Author: Paris Mountain Dental

How Much Will a Root Canal Cost Me?

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A brunette young woman cringing in pain as she touches her cheek due to a toothache that needs root canal therapy

If you need root canal therapy, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost you. Here, we explain when a root canal is necessary, what the procedure is like, and the typical cost.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that repairs and saves a tooth that is badly damaged, decayed, or infected. If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity or extreme pain in an isolated area in your mouth, you may need root canal therapy and should call us immediately so we can determine the next steps to take. This pain could be caused by an infection of the pulp inside your tooth as a result of an injury or an untreated cavity. Without treatment, your tooth infection can lead to an abscess, or a pus-filled pocket inside your gums. Root canal therapy cleans out the infection and spares you from having to get the infected tooth extracted.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

    1. We’ll numb the area around the tooth so you’ll only feel light pressure during the procedure.

    2. Next, we’ll gently drill into the tooth to get to the infected pulp.

    3. Then we’ll remove the infected tooth pulp, clean out the canals, and use antibiotics to kill any remaining infection.

    4. After removing the pulp, we’ll seal your tooth’s root canals to protect against future infection.

    5. Finally, we’ll affix a natural-looking dental crown to restore function and give your tooth extra strength and a normal appearance.

    How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

    The truth is that the cost for root canal therapy varies depending on the severity of your condition. While we understand that the cost of a root canal can be daunting for some, the treatment is vital for those with damaged or infected tooth pulps in order to preserve your oral health. To help ease the financial burden, we do our best to provide financial options for every budget. Paris Mountain Dental offers an in-house dental savers plan for uninsured patients that can keep root canal costs manageable. Our office is also very insurance-friendly. We file and track claims for you so you get the maximum benefits out of your plan. Get in touch with us to discuss the best payment option for your unique situation! Our team will work with you to keep the cost for root canal therapy affordable.

    Do you need root canal therapy or have questions about how much a dental procedure will cost?

    Contact Us Today

How Does Laser Cavity-Detection Work?

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Although you may think of tooth decay as something that you should be able to readily feel and see, a dentist is often the only one who can diagnose it. When enamel gets damaged, cavities form beneath the surface of your teeth and are usually invisible to the untrained eye, especially without special dental tools. If you have a cavity that’s been there for a while, you may develop a toothache or, if it’s particularly serious decay, possibly see holes or pits in your teeth. At Paris Mountain Dental, we use advanced laser technology to detect your cavities as early as we can. But how do lasers assist in recognizing cavities?

About Laser Cavity-Detection

Laser cavity-detection quickly and painlessly exposes the presence of cavities. This fascinating technology is based on the fact that weaker, decayed teeth reflect more light than healthy teeth. Light easily penetrates and is absorbed by healthy teeth but has a tougher time passing through teeth with cavities.

The DIAGNOdent®

Our office proudly utilizes the DIAGNOdent system to assist Dr. Ghimire in identifying tooth decay. A pen-like laser scans your teeth, while the digital read-out portion of the device checks the density of your tooth’s structure to calculate the possibility of decay. Dr. Ghimire compares the device’s analysis to baseline measures, your dental X-rays, and her visual examination to determine if you have cavities that need to be treated.

Untreated Tooth Decay

By diagnosing cavities early, we can take care of them before they get worse. Untreated cavities can spread to neighboring teeth and cause more serious dental issues, such as gum disease, an infected inner pulp that requires root canal therapy, and tooth and bone loss. Ask our team for tips to improve your oral hygiene routine and prevent decay by contacting us today.

Schedule your next six-month checkup to confirm your teeth are strong and healthy!

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Can I Check for Cavities at Home?

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A brunette woman wearing a red shirt and large necklace rests her chin on her hand as she wonders how to detect cavities

The majority of American adults have had a cavity at some point in their life. If you’re conscious of getting a cavity, you might want to know how to detect them.

What Are Cavities?

First, let’s understand what cavities are. Cavities happen when tooth enamel is destroyed and tooth decay develops. The most common cavities are called coronal cavities and occur in between your teeth or on the chewing surfaces. Root cavities are less common and mainly occur in older adults with receding gums and gum disease because their tooth’s root is exposed. If left untreated, cavities can develop into an abscess, which is an infection at the root tip that will need to be treated by tooth extraction, root canal therapy, or surgery.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities develop when food particles are left in your mouth. If foods with sugars and carbohydrates aren’t washed away after you’ve eaten, the bacteria in your mouth turns them into acids. That acid combines with food debris, saliva, and bacteria in your mouth to form plaque, which destroys tooth enamel. Though children are more susceptible to developing cavities, adults need to be just as careful at keeping up with their oral hygiene and watching their sugar and carb intake.

