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Foods to Eat as Your Mouth Heals | Tyngsboro Dentist

There comes a time in everyone’s life that a dental procedure needs to be done. We aren’t talking about a dental examination – those are a part of a thorough check-up. We’re talking dental procedure – something you’ll likely need some type of anesthetic to complete. And after oral surgery, your mouth is going to be very tender and will need some time to recover. But you’re hungry! Don’t worry – we have a step-by-step guide to help you eat your way back to health. After all, our smiles are in recovery mode and the goal is to avoid infection and irritation. After your procedure, the American Dental Association recommends these staples:

  • Pureed or cream soups
  • Oatmeal or cream of wheat
  • Cottage cheese
  • Soft scrambled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies or shakes
  • Mashed potatoes

When it comes to temperature, the operative word is warm. Hot or cold foods and drinks can affect the healing process.

Eating a balanced diet with lots of protein can help you heal because it helps build and repair muscle, skin, and tissue. You can easily get lots of protein from protein powder mixed with milk or water, soup with beef or chicken broth. There are also several soft fruit and veggie options to ensure you get adequate nutrition while healing. For example, you can eat mashed avocado to get the small amount of recommended healthy fat you need per day. Peaches, kiwi, and strawberries are soft and high in vitamin C, which helps repair tissues. Keep things as low in sugar as possible to avoid gum disease and once your dentist signs off on crunchier foods, slowly introduce them back into your diet.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Choosing the Appropriate Dental Professional | Tyngsboro Dentist

We are in a new year and trying to start off the year on a new foot, a new state of mind. Sure, we tend to start off at the gym and one some new healthy food trend in order to do this. One faction of our lives that we tend to overlook while planning our current future is our dental health. And when a toothache stops us in our tracks and a root canal in on the horizon, we tend to pick the first dentist in the directory. But something to consider is searching for an endodontist to heal what ails you. But why choose an endodontist when a dentist can do it? Here are five reasons why:

Anesthesia options. Endodontists have access to far more anesthesia options, which allows you to be fully sedated during the whole procedure. Endodontists are also much better trained in numbing up specific areas.

Comfort. Endodontists have access to better tools and have gone through specialized training to make sure that the process goes much more smoothly with less pain involved.

Corrupted tooth preservation. Because of their expertise and training, endodontists can save even the most corrupted of teeth to keep your smile looking natural and preserving your overall oral health.

Better emergency care. While they may charge more for their services, what you get is well worth it. Not only do you get better quality care, but the endodontist can also see you in order to take care of your emergency much faster.

More specialized training and experience. Endodontists are just better equipped to handle root canals. Not only are they dentists, but they also receive additional training to make sure that they can handle the complexities of dental surgery.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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When You Wake Up with a Toothache | Tyngsboro Dentist

Waking up with a toothache is one morning most patients hope to never experience. Not only is the pain relentless, but it will likely end up in a visit to the dentist. This pain is the reason we avoid the dentist, but now we need to face facts – we really need to take care of our teeth. Not only is our smile the first thing someone sees when we meet, but it is also the first line of defense against lots of our overall health issues. Fortunately, there is a solution to your tooth pain – root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, is necessary when the nerve of the tooth is infected due to exposure to bacteria. Because the buildup of bacteria is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, it is essential to maintain excellent oral healthy by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse.

Although poor oral health is one of the main reasons for root canal therapy, failing dental restorations and cracked teeth also allow bacteria to leak inside the tooth and infect the nerve. Not only will this situation cause excruciating pain but will result in root canal therapy to treat your condition.

So, how do we prevent endodontic treatment and root canal therapy?

