The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening        

Having nice, white teeth is an important part of having a confident smile – and having a confident smile can make a big difference in everything that you do. You can get special toothpastes, mouthwash, and kits at the grocery store that claim to whiten your teeth – but do these really do what they say they’ll do? Or should you head to your dentist’s office for the professional touch? Read on for some information to help you decide.

Why should you get your teeth whitened professionally?

It may seem easier to buy a product at the store to whiten your teeth, but a whitening treatment at your dentist’s office is better for many reasons.

For one thing, you’ll see results as soon as your treatment is complete (as opposed to at-home treatments, which can take quite a bit of time). Tooth whitening from your dentist’s office will ensure that your teeth look their best just in time for a special occasion – a guarantee you won’t get from an at-home product.

Another benefit to having your teeth professionally whitened is that your dentist can use products that are much stronger and more effective than those you can buy at the store. And, your dentist knows how to use these products safely, to protect your teeth and gums – often, at-home kits have bleaching agents and other chemicals that can make gums and teeth painful and sensitive.

If you would still rather prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can have the best of both worlds when you opt for an at-home kit from your dentist. A kit from your dentist is more effective than something you get at the grocery store, but it comes with advice and expert monitoring from your dentist to ensure that you’ll safely get the results you want to see.

So, should you head to your dentist when you want whiter teeth? Yes! Products you can get at the store make a lot of promises about getting your teeth whiter, but for results you can depend on, contact Avenue Dental in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Call (734) 484-4710 for a tooth whitening appointment today!

Are Root Canals Really That Painful?

Root canals have gained a horrible reputation through the years, and if you tell people you have to have this procedure you will probably get many, many sympathetic looks. But what exactly is a root canal, why would you need one, and is getting one really all that bad?

What happens during a root canal?

A root canal is simply the removal of infected pulp within a tooth. “Pulp,” the tissue inside of your tooth, includes blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It can become infected if you have a damaged tooth, such as a chip or a crack in the tooth or a cavity that you’ve had for a while that hasn’t been treated. Such damage allows bacteria to get into the tooth and cause an infection.

It can be difficult to tell just from looking if your tooth is infected. It may look fine on the outside, but it doesn’t feel fine. You may have a sudden sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums, or pain when chewing (or pain all the time).

So, do root canals hurt?

Before the root canal, you will be given an anesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, an antibiotic coating is applied, and your tooth is covered with a crown. After the procedure, your mouth may feel sore, but over-the-counter pain medication can help.

Most patients report that a root canal hurts about as much as getting a dental filling. In a recent study, a root canal was cited as the most painful dental procedure for only about 20% of the participants. No one knows for sure how root canals came to be thought of as horribly painful, but it seems they don’t deserve this reputation.

Getting a root canal probably won’t be the best part of your day, but it will help to ensure you have healthy teeth, and it will prevent future pain, discomfort, and even more serious problems. If you need help for tooth pain, contact Avenue Dental in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Call (734) 484-4710 today!