Category Archives: Oral Health

Dr. Skrobanek Works to Save Your Tooth, Not Pull It

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 19, 2021

Do you need a tooth extraction or can Dr. Skrobanek save your tooth?

Although we hope our natural teeth will last us forever, sometimes life throws a wrench in our plans and a tooth extraction is necessary for our oral health. However, at GPS Dental, we always do our best to provide you with the best dental care and make sure an extraction is the last option. If we can save your natural teeth, we will, every time. Still, let’s take a look at why a tooth extraction may be necessary and what you can expect.

Learn More from WebMD about Pulling a Tooth

Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

Damage – probably the most common reason for a tooth extraction is a damaged tooth that’s beyond simple repairs. Damage can often occur from:

Decay or infection: If a tooth’s decay penetrates the inside (pulp) of a tooth, then a root canal is often the first step to restore the health of the tooth. However, if antibiotics don’t cure the infection, then an extraction may be the next step. This is necessary for the health of your mouth. Periodontal disease will sometimes cause the loosening of a tooth, and the tooth may need to be pulled if it’s extremely loose, or if the tooth is at risk for infection.
Crowded mouth: Sometimes we have to pull teeth to make room in the mouth. This happens sometimes with wisdom teeth to eliminate crowding. Or, if a tooth cannot break through the gumline, it will be best to pull it.

Related Articles:

What to Expect

Once a tooth extraction is decided as necessary and we cannot save your tooth, there are a few steps for a successful extraction. A thorough examination will be performed and X-rays will be taken. Dr. Skrobanek wants to make 100% sure that your tooth must be pulled before performing an extraction. If your tooth can be saved by other methods, then those will definitely be looked into instead.

There are two types of extraction – simple and surgical. Simple extractions involve a local anesthetic to numb the area. We then use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth and extract it. Surgical extractions are what they sound – surgical. You will be unconscious during the procedure and the tooth will be extracted surgically. A small incision will be made around the tooth to remove it. Recovery often takes a few days.

Learn More on What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction.

Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental Wants to Save Your Tooth

As you can see, there are many reasons your tooth may need to be pulled; however, one thing that can help you keep all of your natural teeth healthy and in place is prioritizing your dental health. (Learn how GPS Dental is Keeping You Healthy with Extra Safety Precautions.) Brush and floss daily and make sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental exam and cleaning. Dr. Skrobanek will help treat any cavities or decay, before your tooth runs out of options and needs to be pulled.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

“Mouth Mask” is more than Stinky Breath: Gum Disease on the RISE

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on December 8, 2020

“Mouth Mask” is more than Stinky Breath: Tooth Decay & Gum Disease is on the RISE!!

Did you know that stinky breath behind your face mask could be more than a simple, embarrassing problem? Today, more and more dentists are seeing a rise in gum disease. A term coined “mask mouth” is a contributing factor to the increase in oral health problems. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat this and keep mask mouth at bay! Let’s dive into some helpful tips and information.

Mask Mouth: Learn More about the seriously stinky side effects HERE.

Related Article: What is that SMELL?? It may be more than bad breath.

Here’s How to Conquer Mask Mouth

Bad breath is often a sign that something isn’t quite right. When we wear our masks, we may breathe through our mouths more and dry out our mouths. While this may not seem like an issue, when we dry out our mouths, we leave them more susceptible to bacteria growth. When bacteria grows in our mouth, we can experience things like cavities and gum disease. Saliva is a huge multitasker in our mouths and it constantly keeps bacteria at bay. When we lose saliva production, we lose our biggest bacteria fighter.

There are definitely some changes we can make to reduce the symptoms of mask mouth and keep our teeth cleaner and less prone to decay.

Watch your diet: Certain foods can make our breath stink, so when we’re wearing a mask it’s extra important to think about what you’re consuming. Try to avoid coffee, garlic, and onions and try swishing with water after eating.
Freshen up. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth correctly and try keeping mouthwash on hand to fight bad breath and bacteria in-between your brushings. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help with this. It also might be time for a new, fresh toothbrush.
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and try to avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks, which can cause dehydration and buildup of bacteria.
Use a clean mask. Replace your mask often and clean between wearing.
Take fresh-air breaks. Try and take a few breaks throughout the day and breath fresh air through your nose.