Regular dental visits. We are responsible for taking care of our own teeth, but without regular checkups, we won’t be sure if everything is healthy and issue free. Now, do you see how all the pieces fit together? Taking care of your smile is a team sport – everyone needs to pitch in, or we wake up with a toothache.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Getting Down to the Root of the Problem | Tyngsboro Dentist

They happen to the best of us, but they are awful any way you look at it. Those sharp pangs can become unbearable if you don’t get help soon. Unfortunately, you’ve gotten yourself a toothache. And if you’ve ever experienced an extremely painful toothache, you probably weren’t surprised to find out you needed a root canal. And who are we kidding – those two little words are some of the worst your dental professional can utter. But what exactly is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure that treats the inside of your tooth. If you have an untreated chip or cracked tooth (or other trauma), it can expose the pulp which then can become inflamed and infected. Thus, the pulp inside of your tooth becomes damaged. It is this point where you are likely to set up an appointment, because if left untreated, the pain will continue to worsen and may result in an abscess.

When your dentist performs a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed entirely from the inside of the tooth. After it is removed, your tooth will be cleaned and disinfected and sealed. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or a filling for protection.

Modern root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and may be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, root canals relieve the pain that an infected tooth is causing. The procedure isn’t as grim as it is made out to be.

With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime with proper dental hygiene practices.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Why You May Need an Endodontist | Tyngsboro Dentist

When we think about visiting the dentist, we generally lump them all into one category – teeth fixers. But there are many facets to dentistry that it needs various areas of expertise. Endodontics is one of those areas. But what does an endodontist do?

Endodontics involves the tooth pulp, which in the center of the tooth made of living connective tissue and cells. Endodontists skillfully handle pulpal oral pains through pulp therapy, root canal therapy, nonsurgical of root canal systems, surgical removal of tissues, and surgical removal of tooth structure. An endodontic specialist will examine a patient’s damaged tooth and determine if the pulp is infected of inflamed. Some individuals argue that a general dentist has equivalent qualifications to treat endodontic related predicaments, however, an endodontist will encourage patients to visit the office for a wider range of treatment options. If you find that you have any of the following symptoms, you may want to look up your nearest endodontist for a consultation:

  • Bitter taste in the mouth
  • Breath odor
  • Sever toothaches
  • Fever
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
  • Pimple-like swelling of the gum over the infected tooth
  • Swollen glands of the neck
  • Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw

In case you wonder, these signals are serious indicators on infected pulps, which can only be treated by an endodontist. We may not like to visit any type of dental professional, but rest assured you need to see a professional is you experience any of these symptoms. Refrain from ignoring these major signals of pulp infections in order to save your teeth from further infection.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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What Is Root Canal Therapy? | Tyngsboro Dentist

Let’s face it – no one wants to go to the dentist. In fact, we dodge it at all costs. But there are times when we must buckle under the pressure – when we get a toothache. Yes, when we have a pain in our mouth that aspirin can’t help, we make that dental appointment. Because as much as we hate to admit it, it looks like we may need a root canal treatment.

But what exactly is a root canal in the first place and why does it hurt so much? Well, a root canal in your tooth can become infected due to a cavity or fracture that allows in bacteria. When a root canal becomes infected, it can die. At this point, you will begin to feel pain and pressure in and around the infected tooth. This is generally your first sign and when you become irritated by the sudden pain growing inside your mouth and you make that appointment. Without treatment, the infection spreads and could lead to tooth loss.

When you get treatment, expect the following steps: When the damaged pulp in the root canal of the tooth is cleaned out of all the diseased pulp and the canal is reshaped. Next, the canal is filled with material to prevent re-contamination of the tooth. Lastly, the tooth is permanently sealed with a post or crown to prevent issues from reoccurring.

We should maintain good dental hygiene practices in order to keep our mouths healthy, and this includes visiting the dentist regularly. But if things happen, you can rest assured that a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort, involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Why an Endodontist May Be Right for You | Tyngsboro Dentist

When we think about checkups and teeth cleanings, we call our dentist. When our teeth are crooked, an orthodontist is the obvious answer. But have you ever heard of an endodontist? Believe it or not, but you may need one more than you think.

Endodontics involves the tooth pulp, which in the center of the tooth made of living connective tissue and cells. So, to put it basically, an endodontist is a root canal expert. An endodontic specialist will examine the damaged tooth and determine if the pulp is infected of inflamed. You may think – but doesn’t a general dentist do the same thing? Here are five reasons that will change your mind:

Variety of anesthesia options. Endodontists have access to far more anesthesia options and are much better trained in numbing up specific areas, such as those with severe infections.