Can I Check for a Cavity at Home?

In the early stages of a cavity, you won’t be able to detect it at home. This is because your tooth’s enamel doesn’t have nerves so when decay is entering that layer, you won’t feel anything. If the cavity and decay has progressed to reach the soft tissue inside your tooth, where dentin and nerves are, you may notice tooth sensitivity and pain, which could be anything from a mild to a more intense sensation. If a cavity has really progressed, you may be able to see holes or pits in your teeth and stains that are black or brown. If you do, schedule an appointment with us ASAP!

How Do I Prevent Cavities?

The best way to prevent cavities is by practicing good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time, floss at least once a day, and use toothpaste with fluoride. Eating healthy foods and staying away from sugary and carbohydrate-heavy foods is also vital to cavity prevention.

Come See Us Every 6 Months!

Another way to detect and prevent cavities is to visit us for biannual cleanings and checkups. Dr. Ghimire will evaluate any unusual tooth pain and confirm the presence or absence of tooth decay. She’ll prod your teeth to check for soft spots and take X-rays to look between your teeth, where cavities often occur. Call us today to schedule your next appointment!

Is your mouth cavity-free? Find out by visiting us!

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What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?

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Brunette woman cringes due to her terrible toothache pain and puts her hands to her cheek

For many of us, dental emergencies are the last thing on our minds. However, in the event that the unthinkable happens, you should be prepared. At Paris Mountain Dental, we know that having a plan in the event of a dental emergency can help you limit the damage and get the treatment you need as soon as possible. We’ve put together the following list of three common dental emergencies and what to do to help prepare you and your family.

3 Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache

If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it. If you notice any food particles between teeth that are causing irritation, gently use floss to remove them.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a tooth knocked out, try to keep it moist and visit our office as soon as possible! If it is dirty, rinse it with milk or water, but don’t rub or wipe it. If possible, carefully place the tooth back in the socket without touching the root, or keep the tooth in a glass of milk. In a pinch, you can even place it in between your cheek and gums until you can visit us.

3. Cracked Tooth

If you realize that you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth, try rinsing your mouth with warm water. This will clean your mouth and help protect against infection. If you are experiencing swelling, use a cold compress. Even if a cracked tooth isn’t incredibly painful, the fissure may worsen and lead to further issues, so visit us as soon as possible.

Remember Your Preventive Care

In order to avoid a dental emergency like the ones listed above, make sure you’re practicing good preventive care habits. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing each day, attending biannual dental exams, and protecting your mouth. Wear a mouthguard if you’re participating in contact sports and avoid chewing hard foods like ice and hard candy, which can crack a tooth.

Contact Us ASAP!

No matter what your emergency is, give us a call as soon as you notice signs of trouble. We will work to fit you in to see Dr. Ghimire. If you have any questions for our team about what to do in a dental emergency or you want to schedule your next appointment, call our office today.

Have more questions about emergency dental care?

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Fixing Bad Breath

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Brunette woman covers her mouth with the collar of her black shirt

We all occasionally have bad breath – especially after eating foods full of onion and garlic. For most of us, it’s a temporary annoyance fixed by brushing our teeth, using mouthwash, or even chewing some sugar-free gum, in a pinch.

However, for others, chronic bad breath can be a sign of something more serious. Today, we want to talk about some of the causes of bad breath and some of the ways that Dr. Ghimire and the rest of our team here at Paris Mountain Dental treat it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath has a variety of causes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the food we eat. But other times, bad breath is the result of a more serious health condition.

  • Smoking is known to cause bad breath. Additionally, smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease, which is another source of bad breath.
  • Dry mouth can also cause bad breath, as it indicates that your saliva production has decreased. A variety of medications list dry mouth as a side effect.
  • More serious conditions such as tonsil stones, chronic inflammation, and cancer are also known to cause bad breath.

    • How Do I Fix Bad Breath?

    If you notice any sudden or severe changes with your breath, let Dr. Ghimire know during your next dental visit. Dr. Ghimire will diagnose your issue, and then come up with a treatment plan.