If your breath smells unpleasant, it could mean that there are germs and bacteria that you need to get rid of. Learn More about how to take care of your mouth behind a face mask HERE.

Mask Mouth Symptoms

Curious if you’re experiencing mask mouth? Here’s the most common symptoms to be aware of.

Bad Breath and Dry Mouth: One of the most common signs of mask mouth is bad breath. If you’re breathing through your mouth while wearing a mask, you’re drying out your mouth and causing bad breath. This can also cause dry lips. Saliva is such a great tool that our body already produces to help keep the germs out of our mouth, so when our mouth becomes dry and we lose saliva production, we build more bad-breath bacteria in the mouth. Less saliva in the mouth also means we are more prone to tooth decay and infections. So, when we are wearing our mask often and experience dry mouth, we’re advancing or progressing tooth decay.
Bleeding gums: Another symptom of mask mouth is bleeding or swollen gums. This also comes from an excess of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

Oral Bacteria and Your Smile

Healthy teeth are about more than just a pretty smile… and what does oral bacteria have to do with a pretty smile?

Your oral health has a major effect on the overall health of your body, not just in your mouth. By maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can make your body healthier from head to toe. If not, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections can be the nasty result.

Learn more in this article: Oral Bacteria: Are Healthy Teeth Just About a Pretty Smile?

Oral Health Challenge: How to Enjoy Halloween Treats

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on October 30, 2020

Candy, costumes, and skeletons – oh my! Every year, trick-or-treaters, and their parents, enjoy bags and buckets full of sweet treats and candies. While costumes and Halloween decorations are fun, spooky, and harmless, Halloween candy can negatively impact our oral health and spiral anyone’s household into an oral health challenge. However, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to make Halloween safe for your teeth!

Click HERE for your Halloween Candy Survival Guide.

Oral Health Challenge: Stick with Chocolate and Avoid Super-Sticky Treats

Sticky candies, like gummies, caramels, Mexican candies, etc., stick to your teeth more than soft candies, like chocolate. They are much harder to brush away and should be avoided. Similarly, sour candies can slowly erode the enamel on your teeth and can cause major damage and cavities down the line.

Avoid sweet & spicy candies, and stick with softer treats like chocolate to protect your oral health this Halloween. Dental experts recommend chocolate for a sweet treat. “Chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy,” Dr. Ferraz- Dougherty says from MouthHealthy.org. “Dark chocolate also has less sugar than milk chocolate.”

Get more Tips for Halloween Candy HERE.

Oral Health Challenge: Remember to Brush After Candy

Whatever amount of sugar you or your child consumes, it’s extremely important to brush and floss after sweat treats. A brand-new toothbrush and floss as a Halloween gift are a great way to get your children excited about brushing their teeth after candy. Candy can easily get stuck in-between teeth and cause tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems. Young children may need help with these steps. Make it a family activity. After eating a few treats on Halloween, make the next activity a family trip to the sink to brush away the sugar and continue the Halloween fun!

Don’t Go Overboard – Moderation is Key

Don’t go crazy with Halloween candy consumption – create a plan ahead of time so you can have a plan surrounding all that candy coming in. Maybe you set the limit of houses you visit, or fill a smaller bag. You can also have your kids parcel out candy as “trade ins” for other rewards (a toy, sticker, tv time, etc.). Whatever you feel comfortable with, it’s so helpful to create rules and a plan before the Trick-or-Treating begins, so everyone knows their expectations and can enjoy the day! This is also the perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of limiting sugary treats and oral health.

Enjoy a Treat Around Mealtimes

Did you know that your mouth produces more saliva around mealtimes? Saliva is super helpful in washing away bacteria in your mouth, so planning on eating a sweet treat around a mealtime helps wash away bacteria even more. Don’t spiral into into an oral health challenge this Halloween … so, don’t snack on candy throughout the day, but indulge in a sweet treat after a meal instead. The longer the sugar is in your mouth, the longer is can cause decay.

Check out More Halloween Tips HERE.

Have a happy and safe Halloween from all of us at GPS Dental!

Stress: The Mental Health Dental Health Link

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 30, 2020

Stress and Oral Health

Can stress cause harm to your teeth? Unfortunately, the answer is yes and we know there is a dental health mental health link. Just like how stress can affect most areas of your body and your mental wellbeing, it can also impact your oral health. When your mind feels strained and out-of-control, your whole body can feel it as well.

