Tooth pain definitely isn't something that's easy to ignore. It can start as persistent tooth sensitivity and progress to major headaches that make it difficult to sleep or eat. It's best to get the cause of tooth pain diagnosed early on so that you have more options when you visit your Flint, MI dentist for help. 

Tooth Pain Causes
The most common cause of tooth pain is dental decay. This happens when a cavity grows to the point where the inner pulp is being irritated and inflamed by bad bacteria. Another possible cause of tooth pain is enamel erosion, where the outer enamel wears down, causing tooth sensitivity. You may also feel some tooth pain if you have gum disease, which causes bleeding and discomfort when you brush. Some patients have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, which can cause pain in the back molars and jaw. Another possible cause of tooth pain is the teeth shifting and pushing against each other (common for people who still have their wisdom teeth).

Tooth Pain Solutions
The tooth pain solution your Flint dentist suggests will depend on the cause. For instance, problems related to dental decay will be resolved with cavity fillings or root canal therapy. Gum disease can be reversed with periodontal therapy, scaling or root planing. A crown can reinforce and restore a worn-down tooth. Patients who have TMJ disorder can be treated by wearing a special dental appliance. Finally, if your tooth pain is related to your wisdom teeth, extraction may be necessary.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy
After you’ve experienced tooth pain, you want to do everything possible to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips for how to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free:

- Floss often to avoid gum disease and dislodge particles that could cause you dental pain. 
- Wear night guards or mouth guards to protect your teeth from damage or injury.
- See your dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups.

Get Help with Tooth Pain
The pain you're experiencing doesn't have to get worse—it can get better with immediate treatment. Call (810) 230-0990 today to schedule an appointment at Dr. Frank Gordon's dentist office in Flint, MI.

Find out how seeking periodontal services in Flint could actually better your oral health.

While most people have a dentist to whom they turn for preventive, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, most people don’t realize when they could benefit from visiting a dental specialist known as a periodontist. Learn more about our Flint, MI, periodontist, Dr. Franklin Gordon, and what he can do for your oral health.

What is a periodontist?

One question we get a lot is, “What does a periodontist do?” Most people know that we are dentists but they don’t quite get what we have to offer that’s different from their regular dentist. A periodontist has received unique and advanced training to specialize in preventing, diagnosing and even treating gum disease.

A report from the CDC states that half of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from more advanced stages of gum disease (also known as periodontitis). While the condition can be completely prevented and even reversed in its earliest stages, if you aren’t getting routine dental cleanings and exams then chances are good that you won’t catch the issue as early as you should.

A periodontist is here to not only provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to prevent gum disease but also to diagnose your symptoms and help you get your symptoms under control to prevent more serious complications such as tooth loss.

Of course, we also know that those who suffer from more advanced forms of gum disease that don’t get the care they need often face tooth and bone loss and other more serious dental problems. In fact, gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss. If you are missing one or more permanent teeth our periodontal expert could also help.

Dr. Gordon also specializes in placing dental implants. Implants replace your missing tooth’s roots and not only preserve the health and strength of your jawbone but also provide you with a sturdy, resilient and long-term tooth replacement. Through a simple consultation, we can determine whether implants are what you need to treat your tooth loss in the long run.

For all of your periodontic needs here in Flint, MI, turn to Dr. Gordon for the care you are looking for to get your smile back in shape. Whether you are dealing with symptoms of gum disease or you want to talk about whether dental implants can replace your missing teeth, we are ready to help you.

Why would a damaged tooth require root canal therapy? Why not just extract the tooth? Well, even a sickly tooth deserves a second chance, particularly when you think about the disadvantages of losing a tooth. Dr. Frank Gordon, experienced endodontist in Flint, MI, performs root canals that are comfortable, quick and effective. He can tell you if your tooth is a candidate for this reliable procedure.

Just what is a root canal?

Actually, a root canal is located inside your tooth and contains soft, innervated pulp. In addition, it holds important blood vessels and connective tissue that anchor and develop your tooth during adolescence. In adulthood, your tooth does not need this interior pulp to stay strong and functional. There can be up to four root canals in a large tooth such as a molar.

Also, a root canal is the nickname for the procedure that cleans and seals these interior chambers after injury, extensive decay or a dental abscess occurs. Endodontists and other dentists perform about 15 million root canal treatments annually in the US, says the American Association of Endodontists, and the majority succeed.

Rather than causing discomfort, root canals relieve it and the other symptoms (swelling, drainage, red gums, bad breath) associated with a dental abscess or fracture. Plus, you keep your tooth, avoiding costly replacements or the gum and bone deterioration that happen with tooth loss.

Can you get a root canal in Flint?

If you are in good health, you probably can. Much depends on what damage was done to your tooth and underlying bone. To determine if your tooth is a candidate, Dr. Gordon will examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to look at the roots and bone. If he feels the tooth would be viable, he'll recommend root canal therapy. Typically, the procedure takes two visits, and most patients need only local anesthesia.