  • For some patients, a more thorough preventive care routine (brushing twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing every day) will solve the problem.
  • For almost all of our patients who complain about bad breath, we recommend increasing their water intake. Water cleans your teeth in between brushing, and helps you stay hydrated to ensure that your saliva is functioning properly.
  • For others, Dr. Ghimire may prescribe a mouth spray that increases saliva production and can eliminate dry mouth.
  • If it turns out that your bad breath is a result of gum disease or another more serious issue, Dr. Ghimire will treat the underlying issue in order to fix your bad breath.

    • Contact our office to ask any additional questions about bad breath or to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Ghimire.

    Do you have chronic bad breath?

    Let Us Help Freshen Your Breath!

    Is It Possible to Never Get a Cavity?

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    Woman covers mouth embarrassed of bad cavity

    There are a variety of factors that determine whether you get a cavity or not. From genetics to diet to your dental care habits, a multitude of variables can cause cavities. Cavities need to be treated as soon as possible as they can result in dangerous infections and even tooth loss.

    Cavities are one of the most common dental ailments, but is it possible to never get cavities? It turns out, it is. About 92% of adults have experienced a cavity, but the other 8% have not! Today, let’s talk about what causes cavities and why some lucky folks never get them.

    What Causes Cavities?

    At any given time, your mouth is full of bacteria. Most of the bacteria in your mouth is good and helps you digest food, fight disease, and keep your mouth clean. However, some of the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, creating a harmful acid. This acid, combined with other bacteria, food debris, and saliva form plaque and wear down tooth enamel (the hard, protective outer coating of your teeth). The holes created by the acid are called cavities. Left untreated, cavities can result in tooth decay, infection and even tooth loss.

    How Can You Prevent Cavities?

    Some people have a natural advantage in the fight against cavities. Scientists have determined that some people just don’t have the type of bacteria that causes cavities. For the rest of us, there are many steps you can take to reduce the chance of getting a cavity. Limit your intake of sugary, starchy foods that give bacteria something to feed on. Also, make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day to clean away food particles.

    If you are worried you might have a cavity or have any questions about cavities, contact our office and one of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to speak with you or help you schedule an appointment.

    Do you have questions about proper oral care?

    We Have Answers!

    How Soon After Eating Should You Brush Your Teeth?

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    At Paris Mountain Dental, we try to help our patients establish good preventive care routines. As part of this regimen, we ask our patients to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. However, Dr. Ghimire gets many questions from patients about the best time to brush, such as whether it’s best to brush before or after breakfast. There are actually a few reasons that the timing of your toothbrushing matters for you and your family.

    Fight Back Against Bacteria

    Consuming certain foods, like those high in carbohydrates or sugars, can spawn the creation of bacteria that feed on them for up to 20 minutes after you eat. If you brush right after eating sugary or high-carb foods, you can get rid of these bacteria before they begin to wear away at your enamel.

    Watch Out for Acidic Foods

    However, if you have just consumed food or drink that’s high in acid like orange juice or other citrus products, you should wait to brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes. Foods high in acid weaken your tooth enamel. If you brush too soon after consuming them, you can damage your enamel and push the acid deeper into the enamel and dentin.

    In fact, if you know you’re going to be eating acidic foods, it’s a better idea to brush before eating and then drink a glass of water when finished. Water helps wash away the acid left behind on teeth and limit the damage.

    As a general rule, we recommend waiting a good 30 minutes to an hour after eating to brush your teeth. Even better, limit your intake of acidic or sugary foods to cut down on your risk for cavities. If you have any additional questions about brushing your teeth or your oral health, or if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment, call our office today.

    We love caring for your smile!

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    How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

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    At Paris Mountain Dental, Dr. Ghimire and the rest of our team know that many folks are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. If you are part of the 15% of Americans who avoid going to the dentist out of anxiety, we understand, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our patients have a variety of reasons for their dental anxiety. Perhaps they had a negative experience at the dentist when they were younger, or maybe they feel out of control or don’t understand what will happen once they’re in the dentist’s chair.

    Because we know that so many people are reluctant to visit the dentist, our team goes above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable from the moment you set foot in our office. From amenities to pain-free dentistry technologies, we work hard to help you get the care you need.

    Office Amenities

    We’ve designed our office with comfort in mind for our patients and their families. We offer refreshments, magazines, WiFi, TVs, and a serene setting. We also have blankets, pillows, and aromatherapy candles available. You’ll feel relaxed and at ease while waiting for your appointment. We often recommend that our patients, especially those with anxiety, arrive early in order to familiarize themselves with our office and take advantage of our office amenities.