According to HealthGrades, here are 6 Ways Stress Can Affect Your Oral Health.

Though it may not be widely known, anxiety and stress can cause patients to clench their jaw and grind their teeth often, and this can result in cracked teeth or inflamed gums. With a worldwide pandemic going on, many dentists have stated that they’re busier than ever with repairing fractured teeth multiple times a week or even every day.

NY Times Article: More and More Cracked Teeth

Teeth Grinding Spike

Since the pandemic onset, we’ve all experienced new levels of normalcy, new levels of stress, and have had to adapt to completely new surroundings, procedures, and more. It’s been a lot to take in, to say the least. According to The New York Times, there are three major components to tooth fractures and mental health right now, and those are:

Working from home. If you’re used to working in an office setting, you may find it difficult to find the best place to work at home. You may not have the space for a desk and ergonomic office chair that helps you maintain a good posture. Believe it or not, bad posture and strain on your body throughout the day is a big contributor to teeth grinding.
Insomnia and restlessness. Many people are experiencing restlessness and anxiety when trying to sleep at night during the pandemic. When you’re not experiencing restorative sleep, your body goes into its “fight or flight” response, which often leads to grinding the teeth.
Not seeing your dentist. Our day to day life is a whole different rhythm. Before, you could make appointments and keep to them, but now that isn’t so easy, and so you might forget to check in for your cleaning appointment and see your dentist. It’s so important to come in and see your dentist, especially if you think you may be grinding your teeth. Dental offices are safe to return to and take every precaution to keep you safe and healthy.

USA Today Article: The Pandemic Has Taken a Toll on Mental Health

Solution for Teeth Grinding – Mouthguard

Dr. Skrobanek can help prevent cracked and fractured teeth by designing a mouthguard or oral appliance to wear at night to keep you from grinding and clenching teeth. We know there’s a dental health mental health link and thankfully, mouthguards are a wonderful way to protect your teeth at night. They can also help with sleep apnea and snoring. Each mouthguard will be custom-made by Dr. Skrobanek to fit your mouth comfortably and will keep your teeth separated so they don’t grind together.

Related Articles:

Get Some Sleep: Custom Mouthguard for Sleep Apnea

Custom Mouthguards Help Sleep Apnea

It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits to your dentist. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

It’s Safe to Visit Your Dentist Today!

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), no cases of COVID-19 have been attributed to any U.S. dental practices. This is a wonderful statistic for dental offices and shows how serious dental offices have taken their safety measures.

It’s safe and essential to visit your dentist’s office, and we take your health and safety very seriously. We can’t wait to see you soon! Please call today to schedule your next appointment.

Is there a link between Pneumonia and Poor Oral Health?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 11, 2020

Anyone and everyone can get pneumonia. In fact, according to a study by Science Daily, over 1 million Americans are infected with pneumonia every year. Furthermore, studies have also shown that there is a link between oral health and your risk for getting pneumonia – with people who never get dental checkups having an 86 percent higher risk of getting pneumonia.

More information about geriatric oral health and pneumonia risk HERE.

Pneumonia & Poor Oral Health: Pneumonia Prevention

Knowing that there is a link between pneumonia and poor oral health, one can assume that good oral health can help prevent pneumonia. According to scholar, Koichiro UEDA, “In recent years, the need for oral care in preventing aspiration pneumonia has been recognized across the academic disciplines.”

Pneumonia prevention consists of:

Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular cleanings and visits to the dentist will greatly reduce the number of harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth. This keeps your mouth healthy and less at risk. On the flip side, when dental cleanings are ignored, there is a much greater risk for bacterial pneumonia because the bacteria are thriving in your mouth. According to Michelle Doll, MD, “In the case of bacteria that cause pneumonia, for example, they have to be inhaled to cause an infection. Getting regular cleanings and check-ups may reduce the amount of these bacteria.”

Read more on the importance of dental cleanings from Health.com HERE.

Related Articles:

Clean Teeth and Clean Lungs

Did you know that dental cleanings do much more than just clean your teeth and improve your oral health? They’re also beneficial for your lungs!

Here’s the basic rundown.