Comfort. Root canals can be very painful, but endodontists have access to better tools and have had specialized training to keep your procedure as painless as possible.

Preservation of severely corrupted teeth. Because of their expertise and training, endodontists can save the most corrupted teeth, making your smile look natural. In fact, an endodontist will do everything possible to try to save your corrupted teeth.

Better emergency care. Not only do you get better quality care, but an endodontist can also take care of your emergency much faster.

More specialized training and experience. Not only are they traditional dentists, but they also receive additional training to make sure that they can handle the complexities of root canals and re-treatments.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Can We Avoid Root Canal Therapy? | Tyngsboro Dentist

There are lots of reasons people are scared of the dentist, and they vary from certain sounds to fear of pain. And while there are plenty of ways to ease that fear, one procedure that always strikes fear in the heart of many a dental patient is the root canal. For one reason or another, it is the root canal that gives your typical dental patient the most anxiety. But why is it so scary?

Root canal therapy or endodontic treatment is absolutely necessary when the nerve of the tooth is infected due to exposure to bacteria. Because the buildup of bacteria is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, it is essential to maintain excellent oral healthy by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

Although poor oral health is one of the main reasons for root canal therapy, failing dental restorations and cracked teeth also allow bacteria to leak inside the tooth and infect the nerve. Not only will this situation cause excruciating pain, but it will result in root canal therapy to treat your condition.

So, now that we know what poor dental hygiene will bring us, what is the easiest way to prevent us from needing this type of treatment option? The answer is simple – don’t be scared of the dentist. Scheduling regular visit with dental professionals on a regular basis will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly examined for any signs of decay or other dental predicaments. Avoid undergoing the painful symptoms of endodontic problems – keep up with your dental hygiene duties.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Root Canals: Why? | Tyngsboro Dentist

If you ask any average American what they fear most about going to the dentist and chances are, they will respond ‘root canals’. It’s true. Most patients assimilate root canals to lots of pain, and they dodge coming into contact with them as much as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t by continuing proper dental hygiene, but by avoiding dental appointments. The problem is, avoiding the inevitable isn’t going to help your cause. In fact, by dodging the dental chair, you are likely making more of a mess than you realize. Because root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, is absolutely necessary when the nerve of the tooth is infected due to exposure to bacteria.

Because the buildup of bacteria is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, it is essential to maintain excellent oral healthy by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse. Although poor oral health is one of the main reasons for root canal therapy, failing dental restorations and cracked teeth also allow bacteria to leak inside the tooth and infect the nerve. Not only will this situation cause excruciating pain but will result in root canal therapy to treat your condition.

So, what is the easiest way to prevent endodontic treatment and root canal therapy?

The answer is simple. Proper dental care and regular dental visits. Scheduling regular visits will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly examined for any signs of decay or other dental predicaments. Avoid undergoing the painful symptoms of endodontic problems and consult with the skilled staff at Tyngsboro Cosmetic Dentistry about preventing root canal therapy.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro, Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and all surrounding areas.

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Root Canals Are Not Scary | Tyngsboro Dentist

Are you afraid of getting root canal therapy? Root canal therapy actually relieves pain, it does not cause pain. The pain comes from the infection in the root canal. The endodontic treatment removes the infection and leaves you feeling better after the procedure. The best part is you get to keep your natural tooth.

But what exactly is a root canal? It is a procedure that treats the inside of your tooth. If you have an untreated chip or cracked (or other trauma), it can expose the pulp which then can become inflamed and infected. Thus, the pulp inside of your tooth becomes damaged. Left untreated leads to the pain you’d feel with a toothache. This left further untreated can result in an abscess.

When your dentist performs a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed entirely from the inside of the tooth. After it is removed, your tooth will be cleaned and disinfected and sealed. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or a filling for protection.

But don’t be scared – modern root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and may be completed in one or two appointments depending on the condition of the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, root canals relieve the pain that an infected tooth is causing. The procedure isn’t as grim as it is made out to be. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

Call Tyngsboro Dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.