What is a Root Canal?

Have you been told that you need a root canal?

Do you know what a root canal is?

Most commonly, people refer to a root canal as an expensive filling, but it’s so much more than that! 

According to the American Association of Endodontists, “during root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.”

Root canals help save the natural tooth and allow you to maintain your beautiful smile without the pain. In addition, they provide many other benefits such as:

• Allows effective chewing
• Tolerates normal biting strength and sensation
• Gives a natural appearance
• Defends other teeth from excessive wear and strain

The family dentists in Howell at Dr. DiStefano & Associates are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and services to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our ultimate goal is to help improve your family’s dental health through care and education. We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best family dentists in Howell Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a root canal is necessary?

If you’re in pain, the chances are high that you have a tooth that is inflamed or infected. The best way to know for sure if your tooth requires a root canal is to ask your dentist to do a careful examination. 

What are common symptoms of needing a root canal treatment?

Common symptoms include: a tooth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, painful to chew, tooth discoloration, swelling, and sore lymph nodes are all signs that you may need a root canal treatment.

Are root canal treatments painful?

A root canal treatment is not painful. Root canal treatments are performed to relieve pain caused by inflammation of the pulp chamber (where the nerve is located) or a dental infection.

Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment!  We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983

Howell Family Dentist Suggests How to Avoid a Cavity Nightmare on Halloween!

Do your kids go trick-or-treating?

Do you set a limit on how much candy your kids are allowed to eat after trick-or-treating?

Does your child get a lot of cavities?

If you’re wondering how to avoid a cavity nightmare on Halloween, you’re not alone! Many parents are concerned about their child's candy eating habits getting out of hand at Halloween. Just because it's one night a year doesn't mean that your child isn't exposed to cavity risks.

To keep cavities away and protect your child’s smile this Halloween, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends taking these simple steps:

1. Limit the number of times a day your child eats sugary treats or snacks between meals. Serve snacks that will not harm your child’s teeth, such as vegetables, cheese, nuts or seeds.
2. It is best to eat sugary treats at the end of mealtime while there is still plenty of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps to wash away the sugars and acids.
3. Drinking a glass of water after eating a sugary treat will also help wash away some of the sugars and acids.
4. Avoid soft, sticky treats that get stuck between teeth.
5. Always have your child brush and floss before going to bed.

If you remain strict about following the previous steps with your child then eliminating the risk of developing tooth decay is easy. Halloween is a fun holiday for all! You don’t want a cavity to put a damper on your holiday season by allowing the fear of cavities to overwhelm you.  

Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your dental health through care and education. We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service for our patients so we can remain the best Howell family dentist. We will answer your questions and discuss your concerns and together develop an individualized plan for optimal dental health.  Call us to schedule an appointment for you and your family!

Why Are Porcelain Veneers Popular?

Want to enhance your looks?

Do you have discoloration, misaligned teeth, or gaps between your teeth?

Are you embarrassed by your teeth?

Almost no one has the perfect set of pearly whites. Almost everyone has at least one flaw in their smile, whether it is discoloration, cracked teeth or even irregularly shaped teeth. Porcelain veneers can help transform your teeth’s surface, giving the appearance of a perfect Hollywood smile. 

Our dentist in Howell, Michigan suggests that you must treat your porcelain veneers no different than you’d treat your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing to eliminate all plack. Many people have success with porcelain veneers since there’s little risk of damaging them unless you clench or grind your teeth at night. If this is indeed the case, your dentist will fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night.

 

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

According to WebMD, the following four steps are involved in the porcelain veneer procedure:

• Diagnosis and treatment planning. During this appointment, you’ll explain to your dentist the result that you’re trying to achieve. Your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve.
• Preparation. On your next visit, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer.
• Bonding. On your last visit before the porcelain veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color, and adjust it as needed. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. Cement is applied to the veneer to place on top of your tooth. Once properly positioned on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden quickly into place. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary.
• Follow up. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

If you believe you’d be a great fit for porcelain veneers, we’ll do everything we can to get you that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! When you choose us as your dentist in Howell, Michigan, you’ll receive excellent care and education from Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, D.D.S. and Dr. Kaitlyn Monash, D.D.S.  Plus, our friendly team of periodontal therapists, hygienists, and office staff will help make your experience at our practice as pleasant and fun as it can be. 

We’re dedicated to maintaining a high level of service for our patients so we can remain the best dentist in Howell, Michigan. Call us at (517) 546-8983 to schedule your first diagnosis and treatment appointment today! You’ll be on your way to a healthier beautiful smile before you know it!

How to Find a Kid Friendly Dentist

Is your child afraid to go to the dentist?

Does your child get squeamish in the dentist’s chair?

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary experience!

A dentist’s job is to help find the boo boos in your child’s mouth you didn’t know were there … to prevent further injury. Finding the right dentist for your child makes the transition easier IF they practice being kid friendly.

The family dentists in Howell, Michigan at Dr. Gary DiStefano, D.D.S. & Associates are friendly, caring, and ready to help your child get over their fears.

Ensuring that the dentist’s office is kid friendly just requires a few questions that you may want to ask yourself:

1.      Are the instruments appropriate for your child's mouth?

2.      Is the office staff friendly and accessible?

3.      Is the dentist friendly and accessible?

4.      Do the dentist and staff explain to your child what to expect?

5.      Is the atmosphere friendly and positive?

6.      How does your dentist respond to a scared or crying child?

7.      Are you able to meet the dentist with your child beforehand, so your child knows what to expect?

Our ultimate goal is to help you improve you and your family’s dental health through care and education. We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best family dentists in Howell Michigan. Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment! 517-546-8983

Learn to Teach Your Child to Care For Their Teeth

Does your child brush his or her teeth every day?

Is your child using the best technique when brushing?

Good dental hygiene starts at home with the parents! Teaching your child how to brush effectively is crucial to prevent future decay.

Many parents just like you find it a challenge to get their child motivated about brushing, especially late in the day. We’re here to tell you that you’re not alone!

If you’re unsure about the best way to teach your child about brushing their teeth, feel free to stop by your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan. We can show you the best techniques! In addition, there are a few guidelines that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends, including:

1. Clean your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth.
2. For children younger than three years, caregivers should begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as they begin to come in by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to ensure that they use of the appropriate amount of toothpaste.
3. For children three to six years of age, caregivers should dispense no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to minimize swallowing of toothpaste.
4. Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child's teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily. 

Teaching your kids how to care for their teeth early on can save you time, energy, and money. Don’t break the bank! Start teaching your child best practices for a healthy lifestyle today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that my child can handle brushing on his or her own?

You’ll know when the time is right, because you’ll be getting good reports back from your child’s dentist.

Is caring for a newborn’s gums necessary?

Yes. It is necessary that you care for your newborn’s gums because it will prevent bacteria from building up and damaging your child’s teeth when they are ready to grow in. 

How do I know my child is ready for the dentist?

The recommended time that it’s necessary for your child to visit the dentist is when they are either 1 year old or when their first tooth arrives. Which ever comes first!

Our ultimate goal is to help you and your family improve your dental health through care and education. We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best Howell family dentist. Call Doctor DiStefano, your favorite Howell family dentist to schedule your 6-month appointment today! 517-546-8983