Dental cleanings reduce bacteria in the mouth.
When bacteria are reduced in the mouth, it doesn’t get into the lungs.
This also reduces your risk for lung infection and helps keep your lungs bacteria free.

Learn more from WebMD about oral health and lung health HERE.

As you can see the link between pneumonia and poor oral health is a true concern, especially for our older dental patients. It’s clear that oral health is connected to your overall health, so remember to take care of your smile and your body will thank you!

Oral Bacteria: Are Healthy Teeth Just About a Pretty Smile?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on May 12, 2020

Healthy teeth are about more than just a pretty smile… and what does oral bacteria have to do with a pretty smile?

Your oral health has a major effect on the overall health of your body, not just in your mouth. By maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can make your body healthier from head to toe.

Oral Bacteria and Health

Bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay – by feeding on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume – they leave behind the waste, in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque.

Our mouths have lots of bacteria that is usually harmless. (Did you know that the bacteria in our body aids with digestion and other biological tasks?) However, if you do not brush or floss regularly, oral bacteria can reach dangerously high levels. When this happens, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections can be the nasty result.

Health Risks Throughout the Body

There is evidence that the oral bacteria and high level of inflammation associated with the serious gum disease known as periodontitis can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body.

The following health issues and diseases are linked with poor gum health:

Infections from Abscesses: In some rare instances, severe tooth decay can lead to an abscess. The infection can travel to the heart, brain, or lungs, causing severe illness or even death.

Cardiovascular Diseases: There are researchers who suggest that heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries are linked to the inflammation and infections caused by too much oral bacteria.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Severe gum infection has been linked to premature births and low birth weight.

Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This can occur when bacteria from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, move through your bloodstream and become attached to damaged areas in the heart.

The Impact of Gum Disease

Did you know that 85% of Americans suffer from gum disease, yet only 60% of those infected know they have gum disease? Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss. However, the impact can extend beyond your mouth.

Also known as periodontitis, gum disease can significantly affect your general health.

Research shows that there is a connection between gum disease and other serious conditions such as:

osteoporosis
oral and pancreatic cancer
brain stroke
heart disease
gum disease may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia from oral bacteria that spread through the blood stream
gum disease also impacts those with diabetes by making it difficult to regulate blood glucose levels
Read More: Oral Disease: The Top 3 that Could Impact Your Health

If you have one of these systemic conditions, it is important to talk to your dentist about your risk for gum disease and the best treatment options.

Causes of Gum Disease:

Poor dental hygiene
Sugar and acid
Tooth abnormalities
Poor dental work
Wisdom teeth
Tooth grinding

Symptoms of Gum Disease Can Range from:

chronic bad breath
red, swollen gums
bleeding when you brush
painful chewing
loose or sensitive teeth
sensitive or receding gums

Sometimes there are no signs of gum disease, which is why it’s essential to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup.

Related Article: Oral Diseases and Tooth Loss

Treatment | Gum Disease is Treatable

The three goals of treatment involve:

reducing inflammation
decreasing pocket depth (the space between your tooth and gum)
stopping bone loss

Initial treatment options can include Laser Pocket Disinfection or scaling and root planning (also known as deep cleaning). There are surgery options for advanced gum disease.

Protecting Your Oral Health

By protecting the health of your teeth and gums, you can keep yourself healthier too. Practice good oral hygiene daily to prevent overgrowth of bacteria.

This includes:

Brushing your teeth at least twice per day
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Avoid tobacco use, as this can cause irritation in your gums
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months
Limit sugary snacks, which can feed bacteria and increase their growth

You should also have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Why? Read more about “Why it’s important to schedule your dental exam twice a year”.

If you notice a problem with your teeth or gums, call for an appointment right away. The sooner these are handled, the sooner you will be back to full health. Gary Skrobanek, DDS provides general and family dentistry in the San Antonio, Texas area to keep his patients healthy – including healthy teeth, healthy gums, and a healthy body. Time for your checkup? Call to schedule today.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

February is Childrens Dental Health Month … Celebrate with Us!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on February 5, 2020

SMILE!! February is National Childrens Dental Health Month and GPS Dental is excited to CELEBRATE with our Little Patients and their families!

What is Childrens Dental Health Month?

Brought to the public by the American Dental Association, every February thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators come together to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and others during Childrens Dental Health Month.

Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important

Baby (primary) teeth are a child’s first set of teeth. A baby’s teeth start to come in at 6 to 10 months, and by the time a child is 2½ to 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth will have come into the mouth. Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important for the child’s overall health and development.

Baby teeth are important for children to:

Chew and eat foods. Children need to eat healthy foods every day to grow and be strong. Children with tooth decay are less likely to eat crunchy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Being able to eat these foods promotes good nutrition and a healthy weight.
Speak clearly. Children who lose baby teeth too early may have trouble making certain sounds. This can make it hard to understand the child. A child may need speech therapy to improve speech problems that may develop because of missing teeth.
Have self-confidence. Children with decayed front teeth tend to not smile or may cover their mouth when talking. Sometimes they stop playing with other children. A healthy smile helps give children the self-confidence needed to have good social experiences.
Stay healthy. Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to infections that can cause fever and pain. If not treated, the infection from tooth decay can spread to other parts of the head and neck and lead to severe swelling.
Keep space for adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth growing in the jaw. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth that are already in the mouth will move into the space. It can block out the adult tooth trying to come in and cause crowding. The upper and lower jaws may not meet properly because of the crooked teeth.
Related Article: Oral Diseases and Tooth Loss… GPS Dental Can Help

Why is dental health important for kids?

Did you know that 42% of children from the age 2 to 11 have had dental caries or cavities in their primary or baby teeth?

AND … did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease?

That’s why promoting childrens dental health to families is important to Dr. Skrobanek and his Team. Developing good dental health habits at an early age, including scheduling regular dental visits, helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. They can avoid many of the problems that result from poor oral health, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Having a Healthy Mouth Also Means:

• Healthy growth and development

• Being able to focus and learn

• Lower dental care costs for your family

Why do children’s teeth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria make a sticky substance called plaque that can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Poor oral hygiene can raise your child’s risk for tooth decay. A dentist can diagnose tooth decay with an exam and X-rays.

What will a Dr. Skrobanek do for toddler tooth decay?

Dr. Skrobanek can remove decayed parts of the tooth and perform either a dental filling or a dental crown to fill holes in the tooth. For a filling, he uses a tooth-colored composite resin or an amalgam filling.

How can I help my child develop healthy habits?

Here’s how to keep cavities away:

Start good oral habits early. Teach kids to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly.
Get enough fluoride. Regular use of fluoride toughens the enamel, making it harder for acid to penetrate.
Limit or avoid some foods.

Things You Can Do to Help Your Child:

• Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

• If your child is younger than 3 years, brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.

• If your child is age 3 to 6 years, brush with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Young children will want to brush their own teeth, but they need help until their hand skills are better. Brush children’s teeth or help children brush their teeth until they are about 7 or 8 years old.

• Be a role model for oral health! Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (in the morning and at bedtime) and floss once a day.

• Serve healthy meals and snacks like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and milk products, whole-grain products, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and beans.

• Limit the number of snacks your child has in a day.

• Do not give your child food for rewards.

• Take your child to the dentist for a check-up by her first birthday and keep taking her.

• If your child has not gone to the dentist take him.

GPS Dental Can Help too!

Visiting the Dentist with Your Child

Children need to visit the dentist to keep their teeth and mouth healthy. If children have regular dental visits, the dentist and dental hygienist can take care of their teeth and find oral health problems early. Having regular dental visits also teaches children to value good oral health.

At Your Child’s Dental Appointment, our Dental Team Will:

Check your child’s teeth and mouth.
Talk to you about the best way to take care of your child’s teeth. For example, brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste after breakfast and before bed.
Share other ways to help prevent tooth decay (cavities). For example, putting fluoride varnish or a sealant on children’s teeth.

Tips for Visiting the Dentist:

If your child asks what will happen at the dental clinic, give a simple answer. For example, say:
- “They may count how many teeth you have.”
- “They may clean your teeth to make them shiny and bright!”

If you don’t like visiting the dentist, don’t share that information with your child. That might make your child worry about going, too.
Set up a pretend dental chair. Pretend to be the dentist or dental hygienist. Look in your child’s mouth and count her teeth; then talk to her about brushing her teeth.
Read books or watch videos with your child about visiting the dental clinic. Don’t use books or videos that have words like hurt, pain, shot, drill, afraid, or any other words that might scare your child.
Let your child bring his favorite toy or blanket to the clinic.
If you find out that your child will receive a small toy or new toothbrush at the end of the visit, remind your child of this reward.
Plan a fun activity for after their visit to the dentist.

