Oral Diseases and Infections: The Food We Eat and Digestion; Infrequent Brushing and Flossing: Dry Mouth: Cigarette Smoking: Unexplained or chronic bad breath may be an indication of an underlying medical condition or disease.

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

• Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
• Bone loss around the tip of the root.
• Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal treatment include:

• • Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
  • Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
  • Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

When you are pregnant you can do all dental treatments, including anesthesia, but you cannot take x-rays. Some drugs are also not advised to be taken. If it is imperative you have dental x-rays make sure the dentist knows you are pregnant, but otherwise leave them until after you have the baby. The dentist will only take X rays that are completely necessary. And they probably won’t take any in the first trimester. You will be covered with a lead apron that will protect you very well, but it’s better to be safe. If you don’t want an x ray, you can refuse to have one until later in your pregnancy or after you have the baby.

The best time to go is in your second trimester; most doctors won’t do anything unless you are in that trimester (and some don’t do anything in any trimester). I would call your dentist and ask what they accept; all they can really do is clean your teeth though.

The best course of action would be to discuss your concerns with your dentist. Book an appointment with us today!

There are conflicting views about this which are centered on the health effects of toxicity or allergy which may be associated with constant mercury [which the fillings containt, even though the amounts are said not to be dangerous enough] exposure, particularly as a potential cause of chronic illnesses. Currently Amalgam is approved in some countries but not allowed in others.