Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Do You Recognize The Common Myths Associated With Root Canals?

Does a root canal sound scary to you?

Most people are terrified to go to the dentist, let alone having the dentist drill on your teeth!


We’re here to tell you that root canals aren’t as scary as they sound. With modern advancements at the family dentist in Howell, Michigan, root canals are painless.


According to American Association of Endodontists (AAE), here are the top myths about root canals:
1.    Root Canal Treatment is Painful – False!


The AAE suggests most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. Toothaches are essentially damaged tissues. Root canal treatment removes damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.

2.    Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness – False!


The infection in the tooth requires treatment that’s intended to remove bacteria from the infected area, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth.


3.    Extraction is a Good Alternative to a Root Canal – False!


When you can, saving your tooth is always the best choice. If you choose to have your tooth extracted, it can cause irritation, shift your teeth, and may make it difficult to chew some foods you love!


Doing your research is crucial. Sometimes a root canal can be avoided. However, it’s always best to consult with an expert dentist or endodontist at the family dentist in Howell, Michigan


Please schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano to discuss your concerns and care plan.  As one of the premiere family dentists in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano has over 30 years’ experience caring for his patients’ health.  He strives to educate his patients and improve their lives through dental care and disease prevention.  

Thursday, June 12, 2014

A brief history of dental fillings!

Do you know someone who has a gold filled tooth? 

Are you wondering what your dentist in Howell, Michigan uses for your fillings? 

We’ll tell you soon.  But first, here’s a little history of amalgams, or fillings. 

In the early 1800’s tin was the most popular material used in fillings because it was inexpensive.  Dentists also used aluminum and asbestos until about 1850.  Amalgam was originally a mixture of silver, tin, and mercury and became popular in approximately 1855.  This mixture was popular because of its low cost, strength, durability and dentists found it easy to use.  Throughout history, there has been concern over the use of mercury and the harmful affects it could cause. 

During the 19th Century a variety of metals were used for filling drilled teeth: gold, platinum, silver and lead.  Of course, once scientists discovered that people were being poisoned with the lead fillings, dentists stopped using lead in the latter part of the century. 

Today, most amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% liquid mercury, 20-30% silver, 14% tin, 8% copper, and zinc with other trace metals.  Even though The Food and Drug Administration states that patients with silver amalgam fillings do not need to have them removed, many dentists are now using composite to fill teeth because they don’t want to take a chance with the health of their patients. 

Thankfully, dentistry has changed quite a bit since the 20th century, or many people would probably be missing a few teeth.  As a premiere dentist in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano and his team use a white composite for fillings.  If you get a cavity and have a tooth restored, the filling used will match the color of your tooth. 

Of course, the best possible scenario is to avoid getting a cavity!  You can do this by brushing and flossing regularly, eating good nutritious foods, avoiding excess sugar, and drinking a lot of water.  When you take good care of your teeth, you’ll not only avoid fillings, but you’ll also be less likely to develop a major disease. 

Have you had your checkup lately?  Contact us today to schedule and get on your way to better health!  Oh, and don’t forget that if you’re under the age of 18, you can join Dr. DiStefano’s “Kid’s No Cavity Club” for a chance to win a prize. 






Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgam_%28dentistry%29

http://www.ehow.com/about_5210060_history-dental-fillings.html