We love our little patients and strive to make their dental visits comfortable and fun! When they enjoy visiting Dr. Skrobanek and his Team, they will likely brush their teeth regularly and look forward to their next visit! We will do our best to schedule your children’s visits together, if that makes it easier for you to bring everyone at the same time!

Thank you for giving your child healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime!

Root Canal Treatment: We’re Answering Your Questions

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 7, 2020

Have you heard scary things about getting a root canal treatment? We can help ease your fears and shed some light on this common treatment that helps relieve the tooth pain for so many of our patients.

Typically, we get a lot of questions from our patients. For example: What is a root canal? What are the symptoms? How can I avoid needing a root canal treatment? And … Is it gonna hurt?

First, here are some interesting root canal statistics:

A root canal performed on any tooth (front or back) with a nerve
Most teeth are fixed with root canal therapy with a 95 percent success rate
A root canal is a standard and very common procedure
Since the roots aren’t necessary for the tooth to function, they can be removed
There is only one main purpose for the tooth’s nerve: to provide the feeling or sensation of cold and hot
Nearly 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States
Most teeth fixed with root canal therapy can last a lifetime
Some roots have more than one root canal, but all have at least one canal

Let’s get started!

What is a Root Canal?

The term “root canal” is used to refer to two different things:

the dental procedure used to remove infected material and relieve root canal pain
the inner part (passages) of the tooth between the pulp and tooth roots, containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue

Today we’re going to talk about the dental procedure.

It’s pretty straight forward … a root canal treatment is an attempt to save your tooth after your nerve has been exposed to bacteria from a crack or has become permanently aggravated. And it will get you out of pain!

Related Article: Will my dentist pull my tooth?

A root canal treatment is required when a tooth is badly decayed or seriously infected. To protect the tooth, the nerve and its surrounding tooth pulp are removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed or closed. The interior of the tooth is left virtually resistant to future decay.

What do these terms mean?

Dental Pulp: is the soft substance in the center of the tooth that consists of the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Pulp Chamber: is the hollow part in the center of the tooth that contains the pulp and continues down canals that extend through the roots of teeth and into the bone around the tooth.

What causes a root canal?

DECAY that leads to INFECTION causes your tooth to need a root canal treatment.

Here are the two main causes:

Decay: Decay (commonly referred to as a cavity) is the main reason patients need to have a root canal treatment. If a cavity becomes large enough before it is treated, it can enter your pulp chamber or nerve. If bacteria enter this chamber, it causes severe pain, and will cause an infection.

As a result, a root canal is needed to save your tooth and reduce pain.

Trauma: If your tooth cracks or breaks, there’s a chance you’ll need a root canal treatment, because trauma to your tooth can expose your pulp chamber, damage your nerve and cause severe pain.

Again, the nerve will need to be removed to salvage your tooth.

If I need a root canal, what symptoms will I be experiencing?

Sometimes, a person may ignore the symptoms for a while. It takes some time for this type of infection to take root and they can be completely avoided; that’s why it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments.

In other cases, a person may show no symptoms.

These symptoms indicate a root canal may be needed:

Severe toothache pain from chewing or putting pressure on the area
Your tooth may start to hurt in the middle of the night; you wake up with severe tooth pain
Your tooth hurts longer than it should after exposure to hot or cold temperatures
Drainage, tenderness and swelling surrounding the tooth, in the nearby bone, gum tissues or lymph nodes
A “rotten” taste in your mouth
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
Dental abscess

What you should know about a dental abscess:

An abscess is a small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the area of tooth pain
Sometimes it causes significant swelling of the jaw, cheek, or throat.
Bleeding or swelling around the tooth may occur if you have an abscess.
If this swelling is noticed, treatment needs are urgent, and you need to contact GPS Dental for a dental emergency appointment.

IMPORTANT: if you’re experiencing tooth pain, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Skrobanek immediately!!

Do all toothaches require a root canal treatment?

