I Broke a Tooth: What Do I Do?

It’s amazing how many ways we can cause harm to our teeth. It can be something as simple as biting down hard on a piece of food. Broken teeth can be caused by sports injuries to the face, falling, and even cavities. A broken tooth can end up causing a lot of pain, either presently or in the future. So, what do you do when you break your tooth?

The first thing you should do is call Kern Dental Specialties, the best Bakersfield Endodontist around. We will fit you in as soon as possible to deal with the emergency situation. However, if you’re in pain in the moment, there are some thing you can do while you wait for your appointment:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water. It will clean the area.
• If you’re bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a tea bag or piece of gauze.
• To stop swelling, apply a cold pack or ice to your lips or cheek over the broken tooth.
• Take a minor pain reliever.

Don’t put off going to the dentist to get the tooth fixed. The longer you wait, the more pain you can cause yourself. For one, a broken tooth is more likely to become infected. To save the tooth you might need a root canal. Otherwise, the tooth might need to be removed, in which case you’ll need a dental implant. Luckily, the friendly, talented team at Kern Dental Specialties can handle all problems that come with having a broken tooth. All you need to do is call us and we’ll deal with everything.

Dental Implant Myths and Reality

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you might have considered getting dental implants. Many people delay getting dental implants because of what they’ve heard through the grapevine. But you can’t always trust rumors, especially when it comes to your dental health. So much of your overall health and happiness is reliant on the appearance of your teeth, so it’s vital you discover the truth about important procedures like dental implants.
The most common misconceptions about dental implants are:

• The procedure is painful. Actually, with the advancement of dental technology, discomfort is minimized. With the use of local anesthesia and post-surgical pain medication, you’ll barely feel anything at all.
• Any dentist can place dental implants. Although many general dentist’s office dental implant services, the best resource for getting this surgical procedure is with an endodontist. With two extra years of training and regular experience performing this procedure, it’s best to go to an endodontist.
• The implant will be noticeable. Many people believe that their dental implants will be obvious to any observer, but through the latest technology we can make the new tooth the same color, shape, and size of your other teeth. Nobody will ever notice the difference.
• Implants are only cosmetic. This simply isn’t true. There is a cosmetic component and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. However, the dental health of your other teeth and entire mouth can depend on having a replacement for your missing tooth, from chewing to protection for your gums.

Kern Dental Specialties is a Bakersfield Endodontist renowned for the incredible skill and care in performing procedures like root canals, dental implants, and other issues regarding the dental pulp.

Root Canal Misconceptions

 

Kern Dental Specialties is the top Bakersfield Endodontist, practicing dentistry that deals with the soft inner tissue of the teeth called dental pulp. One of our most commonly performed procedures is the root canal. Many people are frightened by the idea of getting necessary root canals, mainly attributed to a number of misconceptions. At Kern Dental Specialties, it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and informed before proceeding with this important procedure.
Here are the top misconceptions about root canals:

• Root Canals are Painful: Nope! As technology has evolved, so have anesthetics. A root canal isn’t any more painful than getting a cavity filled.
• Root Canals are Only for Hurting Teeth: Even if your tooth currently doesn’t hurt, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the signs of needing a root canal. In fact, you can avoid the discomfort of dental pulp decay by regularly visiting your dentist. A root canal can save you future pain.
• You’ll Still Need to Remove Your Tooth: As long as your tooth is properly restored by an endodontist and you maintain good oral hygiene, your tooth can last a lifetime.
• A Root Canal Means Seeing the Dentist… A Lot: With Kern Dental Specialties, a root canal can be performed in a single visit.

