The Root Canal Procedure

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, and/or drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms and this is why it’s important to visit Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS for routine checkups.

The words “root canal” alone is scary for most people, but most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. To start the procedure itself, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal where he will be able to remove the infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the empty space is filled with a sealant called “gutta-percha.” In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The filling will be removed before the tooth is fully restored.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming root canal, give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. In Fairfield, CT, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS only administers this pain-relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Soft Food Diet for TMJ Relief

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph DDS, we don’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you have questions about TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.

TMJ Foods to Avoid

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. Problems with your jaw in the muscles of your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders. TMJ disorders can affect your jaws range of motion while talking, chewing, and yawning. If you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS recommends adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods that might worsen the condition.

Hard vegetables like carrots and celery can also cause pain in the jaw because of the intensity with which you need to bite down on them. Crunchy foods, including popcorn, chips, and other salty snack foods may also be too difficult to chew when you have a TMJ disorder. Other types of food to avoid include chewy snacks, fatty foods, and foods that are cut into large pieces. To summarize, any type of food that allows you to open your mouth wide or chew for long periods of time may aggravate your TMJ. Instead, we recommend incorporating more soft foods into your diet, such as cooked veggies, soft bread, and yogurt.

If you notice yourself experiencing jaw pain, or hear a clicking sound when you chew, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.