Sometimes you may feel intense tooth pain that makes you think you need root canal treatment, but the pain is a symptom of another problem requiring a completely different treatment. Such as:

Sinus congestion can produce pressure around the roots of the upper teeth and cause pain upon chewing, which mimics root canal pain.
Gum disease can also mimic the throbbing pain around teeth that can feel like root canal pain.
Exposed root surfaces as a result of gum recession can mimic cold sensitivity.
Jaw pain can either be an indication of pain in the jaw joint or pain referred from a tooth needing a root canal.

Can I avoid needing a root canal treatment?

Here are some common causes and how to avoid needing a root canal:

Failure to Brush or Floss Regularly

Prevention is key! Brushing your teeth (twice a day) is the most important thing you can do each day to avoid tooth decay is brushing your teeth.

Cavities and root canals are prevented the same way … by brushing your teeth consistently. Brushing will interrupt the growth of bacteria that turns into plaque.

Flossing is essential too, because it helps clean hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth and remove any food particles left behind.

Forgetting to Visit the Dentist

Millions of people face some anxiety about going to the dentist. At GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX, we make it easy for you. A compassionate, experienced dental team can help spot early warning signs of decay, infection and other issues you might not notice on your own. Treating a cavity early, before it leads to decay, is one of the easiest ways to avoid needing a root canal treatment.

Long-Term Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also referred to as “gum disease” is a long-term infection process that attacks the soft tissue that supports, binds, and provides blood flow to your teeth. If you have symptoms like discoloration or bleeding in your gums, it could mean gum disease, which can spread throughout your mouth and needs immediate attention.

Related Article: Can a simple cavity turn into Gum Disease?

What is root canal procedure?

During a root canal treatment or procedure, the infected pulp and nerve are completely removed. Then, the tooth’s interior is cleaned and permanently sealed. A dental crown is then placed on top of the affected tooth to make sure it maintains its proper function — chewing.

Will I need a dental crown after having a root canal treatment?

The short answer is: Yes.

You will need a dental crown after your root canal treatment. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that will be placed over a root canal-treated tooth at a second appointment (usually a week later). It is designed protect the remaining tooth structure and continue the function of the molar teeth, which is chewing food. This will also guard against any future tooth pain.

Will a root canal treatment be painful?

Root canal treatments have gotten a bad reputation as a painful procedure; however, it can be less painful than having a cavity filled. The real pain you experience is typically BEFORE you get a root canal treatment completed.

Once your procedure is complete, you will be OUT of Pain!

Be sure to follow a regular oral hygiene routine after your root canal treatment to maintain your crown and avoid future issues. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth, If you notice increased tooth sensitivity after a root canal.

If you are suffering from a toothache, we can help!

Suffering from the pain of a toothache is an awful way to live … We want our patients to be able to go about their day, PAIN FREE!! If you or one of your family members is in pain, please call to schedule an emergency dental appointment with Dr. Skrobanek. We want to make sure to treat you as quickly as possible.

The Dangers of Vaping and How it Effects Your Oral Health

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 24, 2019

Even though scary stories of vaping and E-cigarettes fill up our Facebook feeds and our favorite news channels, it’s still extremely popular. According to the BBC, there are around 41 million people vaping all around the globe. Most of those people live in the United States, United Kingdom, and France.

Read more from the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44295336

Vaping and Oral Health

We know that vaping can be extremely addictive, but can it negatively affect your teeth and gums? The short answer is yes. Vaping can lead to increase of risks of heart disease and higher risks of seizure, according to CNET. However, vaping can also increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay. New York periodontist Scott Froum, D.D.S., deducted that his patients who were partaking in e-cigarettes were experiencing higher levels of tooth decay and decay of the enamel.

A study conducted in 2018 reasoned that people who smoke and vape experience much higher levels of gum inflammation than people who abstain from smoking in either form. So, why are people experiencing more cavities and tooth decay from vaping?

Vaping Leads to Higher Bacteria

Health.com spoke with Matthew Messina, DDS and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. He said, “[With vaping] we’re providing heat in the mouth, which changes the bacterial presence in the mouth. It dries the mouth out.” When you heat up the mouth, you’re creating an environment that is ideal for bacteria. When you get an excess of bacteria in the mouth, you can experience cavities and gum disease.

Vape juice often contains a few main ingredients:

Propylene glycol
Vegetable glycerin
Nicotine

When these ingredients are heated up and enter the mouth, they carry a huge number of bacteria – almost four times as much bacteria as what’s in your mouth. Propylene glycol is an alcohol-type substance that, although it is FDA approved, can cause dry mouth. When you experience dry mouth, you are also more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.

