The Root Canal Procedure

Signs you may need root canal therapy include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration of your tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, and/or a persistent or recurring abscess on the gums. Fortunately, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can save any tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

After taking X-rays or examining existing x-rays to show where the decay is located, the procedure starts off with the patient being administered a local anesthetic. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. He will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. The canals are filled with a permanent material called gutta-percha to keep them free of contamination. After this is done, the filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. The first few days after your root canal, the tooth may be sensitive, but the over results will be pain free.

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about root canals as well as other services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Beware of Cavities

Only Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can tell you if you have a cavity, and although he has all of the required materials in his office to fill said cavity, he would rather his patients avoid them altogether. “Cavity” is just another way of saying “tooth decay,” and tooth decay is influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of how teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste.

Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque and if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities. Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center which may result in spending extra time and money in the dentist’s chair down the line.  As always, preventive care can keep micro problems from turning into major ones, so remember to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Pregnancy and Teeth

Pregnancy comes with a lot of bodily discomforts. Swollen ankles, weight gain, and morning sickness only name a few. You may not expect to experience changes in your oral health during pregnancy; however, if you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during this time. Because this time is critical for teeth, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS encourages patients to schedule appointments if any changes in the mouth appear during pregnancy.

Primary changes in your oral health are due to a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. To help minimize any risks during pregnancy, make sure you give your teeth and gums extra special attention. Regular tooth brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, eating a balanced diet and visiting the dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy. If morning sickness is frequent, rinse your mouth out with water to keep the acid level under control.

If you are pregnant, please notify us when making your next appointment. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.