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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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Dodging the Situation Isn’t Doing You Any Favors | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all do it – but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. In fact, skipping out on your dental appointments is only going to cause more issues for you down the road. And what does that mean? Well, longer appointments, that’s for sure. Naturally, it will take longer to examine a mouth that hasn’t seen a dentist in a while. So, what should you expect when you finally keep that appointment? Here are the basics because patients are like snowflakes – each one is different…

You’ll almost certainly start with x-rays. X-rays allow dentists to get an understanding of the state of your mouth, so there will be quite a few. Once the x-rays are complete, the dentist will likely check your teeth manually for anything that they noticed when reviewing the x-ray, and also check the health of gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If you’re complaining of a specific problem – perhaps a toothache – it’s likely the dentist will identify the cause in his examination and possibly treat the problem immediately. Lastly, your dentist or dental hygienist may follow your examination with a thorough professional cleaning. If you haven’t seen a dentist in quite some time, the professional cleaning may be more involved, with techniques such as periodontal scaling, which can take multiple visits.

So, as you can see, the only reason this appointment may be extensive is because you kept putting it off. Don’t worry about it – dental visits aren’t the scary ones you’re thinking of. Today, a dental checkup could almost be as relaxing as a day at the spa. Don’t believe me? Make the appointment and see.

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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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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Celebrating the Holidays with a Glass of Red Wine | Tyngsboro Dentist

‘Tis the season for holiday festivities with our family and friends. We are brought together to catch up and exchange gifts and good tidings. Many times, these good tidings are shared with a glass of wine – or many glasses of wine. It is common knowledge that drinking red wine will eventually begin to stain your teeth, but what if we told you that red wine is good for you?

It’s true. According to research published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, red wine contains antimicrobial elements that were found to help kill bacteria in simulated lab tests. While the same result was produced by taking in shots of grape seed extract, red wine is much more appetizing. So, what does that mean for your teeth? Well, the bacteria that is killed is the bacteria that is giving your mouth dental issues. Let’s break it down…

Cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss are caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. When together, they form communal groups of bacteria that turn into plaque, produce acid, and are difficult to kill. In order to test this red wine theory, scientists grew cultures of mouth mimicking bacteria, and dipped them into different liquids such as red wine, alcohol-free red wine, and red wine with grape seed extract. Out of the three, red wine proved the most effective in eliminating bacteria.

So, enjoy your festivities with your glass of wine. Just remember your dental hygiene routine after you indulge to help avoid stains before you start pouring the glasses. After all, staying proactive will only improve your dental health. Happy holidays!

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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Do I Need to See an Endodontist? | Tyngsboro Dentist

There’s nothing to argue about – toothaches are horrible, even worse when they get infected. Because if left untreated, you may need a root canal. The best dental professional for root canals? An endodontist, and here are five reasons why:

Anesthesia options. Root canal treatments are very painful and sometimes, the typical anesthesia just won’t be enough. Endodontists have more sedation options and are also much better trained in numbing up specific areas, such as those with severe infections.

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

Tooth preservation. Because of their expertise and training, endodontists can save even the most corrupted of teeth. This helps keep your smile look natural. While extraction is almost always an option, an endodontist will do everything possible to make sure that the corrupted teeth are saved.

Better emergency care. Not only do you get better quality care, but the endodontist can also see take care of your emergency much faster. This means you’ll rarely have to book an appointment many days prior and have your dental problem solved as soon as possible.

Specialized training and experience. Endodontists receive additional training to make sure that they can handle the complexities of root canals and re-treatments.

Given just how painful root canal treatments are, there’s just no way anyone would want to go through the same horrific experience again and again, so make sure the next time you need a root canal, see a specialist as soon as possible.