According to a study on E-cigarettes conducted in 2018, vaping can cause a growth in cell damage and speed up aging. When this happens, you can experience tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, dry mouth, and more. Learn more about the correlation between gum disease and heart disease, here.

How Vaping can Ruin Your Teeth: https://www.cnet.com/news/how-vaping-may-ruin-your-teeth/

More on Vaping and Oral Health: https://dentistryinsider.tamhsc.edu/vaping-and-oral-health/

To help decrease your risk for vape-related oral issues, try:

Brushing your teeth twice a day
Flossing
Drinking water after vaping
Reducing your nicotine intake

If you are experiencing toothache, bleeding or inflamed gums, ulcers, loose teeth, or other concerning oral heath issues and partake in vaping, please come see us at GPS Dental, we offer affordable dental care in the San Antonio, TX area.

Bad Breath could be more than a stinky situation

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 10, 2019

Bad breath, morning breath, hot breath, or whatever you call the stinky aroma that emanates from your mouth when you have that first morning yawn of the day, isn’t pleasant for anyone. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is embarrassing and can cause anxiety for anyone who is experiencing it. For most people, after they’ve had their morning coffee and brushed their teeth with some minty toothpaste, the fear of stinky breath is gone for a while. However, bad breath is a symptom that likes to come and go, depending on someone’s health, oral hygiene habits, and what they eat.

Bad Breath Causes, Treatment, and Prevention: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/bad-breath#1

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are a few main reasons you may be experiencing stinky breath, such as:

What you’re eating. Food is broken down in your mouth when you chew, and some foods with strong smells, such as onions, herbs, or garlic, may take more than just one tooth brushing to go away. These are odors that will stick with you until the food has passed. Other strong-smelling foods that may affect your breath are coffee, cheese, fish, and spices. Make sure to brush, and floss, to get any bits of food that may be stuck between your teeth.
Your health. Unpleasant breath can be more than just a stinky smell, it could mean that something isn’t quite right regarding your health. Consistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease, which is when there is too much plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Cavities, an infection in the mouth, yeast infections in the mouth, and dry mouth are also oral symptoms that can lead to halitosis. There are also a few diseases and illnesses that can cause bad breath as a symptom. Sinus infections, a cold, tonsil stones, some cancers, diabetes, and more can cause bad breath. Read more here about the top 3 oral diseases that could impact your overall health.

Learn more about diseases and bad breath: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922

Your dental hygiene. If you’re not sticking to a strict dental hygiene routine, you could be missing bits of food and bacteria in your mouth. When those things get missed, they can cause an abundance of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. When your mouth isn’t clean and is teeming with bacteria, you can experience a multitude of oral health issues – stinky included. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. Your dentist can properly clean your teeth and assess them, letting you know if anything looks concerning. Smoking cigarettes can also cause bad breath and often also causes gum disease.

More on bad breath causes: https://www.medicinenet.com/bad_breath/article.htm

Although bad breath can be typical with an acidic or herb-filled meal, it’s important to know that consistent bad breath could be an important indicator of something else going on. At GPS Dental, we want you to feel your best and take pride in helping our patients get their dream smile. If you have concerns about bad breath, please give us a call!

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What is Childrens Dental Health Month?

Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important

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Why is dental health important for kids?

Having a Healthy Mouth Also Means:

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How can I help my child develop healthy habits?

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Things You Can Do to Help Your Child:

GPS Dental Can Help too!

Visiting the Dentist with Your Child

At Your Child’s Dental Appointment, our Dental Team Will:

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What is a Root Canal?

What do these terms mean?

What causes a root canal?

If I need a root canal, what symptoms will I be experiencing?

These symptoms indicate a root canal may be needed:

Do all toothaches require a root canal treatment?

Can I avoid needing a root canal treatment?

Failure to Brush or Floss Regularly

Forgetting to Visit the Dentist

Long-Term Gum Disease

What is root canal procedure?

Will I need a dental crown after having a root canal treatment?

Will a root canal treatment be painful?

If you are suffering from a toothache, we can help!

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Vaping Leads to Higher Bacteria

What Causes Bad Breath?

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