Call Kern Dental Specialties today to set up an appointment or to learn more about root canals.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Have you thought about getting a dental implant but convinced yourself it wasn’t worth it? Many people opt not to get much needed dental implants because they’re afraid of pain or the cost. However, Kern Dental Specialties believes that everybody who wants dental implants should be able to get them. Here are some reasons why getting dental implants are worth it:

• Confidence boosters! When you have missing teeth, you’re more likely to feel self-concious and less likely to smile. Dental implants will give you confidence in your beautiful, happy smile again.
• Saving your other teeth! A long list of problems can arise when you’re missing a tooth. Some examples include extra pressure on the other teeth and jaw issues.
• Missing teeth is associated with a host of serious health risks. Increase your odds of a healthier, happier life by dealing with this problem sooner, rather than later.
• Can be surrisingly easy! If you’re especially concerned about discomfort associated with dental implant surgery,  however, Kern Dental Specialties offers sedation dentistry in Bakersfield.
• Match your other teeth! We are dedicated to providing dental implants that match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth to complete your gorgeous smile.
• Don’t need to be replaced! Dental implants are strong and can last you a lifetime.

Kern Dental Specialties is the best dentist in Bakersfield for services like root canals and dental implants. If you want to get rid of your tooth pain or feel more confident in your smile, book an appointment with us today. A brighter, complete smile is just a phone call away.

For a Root Canal: Dentist or Endodontist?

If you’re in need of a root canal, you have two paths in front of you. Should you stick with your regular dentist or book an appointment with an endodontist? There are pros and cons to both options, but ultimately the choice yours. If you’re looking for a dentist in Bakersfield who also performs root canals, you might want to consider the following:

What is the difference?
A dentist often performs a wide array of services, from routine teeth cleanings to dental implants. An endodontist is a specialist who has two extra years of specialized training to specifically prepare them for procedures like root canals and other procedures linked to the dental pulp inside your teeth.

Who performs more root canals?
An endodontist may perform more than a dozen root canals on a slow week. Since they are experienced and highly trained, they’re more likely to be quick and efficient, while using specialty tools that minimize discomfort.

Can an endodontist do post-op procedures too?
Since an endodontist is also a trained dentist, they can do everything necessary before and after a root canal. As you may know, after a root canal, you may need to get a crown placed on the troubled tooth. Many endodontists also work as general dentist, so you may not need to go to more than one office for your dental work.

If you’re looking for the best Bakersfield endodontist, call Kern Dental Specialties today. We can fit you in for same-day emergency treatment, if needed.

A True Specialist for Specialty Care

While many laypeople think of a dentist as an all-encompassing term for a healthcare professional who handles all procedures relating to oral care, the truth is that very few dentists can properly perform the most advanced procedures that patients regularly require. The root canal procedure is the perfect example of one that should be handled by a Bakersfield endodontist, rather than a general dentist.
Dr. Malhotra has over a decade of experience as an endodontic specialist, and has spent that time perfecting his methods and technique when performing the all-important root canal procedure. Dr. Malhotra can perform both surgical and non-surgical root canal procedures, and caters each treatment method directly to the needs of the patient. In general, specialists have much more experience treating a specific set of problems, and are much more highly aware of the alternate steps that must be taken if a patient has extraordinary needs. Our entire staff is committed to going above and beyond for each of our patients, no matter how serious or simple their case may be.

Are Root Canals Simple?

If one only looks at a diagram like the one included in this post, they may assume that root canal procedures are relatively simple procedures. Yet, what a diagram does not convey is the skill and technique that is required for a dentist in Bakersfield to carry out these procedures effectively. In fact, it is for this very reason that many people stigmatize the root canal as a worse than normal procedure when it comes to pain. The truth of the matter is that, when performed by an expert endodontist like Dr. Malhotra, the root canal procedure can offer a valuable solution to tooth pain with minimal procedure related discomfort.
Maybe the idea that root canals are simple has something to do with the fact that, by performing them with the regularity and high-level of success that he achieves, Dr. Malhotra makes these procedures seem easy. Yet, an infected nerve in a tooth, the primary culprit that necessitates a root canal procedure, is no laughing matter. These infected nerves can cause a great deal of pain, making the root canal procedure one of the most vital dental services that a Bakersfield endodontist can perform.
While some general dentists do perform what they might consider to be “simple” root canal procedures themselves, it is best that all patients go to an expert like Dr. Malhotra who makes endodontics his specialty and his passion.