A root canal is the channel that runs inside the root of the tooth, containing the pulp and blood vessels. When the canal becomes diseased, root canal therapy is necessary in order to eliminate the infection, stop the pain and preserve the natural tooth.  

In the past, diseased teeth frequently had to be extracted, but today can often be saved and restored through root canal therapy when treated promptly. Untreated, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause swelling of the face and head, and even bone loss. Saving your tooth, if possible, is always the best solution, and root canal therapy is an option that restores the natural tooth to its normal function and natural appearance.

If you, like many patients, cringe at the mention of a root canal, you'll be pleased to learn that painful root canal therapy is a thing of the past. Thanks to advances in dental technology, root canal therapy has become more precise, less invasive, and ultimately, less painful. The key to ensuring a positive patient experience is finding the most qualified dental professional to perform your procedure. Eureka Dental Group can help.    

Visit your Roseville dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Moderate to severe toothaches
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity to touch, pressure and temperatures
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swollen gums
• Pain in a tooth previously treated by root canal therapy

It's important to visit a dentist when symptoms of an infected tooth first emerge. Understanding the facts and discussing your fears with your dentist is the best way to dispel root canal misconceptions and move forward with safe and effective treatment. Remember, root canal treatments relieve pain, not cause pain.

The dental professionals at Eureka Dental Group are fully qualified to offer you the best in root canal therapy, restoring the tooth's natural appearance and function that can last a lifetime. 

As a parent, you play an important role in your child's dental health. Instilling proper oral habits during your child's growth and development years coupled with regular visits to our Roseville office are the best ways to ensure strong, healthy teeth into adulthood.

Basic Tips for Parents from Eureka Dental Group:
 

Establish Good Oral Health Habits Early

Our Roseville office can show your child the proper methods for cleaning those hard to reach areas with a tooth brush and floss. We can also work with you to recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments you can use while teaching your child the appropriate ways to care for his or her teeth.

Nutritional Diet

Limit your child's frequency of snacking, especially starchy, sugary and acidic foods. Instead promote healthy snacks that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables and cheese.

Fluoride Intake

Ensure your child gets an adequate amount of fluoride in his or her diet. Fluoride helps build strong teeth and prevent cavities.

Make Tooth Brushing Fun

When parents are excited about caring for their teeth, kids will find tooth brushing to be more enjoyable as well.

Regular Check Ups

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should bring their child to the dentist by their first birthday. We encourage regular visits to our kid-friendly office in Roseville to monitor your child's dental development and to educate you and your child about preventative care.

At Eureka Dental Group, we understand going to the dentist, especially for children, can be scary, so we make going to the dentist as fun and relaxed as possible. Focusing on education and prevention, our Roseville office offers a fun, gentle and positive atmosphere for your child that promotes good oral hygiene from the toddler years into adolescence and adulthood. We look forward to caring for your child's teeth and gums throughout their various stages of growth and development.

Oral cancer — which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheek, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat — can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Because changes in the mouth can be easily seen, oral cancer can be detected in its early stages. The following symptoms should be monitored closely:

• A sore, lump, rough spot or thick patch anywhere in the mouth, throat or on the lips
• A sore that doesn’t heal or bleeds easily
• Change in color of your oral tissues
• Pain or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
• Change in the way your teeth fit together
• Swollen jaw
• Significant weight loss

While these symptoms may indicate less serious health issues, it is important to visit Eureka Dental Group if you experience any of them for more than a few weeks.

Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. Risk factors include:

• Tobacco use. Smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancers; and use of smokeless tobacco increases the risk of cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips
• Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are approximately six times more prevalent in drinkers than in non-drinkers
• Family history of cancer
• Excessive exposure to the sun

While these risk factors are often associated with oral cancer, many people who have no known risk factors also develop oral cancer and should still take preventative measures.

Prevention
You can take an active role in preventing and detecting oral cancer.

• Avoid tobacco products
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Limit sun exposure and wear protective lotions, remembering to apply it to the lips
• Conduct a self-exam at least once a month
• Visit Eureka Dental Group for regular check-ups and cleanings. The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every three years for people over age 20 and annually for those over age 40

Remember, spots and sores in your mouth aren’t always cancerous, but should be examined and monitored closely. Call our Roseville office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your oral tissues or experience symptoms mentioned above. Like many cancers, identifying the cancer early is the key to successful treatment.

Like many adults that desire a straighter smile, you probably considered braces but simply resorted not to undergo orthodontic treatment. Bulky braces can be inconvenient, not to mention that the metal wires are anything but discreet.

If this is the case, you should consider Invisalign. Not only is the Invisalign treatment virtually invisible, it is also convenient. Millions of adults are turning to these clear, custom-made, removable aligners as an alternative to bulky, metal braces- straightening your smile without anyone even noticing that you are wearing them!

How Invisalign Works:

Like any dental procedure, you'll first visit our Roseville office for a consultation with one of our dental experts. If Invisalign is right for you, we'll determine your Invisalign treatment plan. Using advanced 3D computer technology, a series of Invisalign aligners will be custom-crafted to perfectly fit your teeth at each phase of your treatment. Every few weeks, switch out your old aligners for new aligners to gradually and comfortably shift the teeth to their desired position. Whether your teeth are crowded, crooked, have spaces between them or have shifted since wearing braces, you'll have a reason to smile at the end of your Invisalign treatment.

For most patients, the Invisalign treatment can be completed in less than one year. Keep in mind that the length of treatment will vary for each patient, so it's important to speak with Eureka Dental Group about how your expectations and goals fit into Invisalign.

Change Your Smile. Not Your Life.

• Invisible.
  Invisalign aligners are clear and less noticeable than metal, wire braces. Whether you're at work, prom or spending time with friends, you'll always feel confident with Invisalign.
• Flexibility.
  Invisalign aligners are removable which gives you the flexibility to remove your aligners for special occasions or just to eat dinner.
• Comfortable.
  Hard, metal braces can irritate your gums. Invisalign trays are made of soft plastic. They are comfortable to wear and the risk of cutting your oral tissues is less likely.
• Healthy.
  Wire braces make reaching the entire tooth and gum with your toothbrush and floss a challenging task. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners to brush and floss normally, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Think Invisalign might be right for you? Visit our Roseville office and discuss the Invisalign treatment with your Eureka Dental Group dentist at [Name of Practice]. You can be on your way to a straighter, more beautiful smile in no time!

How to Brush Your Teeth (The Right Way)

The importance of daily tooth brushing seems obvious. Unfortunately, daily brushing isn't very effective if you aren't doing it correctly. At Eureka Dental Group, we want all of our patients to be educated about the benefits of proper oral hygiene to ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

Proper Brushing Techniques
The following brushing basics from the American Dental Association can help you keep your teeth in great health.

• Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed.
• Soft-bristled brushes are recommended for thorough, gentle cleansing of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.
• Brush lightly. Brushing too hard can damage your gums.
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste- it's best for fighting plaque and cavities.
• Brush for at least 2 minutes, ensuring you reach all surfaces of each of your teeth.
• Use short, back-and-forth motions to clean the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration.
• Brush at an angle gently along the gumline to prevent gum disease.
• Remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and reduce bad breath.
• Follow brushing with a fluoride mouth rinse for added protection and fresh breath.
• Floss daily to remove debris from hard to reach areas and along the gumline.
• Replace your toothbrush as soon as it becomes worn or at least every 3-4 months.

Proper brushing and flossing combined with a well-balanced diet play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. You should also visit our Roseville office regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. We can help you determine what types of oral care products and techniques will be most effective for you and your family.