Taking a Second Look at Root Canals With Your Greenfield Dentists

December 17, 2012

Filed under: Patient Education,Root Canal — bghdental @ 11:08 pm

Young Man With Toothache For many people, a root canal is a disconcerting dental procedure. Even people who have no idea what a root canal is or what it involves worry about the thought of undergoing one. While a root canal is not ever going to be fun, the idea that they are extremely traumatic has been exaggerated. Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, discuss the purpose and procedure behind root canals and why they are often the best treatment option.

The Purpose of a Root Canal

Root canals treat infections within the interior of a tooth. Inside a tooth’s canal is soft nerve tissue called the dental pulp, and it contains a number of tiny tubes that provide nutrition and remove waste. Should harmful bacteria invade the pulp, the tooth will become infected, leading to a buildup of pressure. As the pressure grows, the tooth begins to ache. Eventually, without any treatment, the tooth will die and extraction will be required. A root canal will clean out the infection and relieve the pain.

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Greenfield Dentists Discuss the Safety of Teeth Whitening

December 10, 2012

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Patient Education — bghdental @ 8:39 pm

Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular option for many people over the past few years. The number of over-the-counter products that promise to produce a brilliant white smile has exploded. In addition, many dentists now offer teeth whitening services in their offices. For those who are considering such a procedure, it is natural to wonder about the safety of the products and techniques. Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, your Greenfield cosmetic dentists, discuss how safe teeth whitening truly is.

Teeth Whitening is Safe

When done carefully and properly, teeth whitening is completely safe. There is no harsh brushing or scrubbing involved in the whitening procedure, so there is no danger to your tooth enamel. Teeth whitening is achieved through the use of agents, often including peroxide, and gels. Most whitening procedures are designed for home use. If you do choose to whiten at home, make sure you follow all instructions. The agents we use for our in-office, one-hour whitening procedure are considerably stronger than any approved for home use. However, only our trained dentists and hygienists will be handling them and you will be supervised at all times during the procedure. Whether you choose to whiten at home or in our office, you can be assured that, as long as you follow all directions, your teeth and your overall health will not be harmed.

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Greenfield Dentists Celebrate National Handwashing Awareness Week

December 3, 2012

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Patient Education — bghdental @ 5:11 pm

The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week. Why is that a concern of your dentist? Because, most dental professionals are concerned with more than just the health of your teeth and gums. They want your entire body to be healthy. As we enter cold and flu season, they are especially concerned with respiratory illnesses that can be gotten through the mouth. Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, celebrate Handwashing Awareness Week by offering these tips and suggestions for your hands to help you avoid getting sick this winter.

Wash Your Hands

Since childhood, you’ve probably been told to constantly wash your hands—before meals, after using the restroom, and whenever they get dirty. Even for adults, that is excellent advice. Bacteria can easily transfer onto your hands when you touch anything contaminated, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, and other people’s hands. The bacteria can also transfer off your hands onto whatever you are holding—including your food. To avoid transferring bacteria to your food, make sure you wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

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