5 Myths About Root Canals

Many people avoid visits to the dentist and certain dental procedures because they are anticipating discomfort and pain. Root canals are on the top of many patients lists. Here are some of the top myths about root canals.

1. Root Canals Are Painful
According to the American Association of Endodontists, the idea that root canals always hurt started decades ago. Back then root canal treatments were indeed quite painful. As dental technology and methodology advanced, root canals are now usually no more painful than getting a filling. The decrease in pain is mainly due to modern technology and better anesthetics.

2. Root Canals Require Numerous Visits Back to the Dentist
Modern dental technology allows most root canals to be completed within 1 or 2 appointments.

3. Root Canals Lead To Illness
There’s no substantiated scientific evidence that show root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had one.

4. The Roots of the Tooth Are Removed During A Root Canal
Roots are not removed during a root canal. Your dentist or endodontist only removes the pulp from inside of the tooth.

5. The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually After A Root Canal
Your tooth can last a lifetime after a root canal. The main factors impacting the life of the tooth are having the tooth properly restored, maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for exams and x-rays.

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Cavity Causing Bacterium Attacking the Heart

Scientists have discovered the means that bacteria, normally found in our mouths, use to attack heart tissue. This invasion can cause a dangerous, even deadly, heart infection known as endocarditis. In light of this, there now exists the possibility of creating a screening tool, possibly a cheek swab or a saliva test that can gauge a dental patient's vulnerability to the condition.

The identification of the protein that allows Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to enter the heart tissue is reported in the June issue of Infection and Immunity by microbiologists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. S. mutans is a bacterium best known for causing cavities, residing in dental plaque and thriving in our oral cavities. Then they produce acid that erode our teeth.

Typically, S. mutans only create oral problems and confine themselves to the mouth. Still there are occasions, especially after a dental procedure or even after fervent flossing, the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they are usually destroyed by the immune system, but sometimes they travel to the heart and colonize its tissue, especially heart valves. The colonized bacteria can then cause endocarditis, inflaming the heart valves. This condition can be fatal . Infection by S. mutans is a leading cause of that heart condition.

Abranches and her team at the University's Center for Oral Biology discovered that a collagen-binding protein known as CNM gives S. mutans the ability to penetrate the heart tissue. In laboratory experiments they found that strains with CNM are able to attack heart cells, while strains without CNM were not.

These discoveries may eventually allow doctors to prevent S. mutans from invading heart tissue altogether . Even sooner, the knowledge gained may enable doctors to discern a patient’s particular vulnerability to a heart infection caused by the bacteria based on whether CNM is present or not.


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Dental Health Can Impact Fertility

If you are a woman who wants to have a baby, then you should make your dental health a priority. A recent study conducted in Sweden links fertility and the health of a woman's gums and teeth. Roger Hart, a professor at the University of Western Australia in Perth, told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Stockholm, that the effect of gum disease on conception is about the same order of magnitude as the effect of obesity.

Professor Roger Hart of the University of Western Australia in Perth, told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Stockholm, that the effect of gum disease on conception is about the same order of magnitude as the effect of obesity.

Their study was the first to be published that investigatesd the connection between gum disease and women's chances of getting pregnant. He says women who want to become pregnant should visit their dentist and brush their teeth regularly. Hart and his colleagues analyzed data on over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia who were taking part in a study called SMILE. The study focused on how treatment for gum disease affects pregnancy outcomes.

They found that women with gum disease took on average two months longer to become pregnant than women without gum disease (seven months instead of five). So if you want to add a little bundle of joy to your family, be sure to take good care of your teeth and gums and see a dentist regulary.


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Dental Care For Tiny Teeth

A youngster's tiny teeth will inevitably fall out in later years as their permanent teeth grow in. But for many kids, particularly those from low-income households, cavities and poor oral health lead to complicated dental problems long before they even leave their cribs.

Fortunately the future may be brighter for our disadvantaged toddlers due to a $293,000 grant for the National Institutes of Health Programs. The funds have been allocated to incorporate tooth decay prevention as part of a child's regular checkup with the doctor, and this could be a giant step toward improving infants' and toddlers' dental health for children in the Medicaid program.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend children visit the dentist for the first time by age 1, but for so many kids that is simply not a reality. If you have young toddlers, please be sure they see a dentist regularly and care for their tiny teeth.

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Mini Dental Implants

Kurz Family Dentistry offers the latest technology in dental implantology. Mini Dental Implants are a great solution to your denture problems. You can have your new implants completed in about 60 minutes. Experience eating, speaking and smiling with added confidence. Your dentures will feel secure while being held firmly in place. This advanced, unique dental procedure can be completed in one visit with almost no discomfort.

Call us today to learn even more or to schedule your appointment. We specialize in keeping our patients happy & healthy.

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Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
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Dentures

There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly.

The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can used to further stabilize the dentures.

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A Little Flossing A Day Can...

Why is daily flossing so important? Most of us don't want the bother or the stares, so we just don't floss regulary. But there are important reasons that we should...

1. To prevent tooth decay

Dental plaque can cause cavities if it’s left between teeth. To remove this stuburn plaque flossing is necessary.

2. To prevent gum disease

Gingivitis (inflammation of gums) is the first stage of gum disease (periodontal disease). It is caused by an accumulation of plaque around gums and between teeth. Flossing is therefore important to remove all plaque accumulated after a meal.

3. To prevent halitosis

Everyone hates bad breath. Dental plaque is one of the causes of halitosis, and if it’s left between your teeth, it will generate a bad smell in your mouth. Flossing can be a big help with fresh breath.

4. To prevent tartar build-up

Tartar is dental plaque that has become hard from the saliva’s calcifying action. Good oral hygiene measures, which include brushing and flossing, can slow down the accumulation of tartar.

5. To reduce the risk of heart disease

The mouth is an entrway for harmful bacteria. These bacteria may eventually reach the body organs, including cardiac tissue. Good dental health, including flossing regulary is directly related to bettering your overall health.


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Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
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