstructive airway disease, get help.  Your life may depend on it.

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD is trained in treating patients for snoring and sleep apnea.  He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340, www.seminolesleepsolutions