    Gentle Care

    We offer two sedation and anesthetic options to make your procedures more comfortable: nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and DentalVibe, a gentler way of administering numbing medication. Talk to Dr. Ghimire about your concerns, and we will work to make sure that you have a pain and stress-free appointment.

    Know What to Expect

    Our team often finds that patients are more comfortable during their appointments if they know exactly what to expect. For this reason, our staff and Dr. Ghimire take care to clearly explain everything they do as well as the reason for it. This way, you can rest assured knowing that you are in well-qualified hands.

    Don’t let dental anxiety force you to live with painful or unsightly teeth. Call our office today to schedule an appointment and to discuss your options. We will work hard to come up with a plan that keeps you comfortable and healthy. Call us at (864) 610-6188 or schedule an appointment online.

    We can help you feel comfortable in our care!

    Call Us Today

    What Is a Zirconia Bridge?

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    Our patients come to us for a variety of reasons. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family. Dr. Ghimire works hard to provide personalized care to each individual patient, ensuring that the treatment you receive fits your goals and your lifestyle.

    For example, many of our patients come to us with missing teeth and want to know what their options are. Our office offers a range of dental implant services that can help restore a natural look, feel, and function to your mouth. One such option, the zirconia bridge, provides a practical, natural-looking alternative to dentures.

    What Is a Bridge?

    For patients missing several teeth, Dr. Ghimire often recommends a dental bridge as the most effective treatment. A bridge is a structure containing a false tooth (or teeth) flanked by two crowns, all attached to a metal base. The crowns fit over your natural teeth, while the false teeth bridge the gap and replace your missing teeth. There are multiple bridge options available to patients, including metal ceramic bridges and zirconia bridges.

    How Is the Zirconia Bridge Different?

    Zirconia bridges are made from zirconium oxide, a strong, safe dental ceramic. It has a translucent appearance and matches with your other teeth. The body does not negatively react to or reject the zirconia bridge, so you do not need to worry about the bridge irritating your mouth.

    Advantages of Zirconia Bridge

    While metal ceramic bridges have a dark metal base that appears as a black line at the edge of your gums, the zirconia bridge does not. This allows it to have a much more natural appearance. Additionally, this type of bridge requires less preparation and minimal tooth reduction to fit into place. The end result is a strong, stable, and inconspicuous bridge that blends in with your natural teeth.

    If you are missing teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ghimire to determine the best treatment option. Dr. Ghimire will carefully examine your oral health to come up with the best treatment plan. Afterwards, she may decide that a zirconia bridge is right for you.

    Schedule an appointment or consultation today!

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    How Do Different Animals Deal with Teeth Problems?

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    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be your pet? What about what it would be like to be your pet with a toothache? Turns out, different animals deal with their teeth problems differently. Here are just some of our favorite animals, and the ways they deal with dental issues.

    Dogs

    If you have a dog, beware, because they rarely show any discomfort when it comes to dental issues. Man’s best friend will happily wag their tail and act as if everything is normal even with a cracked tooth or gum disease. This is because they’ve evolved to hide chronic pain, and their instincts tell them not to show signs of weakness. If the oral problem is bad enough, you will be able to see certain symptoms like vocalizing when they eat, head shyness (not wanting you to pet them on their head), chewing on one side of their mouth, and difficulty picking up food.

    Cats

    Like dogs, cats are experts at hiding their pain as their instincts are to resist showing any sign of weakness. By the time your cat shows any signs, their dental issue is probably very advanced. Beyond the usual symptoms of bad breath, some indicators that your cat is suffering from oral pain include difficulty eating or loss of appetite, drooling, chattering (jaw shakes or quivers) when they eat or groom, pawing at their mouth, excessive teeth grinding or yawning, head shaking or tilting, decreasing their grooming, pulling away when touched or petted near the mouth, and any changes in normal behavior such as becoming more aggressive.

    Rabbits

    Rabbits are also very good at hiding their pain. Are you sensing a pattern? When rabbits have tooth pain, you may not be able to tell right away, but it’s important to be on the lookout for some symptoms so you can get them treatment. Some signs of dental problems include picky eating, bad breath, reduced activity, matted fur, weight loss, bulging eyes, slobbering, a creamy discharge from the eyes and nose, facial abscess, and even anorexia.

    To avoid any oral health issues, be sure to practice good dental hygiene with your pet every day. And while you’re at it, be sure you’re taking care of your mouth, too! At Paris Mountain Dental, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best dental care. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

    Your smile is important to us!

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