New Teeth for a New Year

According to stats from the American Dentistry Association, the holidays are a busy time for dentists. It makes sense. With the whole family home and able to enjoy a little time off, it’s the perfect opportunity to go in and get that checkup. Still, many of us skip a trip to the dentist because it doesn’t feel pressing. Unless we’re actively experiencing pain, it can be difficult to even remember. Nevertheless, regular visits to the dentist are important if you want to avoid long term consequences. 

As a top dentist in Bakersfield, here at Kern Dental Specialties, our team is committed to your dental health. The CDC report that 3 out of every 4 Americans are currently suffering with some form of gum disease. Gum disease, in addition to causing tooth decay and tooth loss, is also linked to serious issues like lung disease and heart conditions. If you’re considering making a New Year’s resolution, we have an easy one for you: resolve to take good care of your teeth. If you need a root canal dentist, but experience dental anxiety we’ll help place your fears at ease. At Kern Dental Specialties, we practice sedation dentistry in Bakersfield to ensure a pain free experience for anyone with dental fear.  Visit our experts today, and greet 2015 with a smile!

Two Root Canal Myths

 

It's tough being a dentist in Bakersfield sometimes, especially when you hear MYTHS about your practice around town! Here are two myths that are completely untrue~

#1: Completing a Root Canal Requires Several Appointments

Root canal therapy may be completed in one to two appointments.

Factors that determine the number of appointments necessary to complete a root canal include:

·         The extent of the infection

·         The difficulty of the root canal

Restoring the tooth after root canal therapy is necessary in order to ensure the tooth functions properly. The appointments necessary to completely restore the tooth, in essence, should not be considered part of the root canal process, and getting dental implants in Bakersfield is a whole other ballgame!

Myth #2: Teeth Need to Hurt Before Root Canal Therapy Becomes Necessary
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. In fact, teeth that are already dead may require root canal therapy to prevent the tooth from becoming infected. Tests used to confirm a dead tooth include:

·         Temperature testing

·         Percussion testing

·         Using a pulp vitality machine

Depending on your threshold for pain, we may or may not use sedation dentistry in Bakersfield for you.