How does the procedure go?

Don't worry. Root canal therapy is painless and straightforward. After ensuring your tooth is numb and installing a protective dam around it, Dr. Gordon drills a hole into the first root canal. Using tiny files, he removes the pulp and smooths the walls of the canal. After placing antimicrobial medication, he fills the chamber with a sealant called gutta-percha. This material supports and protects the tooth from the inside.

After all canals are treated, the dentist covers the tooth with a temporary filling or crown. You go home to heal, eating a soft diet for a day or two. In about a week, you return to Dr. Gordon's office where he removes the temporary restoration and installs a custom-made porcelain crown. With that, the root canal is finished, and that tooth will function for years to come.

Concerned about a tooth?

Please contact Dr. Gordon's office in Flint, MI for an appointment. You may need a root canal or other restorative treatment to keep your smile intact and healthy. Call (810) 230-0990.

Endodontists, also known as root canal specialists, treat inflamed or infected teeth, helping you avoid tooth loss. Flint, MI, endodontist Dr. Frank Gordon explains how you can benefit from the services of an endodontist.

What do endodontists do?

Endodontists remove tooth pulp during root canal therapy. Without the therapy, inflamed or infected teeth will eventually need to be pulled. Root canals relieve pain and prevent tooth loss. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in root canal treatment. In order to become an endodontist, dentists must complete two years of additional training after finishing dental school.

What are the benefits of seeing an endodontist?

Visiting an endodontist offers several advantages, including:

• Expert Care: Thanks to their training, endodontists have the skills needed to address any issues that may arise during a root canal. Whether your case is simple or complex, they can provide treatment that will address your pain and save your tooth.
• The Latest Technology: Because endodontists only offer root canals, they've invested in the latest technology and equipment to ensure that your treatment is successful.
• Efficiency: After years of performing root canals, endodontists have perfected the root canal technique. You may spend less time at their offices than you would if you had a root canal at a general dentist's office.
• Experience: Your teeth are as unique as you are. Luckily, endodontists have seen many different types of teeth during their years of practice and can handle easily handle any variations that may make the procedure slightly more complicated.

How can I tell if I need a root canal?

Call our Flint, MI, office if you notice any of these potential root canal signs:

• Pain: Constant or intermittent pain can be a sign of an infection or an inflammation in your tooth. Chewing on the affected side of your mouth may be very painful.
• Swollen Gums: Inflammation around your tooth can cause your gums to redden and swell.
• Sensitivity: Your teeth may hurt when exposed to hot and cold temperatures.
• Abscess Symptoms: Fever, facial swelling and swollen lymph nodes can develop if you have a dental abscess. The infection is considered a dental emergency.

Endodontists help you avoid tooth loss. If you concerned about tooth pain or other root canal symptoms, call Flint, MI, endodontist and periodontist Dr. Frank Gordon at (810) 230-0990 to schedule an appointment.

Does your toothache or throb? Our Flint, MI, endodontist and periodontist, Dr. Frank Gordon, discusses treatment options for toothaches.

Caring for your toothache at home

Although toothaches should be evaluated by a dentist, there are a few things you can do to ease your pain until it's time for your appointment. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can decrease pain. Applying ice and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also provide temporary relief of pain.

Fillings

If your pain is caused by a cavity, you'll need a filling. Fillings fill the space in your mouth after the decayed part of your tooth has been removed.

Sensitive teeth treatments

Does your pain occur when you eat or drink hot or cold foods and beverages? You may have sensitive teeth. If weak tooth enamel is the cause, a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel may be helpful. Pain that occurs due to exposed roots can be treated by applying bonding material to the roots. You may also need gum disease treatment in our Flint office if your exposed roots are caused by receding gums.

Root canal therapy

Toothaches may also be caused by an inflammation or infection in the pulp, the soft core at the center of the tooth. The problem can occur if frequent dental procedures have weakened your tooth, if tooth decay has spread to the pulp or if you've fractured or injured your tooth. Once the pulp is inflamed or infected, the only way to save it is by performing a root canal on the tooth. Infections must also be treated with antibiotics. If they aren't treated promptly, the infection can spread to other parts of your body.

During a root canal, the pulp is removed from your tooth and the root canals, the small canals that reach from the roots to the top of your tooth. The treatment also involves disinfecting the center of your tooth and your canals and shaping the canals with small files. In most cases, you'll receive a temporary filling during your first visit to allow adequate time for drainage. When you return for your second visit, you'll be given a permanent filling to strengthen the tooth. You may also need a dental crown to protect your tooth after the procedure.

Are you concerned about an aching tooth? Call our Flint, MI, endodontist and periodontist, Dr. Gordon, at (810) 230-0990 to schedule an appointment.