Running Away from a Root Canal is Downright Dangerous

When the word, “Root Canal,” is uttered most people shudder with fear, but according to the Best Dentist in Chicago, root canals sound much worse than they actually are.

A root canal, also called endodontic therapy or root canal therapy, is something that becomes necessary if a cavity becomes too large for a filling and the decay travels all the way down to the pulp of the tooth. This usually occurs when people neglect their teeth and let things go a little bit too far. Other possible causes for root canal therapy include tooth trauma and nerve damage.

Once the pulp of your tooth becomes damaged, your Chicago Dentist may recommend a root canal. If left untreated a dangerous and painful abscess could form. Abscesses are dangerous because the infection can spread to your jawbone, or other parts of your body.

If the abscess is allowed to spread through your blood vessels, it could lead to a brain abscess, which could send you straight to the hospital. Tooth abscesses can also affect your sinuses. If the dental abscess reaches your heart, you could be asking for trouble as it could lead to bacterial endocarditis. All of these issues are serious, but quite possibly the most dangerous is a condition called Ludwig’s Angina. This potentially deadly infection affects the lower jaw and face. If this happens, it is imperative that you see your Chicago Dentist immediately as Ludwig’s Angina can cause suffocation and even death.

Of course, not all cavities will lead to abscesses, especially if you schedule regular check-ups with Romo Dental. Other ways to avoid tooth decay and possible abscesses include brushing twice and flossing once a day.

You might need a root canal if you suffer from: 

• Throbbing pain when you chew
• Red and swollen gums
• A horrible, sometimes salty taste
• Swelling
• Fever
• A bump in your mouth that is red or swollen
• A tooth that is sore and tender when touched 

Over time, that infection will spread and if you do not schedule an appointment with your dentist, your jawbone could eventually dissolve. If this occurs, it may be necessary to remove the tooth.  

In order to determine if a root canal is necessary your dentist will look for signs of infection. Dr. Romo may also tap your tooth or apply cold or heat to check for infection or abscess.

If an abscess is indicated treatment will begin as soon as possible with Dr. Romo giving you antibiotics in order to kill the infection. Depending on the severity of the situation your Dentist in Chicago may perform a root canal or extract the tooth.

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you could have tooth decay, and the best way to avoid a root canal is to schedule an appointment with Romo Dental.

Is Your Breath Ready for Holiday Parties?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but if you suffer from bad breath those holiday party invitations could be few and far between.

According to your Dentist in Chicago and the AMA, or American Dental Association, more than 50 percent of Americans have some form of bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, with 25 percent suffering from chronic bad breath. However, not all bad breath is caused from bad oral hygiene. When you schedule an appointment with the Best Hispanic Dentist in Chicago, you can get to the root of your bad breath for the last time.

During your check up, one of the team from Romo Dental in Chicago will check the pockets in your gums for bacteria. If food particles, tartar, and plaque are present, your halitosis could be due to gingivitis or the more advanced periodontal disease. 

If either is detected, your dentist will either go ahead and treat you with a scaling and root planing procedure or schedule another appointment for a deep cleaning. Romo Dental will also make sure that your restorations are still in place as cracked fillings can be covering up tooth decay, which is another cause of bad breath. While you are sitting in the dentist chair, make sure that you ask about brushing and flossing. Even though you may brush once and floss twice a day you may not be doing it right.  

The only way to get rid of bad breath is to see your Chicago Dentist who will be able to determine whether your halitosis is caused by your teeth and gums or something else all together.

Some of the other causes of your bad breath could be related to the food and drink that you enjoy. If you consume too much garlic or like to add extra onions to your enchiladas, you could be asking for trouble. Other foods that may be the cause of your problem include your favorite Aunt Rosa’s salsa, overly sugary foods, or starchy products that can get stuck in-between your teeth. Sticky and fibrous foods like meat, popcorn, sticky candies, caramel, mango, and pineapple fuel the bacteria in your mouth and will cause bad breath. However, according to your dentist rinsing your mouth, brushing and flossing after enjoying these foods can help keep halitosis at bay.  

Other causes of bad breath could include colds. If your nasal passageways and lungs are loaded with green or yellow mucus, you could be scaring everyone away each time you cough.

The best way to find out what is causing your bad breath is to schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Chicago, Romo Dental. After all, those holiday parties only come around once a year, and if you want to be included, it is important to have fresh breath.